Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions, answered by expert air conditioning mechanics. Have a question you would like answered? Drop us a message and we will have it answered for you as soon as possible!
Should my air conditioner leak water 💧 outside?
During the winter months, you air conditioner will leak water from the outdoor unit. This is because the temperature of the outside unit is lower than the dew point. This is normal operation during Winter unless it happens constantly. If water drains constantly and the unit is under performing, check the outdoor unit is clear of tools, boxes and rubbish, especially behind the unit. If this continues, engage an air conditioning mechanic to check the unit operation. This water can be plumbed using a drain kit or drain kit installed under your air conditioner.
How often should I clean 🚿 my air conditioner filter?
This depends on use. We recommend 3 monthly checks of your air conditioning filters. Domestic homes generally require a clean every 6 to 12 months where as Commercial buildings are often 3 monthly. We recommend installing high efficiency filters to greatly improve air filtration and quality. These are disposable and prevent the inhalation of particulates during the cleaning process. High efficiency filter remove particulates up to 10x smaller than traditional washable filters. These particles contribute to hay fever and allergens as well as mould growth within the unit.
Why is my air conditioner noisy 🎶 inside?
There are many reasons your air conditioning system could be noisy inside. A blocked filter will cause a whistling noise, a failed fan bearing can cause a grinding noise and a broken zone motor can cause a ticking noise. Checking the filter is clean is the first step. Once this is washed or replaced, check the noise is gone. If not, call an air conditioning mechanic to inspect the components within you ceiling space.
Why is my air conditioner noisy 🎶 outside?
External noise from your air conditioner unit can be caused by a few different things. An intermittent whooshing noise along with steam from the unit indicates a defrost function during Winter, this is normal operation. Grinding noises can be caused by failed fan motor bearings. Vibrations and rattles can often be caused by loose panels or incorrectly secured pipe work. Check the outdoor unit is not covered or blocked by tools, boxes or rubbish, especially behind the unit. If the noise continues, call a air conditioning mechanic to investigate the issue.
Why does my air conditioner struggle on hot 🔥 days?
A struggling air conditioner unit can have many underlying issues affecting it's performance. Ensure your air conditioner filter is regularly checked and replaced the allow correct airflow. Ensure the outdoor unit is also clear from tools, boxes and rubbish, especially behind the unit. Inadequate airflow from the indoor and outdoor unit will greatly affect performance.
Check the outdoor unit has enough ventilation. This can cause air recirculating problems and will greatly affect performance. The outdoor unit should be 2 meters away from fences to operated correctly. This includes balcony balustrades and dense shrubs. If your air conditioner outdoor unit is blowing into another air conditioner unit, this will also cause over heating issues. A deflector can be installed easily to overcome most of these issues.
An undersized air conditioner will greatly affect performance, check with a local air conditioning mechanic to ensure the unit is correctly sized for the space you are trying to condition. If you have multiple zones within your system, try turning off rooms that are not required, this will boost the areas you are trying to condition.
The ductwork may be undersized. This is often the case when an old unit is removed and a larger unit is installed without properly upgrading the ducting to allow for a larger unit. This can be up sized by an air conditioning mechanic to ensure correct airflow from the unit.
Why does my air conditioner struggle on cold ❄️ days?
A struggling air conditioner unit can have many underlying issues affecting it's performance. Ensure your air conditioner filter is regularly checked and replaced to allow correct airflow. Ensure the outdoor unit is also clear from tools, boxes and rubbish, especially behind the unit. Inadequate airflow from the indoor and outdoor unit will greatly affect performance.
Check the outdoor unit has enough ventilation. This can cause air recirculating problems and will greatly affect performance including ice build up. The outdoor unit should be 2 meters away from fences to operated correctly. This includes balconies and dense shrubs. If your air conditioner outdoor unit is blowing into another air conditioner unit this will also cause over freezing issues. A deflector can be installed easily to overcome most of these issues.
An undersized air conditioner will greatly affect performance, check with a local air conditioning mechanic to ensure the unit is correctly sized for the space you are trying to condition. If you have multiple zones within your system, try turning off rooms that are not required, this will boost the areas you are trying to condition.
The ductwork may be undersized. This is often the case when an old unit is removed and a new unit is installed without properly upgrading the ducting to allow for a larger unit.
Why does my air conditioner smell?
The most common cause of air conditioner unit smells is a build up of particulates within the indoor unit causing the growth of bacteria, mould and allergens. This can be avoided with proper maintenance and adequate filtration. Swapping washable filters to disposable high efficiency filters will catch the particulates that cause the growth of mould and other nasties. If your air conditioner smells already, you should have it checked by an air conditioning mechanic or hygiene specialist. They will check the indoor coil and drains for growth. Install air sanitation products can also assist in neutralising odour causing particulates within the air stream.
