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South Coast Air Con

Air conditioning repairand fault finding in Bournemouth

Not cooling, leaking water, making a new noise or flashing an error code? We find the actual cause, explain it clearly and fix it properly, so you're not paying for guesswork.

Book My Free Survey 07815 604730

Overview

What repair and fault finding covers

Fault finding is the process of working out exactly why an air conditioning system isn't working as it should. Repair is putting that cause right. We diagnose problems with domestic split and multi-split systems, from simple drainage blockages to electrical faults and refrigerant issues.

It's for homeowners whose system has stopped cooling or heating, has started leaking or making noise, shows an error code, or simply isn't performing like it used to. We work on systems we've installed and those fitted by others.

Get in touch as soon as you notice a change. Common signs include warm air from the indoor unit, ice on pipework, water dripping from the indoor unit, rattling or buzzing, the unit switching off unexpectedly, or a sudden rise in electricity use.

Professional diagnosis matters because many symptoms have several possible causes. Weak cooling could be a dirty coil, a failing fan, a sensor fault or low refrigerant. Replacing parts without diagnosis wastes money; identifying the cause helps determine an appropriate repair.

What's at stake

Why a small fault shouldn't be ignored

Air conditioning faults rarely fix themselves. Leaving them often turns a straightforward repair into an expensive one.

Compressor damage

Running a system low on refrigerant or with poor airflow puts strain on the compressor, the most expensive part to replace.

Water damage

A blocked drain or failed condensate pump can soak walls, ceilings, carpets and furniture.

Electrical risk

Burnt terminals and loose connections can cause intermittent faults and further damage if left.

Higher bills

A faulty system often runs longer and harder to achieve less, increasing electricity costs.

Common mistakes homeowners make

  • ✕Repeatedly resetting the unit without finding out why it tripped.
  • ✕Topping up refrigerant without finding and fixing the leak.
  • ✕Running the system while it's dripping or iced up.
  • ✕Buying replacement parts online based on a guess.

Our process

How the job runs, step by step.

  1. Step 1

    Describe the fault

    Tell us what's happening, any error codes and when it started.

  2. Step 2

    Inspection

    We examine the indoor and outdoor units, drains, electrics and pipework.

  3. Step 3

    Diagnosis

    We test components and readings to pin down the actual cause.

  4. Step 4

    Repair

    With your agreement, we carry out the repair or explain the options.

  5. Step 5

    Test & confirm

    We run the system in cooling and heating to confirm the fault is fixed.

Benefits

What you get from doing it properly.

Back up and running

Accurate diagnosis means less time without cooling or heating.

Safe repairs

Electrical and refrigerant work is done correctly, not patched.

Protects your system

Fixing the cause early prevents knock-on damage to other components.

No wasted spend

You pay to fix the real problem, not for parts that weren't needed.

Reliable results

We test before we leave, so you know the repair has worked.

Clear explanations

You'll understand what went wrong and how to reduce the chance of it happening again.

In detail

Common air conditioning faults explained

Not cooling or heating

The most common causes are clogged filters or coils, a failing indoor or outdoor fan, a faulty temperature sensor, an electrical fault on a control board, or low refrigerant from a leak. Each has different signs, which is why measurements matter.

We check airflow, supply air temperature, fan operation, sensor readings and error history to narrow down the cause before recommending any repair.

Water leaking from the indoor unit

Indoor units produce condensate when cooling. If the tray or drain line blocks with dust or biological growth, or a condensate pump fails, water overflows. Drain lines without enough fall can also back up.

We clear and flush the drain, check its fall, and test or replace condensate pumps where fitted. If ice is forming on the coil, that points to an airflow or refrigerant issue that also needs attention.

Noise, error codes and tripping

Rattles often come from loose panels, failing fan bearings or outdoor units without proper anti-vibration mounts. Buzzing can indicate electrical issues. Error codes vary by manufacturer but point to specific systems such as sensors, communication or pressure.

