General guidance, not an inspection or diagnosis. Repair advice has not been independently reviewed by a tradesperson. About this checker and safety sources.
What to do now
Turn the unit off if it is making abnormal mechanical noises, smells burnt, leaks heavily indoors or trips power.
Common causes
- Dirty filter or restricted airflow
- Refrigerant leak or low charge
- Outdoor unit / compressor fault
- Sensor or control problem
The exact cause cannot be confirmed from a symptom alone. The first professional should inspect before repair work is authorised.
What usually happens next
- Check and clean accessible filters
- Inspect indoor and outdoor units
- Test temperatures and refrigeration circuit
- Repair or compare replacement
What should I ask about the price?
Ask for an itemised quote covering the inspection or call-out fee, labour, materials, GST, access, disposal and any after-hours charge. Ask what happens if extra damage is found. A reliable price needs details of the actual job; this guide does not provide an estimate.
Who may be responsible?
Owner / landlord
Responsibility can depend on whether the unit is supplied with the property and whether routine filter cleaning is required by the occupant.
Tenancy, strata, insurance and boundary responsibilities vary by circumstance and state, so confirm responsibility before non-emergency work where practical.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Are you appropriately licensed or registered for this work in my state?
- Does the quote include call-out, labour, parts/materials, GST and disposal?
- What is excluded from the quoted scope?
- If you find additional damage, will you get approval before doing extra work?
- What workmanship or product warranty applies?
Run this problem through the checker, then contact a suitable professional of your choice.
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