What temperature should I run my air conditioner in ❄️ Cooling?
The perfect temperature varies on your ages, sex and body composition. The industry standard is for an air conditioner is to maintain 22 degrees Celsius and 50% percent humidity. In drier climates, this can be achieved with your air conditioning unit set to 22 C. In humid climates, additional de-humidifier units may be required to achieve 50% humidity at 22 degrees Celsius. We recommend setting the temperature between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius to keep most people comfortable.
What temperature should I run my air conditioner in ☀️ Heating?
The perfect temperature varies on your ages, sex and body composition. The industry standard is for an air conditioner is to maintain 22 degrees Celsius and 50% percent humidity. Heating the air will not remove and humidity. If the climate is dry, a humidifier might be required to achieve correct humidity levels at 22 degrees Celsius. We recommend setting you air conditioner between 19 and 22 degrees Celsius to keep most people comfortable.
How can I stop my air conditioner blowing air 🌬️ on me outside?
Outdoor air conditioner units need to ventilate adequately to ensure proper operation and performance. Blocking this ventilation will affect the performance of your unit. Installing a deflector can help deflect air away at a 45 degree angle without affecting performance. Deflectors can blow upwards or sideways, preventing the air from blowing straight out towards a balcony or entertaining areas.
My air conditioner has no display 😶 on the controller?
If the controller has nothing displayed, there is often a lack of power to the unit. Check the isolation switch near the outdoor unit to ensure this is in the ON position. Next check the circuit breaker in the electrical fuse box. If this is OFF, turn it ON any check your unit turns on. If the breaker trips instantly after turning it ON, or trips again when the air conditioner starts, call an air conditioning mechanic to investigate the cause. If the controller is still blank and the isolator and circuit breaker are switched on, there is another issue present. This could be a break in the power from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit or a faulty cable within the roof. This will need to be investigated by an air conditioning mechanic.
Why do I have no airflow in one of my rooms?
Inadequate airflow in one of your rooms is generally caused by a faulty zone motor. This prevents the room receiving air when switched on from the zone switch or zone controller. This is sometimes accompanied by a feint tick or grinding noise from within the ceiling space.
Ducting is the other cause of airflow issues. Under sized ducting or ducting that has come apart will prevent correct airflow. A visual check of the ducting in the ceiling space is required. An air conditioning mechanic will need to check the zone motors and ducting to rectify this issue.
Why are some rooms warmer than others?
Airflow distribution is often the culprit when you experience temperature fluctuations between rooms. If the airflow is not balanced between each room, some will heat or cool faster than the others. The room will over or under condition before the controller reaches temperature. To fix this problem, an adjustable zone controller should be fitted. This gives full adjustment from the wall controller so you can evenly distribute airflow to each room. These controllers are usually adjustable in 5 or 10 percent increments. Alternatively, manual balancing blades an be installed within the duct work to adjust the air from within the ceiling space. These will need to be adjusted every few years and will generally require an air conditioning mechanic to complete these adjustments.
Why is my air conditioning unit using a lot of 🔌 power?
Reverse cycle air conditioning units will consume a large amount of power. This increase if you have a large house and a large air conditioner to suit. Excessive power consumption, above an beyond the power required to operate, can be caused a few things.
Under sized air conditioners will to try and condition the space. The unit is not large enough to do this and will run constantly, increasing energy consumption.
Poorly designed ductwork will affect the units ability to effectively condition the space. This will increase running costs as the unit will run longer to achieve the desired temperature.
Lack of maintenance will affect unit efficiency. Failed components and many other things will affect efficiency. These should be picked up during a thorough service of your unit by a quality air conditioning mechanic.
Regular cleaning or replacement of air conditioning filters will reduce running costs by increasing efficiency. Where possible, upgrading washable filters to high performance disposable filters to improve efficiency further.
Outdoor unit restrictions such as fences or balcony balustrades cause the unit to recirculate air flow and reduce performance. This will drive up energy consumption as they over heat and run longer due to a diminished operating capacity. Installing a deflector will usually overcome these issues.
Old air conditioner units will often use more power than newer efficient models. This is due to the increase energy efficient technology used in the market today. Regular maintenance will help minimise excessive power consumption but this will not make the units more efficient than when they were new.
Should I keep my windows and doors 🚪 open during use?
For reverse cycle air conditioning units, a closed and sealed environment is best. These units rely on the air to be recirculated through the indoor unit and conditioned a small amount each time. The longer the unit operates, the more conditioning can occur until the temperature inside matches the temperature set on the controller. If doors and windows are kept open, the outside air will vary the temperature of the air inside and adversely affect the efficiency of the unit.