Units that trip the circuit breaker need careful electrical investigation. We check wiring, terminals and components before the system is put back into use.

Systems we repair

We repair domestic single-split and multi-split systems in houses, bungalows and flats. If a repair isn't economical on an older system, we'll tell you honestly and explain replacement options.

We work only in homes, across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the rest of Dorset and Hampshire.

What to do before you call

A few quick checks can sometimes solve a problem or speed up diagnosis. Make sure the remote has working batteries and is set to the right mode: cooling, heating or dry, not fan only. Check the set temperature is lower than the room temperature when cooling, or higher when heating. Look at the filters; badly clogged filters alone can make a system feel like it isn't working.

Check the circuit breaker or isolator hasn't tripped. If it has tripped more than once, leave it off and call us, as repeated resetting can cause further damage. Note any error code or flashing light pattern on the indoor unit, because these point us towards the right component. If water is dripping, switch the system off and place a towel underneath. Then call us on 07815 604730 between 8am and 5pm, any day of the week, with a description of what's happening.

If the system is still under the manufacturer's warranty, keep your paperwork to hand when you call, as it can help us understand what's covered.

Where we work

We cover homes across Dorset and Hampshire, including Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Wareham, Swanage, Weymouth, Ferndown, Wimborne Minster, Ringwood, New Milton, Lymington and Dorchester. See air conditioning service areas, book a free air conditioning survey, or go back to the homepage.

Working with us

What to expect when you book repair & fault finding.

South Coast Air Con Ltd operates as a two-person team specialising in domestic air conditioning. We offer free surveys and quotes for new installations, followed by installation and handover. Servicing and maintenance are available afterwards.

We arrange a time that suits you, seven days a week between 8am and 5pm, including weekends. That makes it easier to book a visit without taking time off work. Before we start, we'll walk you through what we're going to do, where we'll be working and how long it should take.

Our aim is careful workmanship suited to your home. During the survey, we discuss where equipment and pipework can go. Installation includes testing the system and explaining how to use it at handover.

Clear prices, simple payment

For new installations the site survey and quote are free, with no obligation to go ahead. We provide a written quote so you can review the proposed work and price. You can pay by bank transfer or by card through payment links from Tide or our accounting software.

Homes only, by choice

We only work in people's homes. That focus shapes everything: quiet unit choices for bedrooms, tidy pipe routes that respect how your house looks, outdoor positions that take your neighbours into account, and advice based on how families actually use their rooms.

Aftercare that continues

Air conditioning works best when it's looked after. Once your job is complete, servicing and maintenance are available. New equipment comes with the manufacturer's warranty, and we'll explain the terms for the equipment you choose.

Not sure where to start? Book a free site survey or contact us with your question.

FAQs

Repair & Fault Finding: common questions

How much does an air conditioning repair cost?+

It depends on the fault and any parts needed. We'll explain what we find and agree the cost with you before carrying out repairs.

How quickly can you fix it?+

Repair times depend on the fault, access and parts availability. Contact us to discuss the problem and appointment availability.

What's involved in fault finding?+

We inspect, measure and test the system to identify the cause, then explain the options before any work is done.

Is my repair covered by warranty?+

If your system is within the manufacturer's warranty period, some faults may be covered. Check your terms, and we can help you understand them.

Is it worth repairing an old system?+

Often, yes. But if the system is very old or the fault is major, replacement can be better value. We'll give you honest advice.

Do you offer emergency repairs?+

We're not a 24-hour service. We're available 8am–5pm, seven days a week, including weekends, on 07815 604730.

Do you repair systems installed by others?+

Yes, as long as they're in domestic properties.

Do you do repairs in Swanage and Wareham?+

Yes, and across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the wider Dorset and Hampshire area.

All home air conditioning services

Glazed conservatory with a sofa and indoor plants

Find the fault. Fix it properly.

Call or send a message describing the problem and we'll arrange a visit.

Book My Free Survey 07815 604730

Free survey · Manufacturer's warranty · Open 8am–5pm, 7 days