5 Signs Your AC Needs Professional Servicing

It was 2:30 PM on a scorching May afternoon in Ahmedabad. The temperature had just crossed 44°C. My phone rang—it was Mrs. Patel from Vastrapur, her voice panicked: "Bhai, AC bandh ho gayu! The whole house feels like an oven and my mother-in-law is coming from Rajkot in two hours!"

This scene plays out hundreds of times every summer across Ahmedabad—from the narrow galis of Paldi to the modern apartments of Prahlad Nagar. After 30 years of servicing ACs in this city (yes, we started when Vastrapur was still considered "outside the city"!), I've seen it all. And here's the truth: most AC breakdowns give warning signs weeks before they fail completely.

Today, I'm sharing the five warning signs I wish every Amdavadi knew. Trust me, recognizing these early will save you from the nightmare of a broken AC during peak summer—and save thousands of rupees too!

1. Warm Air Instead of Cool Breeze

This is perhaps the most obvious sign, yet many people ignore it initially. If your AC is running but blowing warm or room-temperature air, something is definitely wrong. Common causes include:

• Low refrigerant levels: Often due to leaks in the system
• Compressor issues: The heart of your AC might be failing
• Thermostat problems: Sometimes it's just a simple sensor issue
• Dirty condenser coils: Dust and debris blocking heat exchange

Real Story from Bodakdev: Just last month, I visited a beautiful 3BHK near Karnavati Club. The owner, Kiran bhai, was frustrated. "Boss, bijli na bill ma 15,000 rupiya aavya! AC to chalavu chhe, pan thandu nathi thatu!" (The electricity bill came to ₹15,000! The AC runs but doesn't cool!)

My technician Ramesh found the issue in 10 minutes—a slow refrigerant leak. The compressor was working overtime trying to cool with insufficient gas, guzzling electricity. A ₹2,500 repair could have been done two months earlier, saving him ₹10,000+ in inflated bills.

2. Strange Noises That Won't Go Away

Your AC should run quietly with just a gentle hum. If you're hearing any of these sounds, it's time to call a professional:

• Grinding or squealing: Usually indicates belt or motor issues
• Banging or clanking: Could be loose or broken parts inside
• Hissing: Often points to refrigerant leaks
• Bubbling or gurgling: Might indicate condensate drain problems

A Costly Mistake in Prahlad Nagar: Three years ago, we got a call from an IT professional in Iscon Ambli Road. "There's been a grinding sound for about 3 months," he said casually. "Is it serious?"

When our team opened the outdoor unit, they found metal shavings everywhere. The compressor bearing had worn out completely and damaged the compressor motor. What could have been a ₹1,500 bearing replacement three months ago had turned into a ₹18,000 compressor replacement. The customer was devastated—and honestly, so were we.

3. Unpleasant Odors When AC is Running

Your AC should freshen the air, not make it smell worse. Different odors indicate different problems:

• Musty smell: Mold or mildew growing inside the unit or ducts
• Burning smell: Electrical issue or overheating components - turn off immediately!
• Rotten egg smell: Could indicate a gas leak if you have gas heating (call emergency services)
• Feet or dirty socks smell: Bacteria buildup in the drain pan

The Monsoon Menace: Here in Ahmedabad, we face a unique challenge. From March to June, it's the dry heat—45°C days that feel like you're in a tandoor. Then comes monsoon, bringing 80-90% humidity. This humidity-heat cycle is brutal on ACs.

Last July, we serviced 23 ACs in Satellite area alone—all with the same complaint: "Badboo ave chhe!" (It smells bad!). Mold had grown inside the indoor units during the monsoon. Our advice? Deep clean before summer (February-March) and again before monsoon (June-July). Your AC—and your nose—will thank you!

4. Water Leakage Around the Unit

Seeing water pooling around your indoor unit? This isn't normal and needs immediate attention. Common causes include:

• Clogged drain line: The most common culprit
• Frozen evaporator coils: Ice melts and overflows the drain pan
• Damaged drain pan: Rust or cracks causing leaks
• Low refrigerant: Can cause ice formation and subsequent leaking

Water damage to your walls and ceiling can cost thousands to repair. Don't ignore even minor drips—they're always a sign of a problem that will only get worse.

5. Skyrocketing Electricity Bills

Has your electricity bill suddenly jumped without any change in usage? An inefficient AC could be the culprit. When your AC has to work harder due to dirty filters, low refrigerant, or aging components, it consumes significantly more power.

We've seen cases where a simple AC servicing reduced monthly electricity bills by 20-30%. That's ₹2,000-₹3,000 saved every month for the average Ahmedabad household!

The Bottom Line: Prevention is Cheaper Than Repair

After 30 years in the AC servicing business in Ahmedabad—from servicing window ACs in Raipur to installing VRF systems in Gandhinagar offices—I can tell you with absolute certainty: prevention is always cheaper than cure. A basic AC servicing costs ₹500-₹800, while emergency repairs during peak summer can run into ₹5,000-₹15,000 or more.

Plus, try finding an AC technician in May when everyone's AC breaks down at once! We get 200+ calls a day during peak season. Our regular AMC customers? They get priority service within 4 hours. New emergency calls? Sometimes 2-3 days wait. Choose wisely!

Our Recommendation

• Service your AC at least twice a year (ideally in March and September)
• Clean or replace filters monthly during heavy use
• Keep the outdoor unit free from debris and vegetation
• Don't ignore any of the warning signs mentioned above
• Consider an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for peace of mind

Remember, your AC works hardest during Ahmedabad's brutal summers. Give it the care it deserves, and it will keep you cool for years to come.