The Ultimate Guide to Air Conditioning Installation and Repair for Australian Homes

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By Kyle Schurman

Updated: Jun 04, 2024

8 min read

Air Conditioner near Ladder
Photo: Pexels

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    Reliability of an air conditioning system becomes essential when summer heat strikes Australia. Gaining a basic grasp of air conditioning installation and maintenance will save you time, money, and a lot of sweat whether you're installing a new unit or maintaining an old one. With the help of this book, you should be able to make air conditioning easy both practically and metaphorically.

    Selecting an Air Conditioning System

    Making the proper air conditioner selection for your house is essential before starting the installation procedure. To think about are the following:

    • The most often installed air conditioners in Australian homes are split systems. For cooling single rooms or open-plan areas, they have an inside unit and an exterior compressor.
    • Suitable for whole-house cooling, ducted air conditioners send air to several rooms via ducts. While more costly, they provide constant temperatures throughout your house.
    • Mobile and able to be moved from one room to another are portable air conditioners. Renters or people on a tight budget may find them to be a decent alternative even if they are less powerful.
    • Evaporative Coolers: Using water to chill the air, they are effective in arid climes. Environmentally benign and energy-efficient, they work less well in humid weather.

    Guide to Air Conditioning Installation

    • More is required of an air conditioning system installation than merely hooking it in. Following is a detailed instruction:
    • Choose the Appropriate Site Important is where to put the interior and outdoor units. For best air circulation, place the interior unit high on a wall. To keep the outside unit from overheating, place it in a shady location.
    • Installation of the Indoor Unit: Fasten the unit with a mounting plate. For the least amount of vibrations and noise, make sure it's level and fastened to a solid wall.
    • Setting up the Outside Unit Put it on something level and firm. Enough room must be left surrounding it for maintenance and appropriate ventilation.
    • Putting the Units Together Running refrigerant tubing and electrical cable between the inside and outdoor units is part of this. Hiring a specialist for this stage is usually the best way to guarantee efficiency and safety.
    • Making the Connections: Make sure every connection is well sealed to keep leaks at bay and productivity high.
    • Evaluating the System Once set up, make sure the system is cooling efficiently. Look out for any odd noises or problems.

    General Upkeep and Repair

    The most efficient air conditioning systems still need routine maintenance to function well. Here are some pointers to maintain optimal system condition:

    • Continual Cleaning Your air conditioner's performance might drop if dust and other contaminants get inside of it. Every month, when use is at its highest, clean or replace filters. For ideal airflow, also clean the fins and coils.
    • Make sure your thermostat is operating as it should. For increased control and energy savings, upgrade to a programmed thermostat.
    • Check the Pipework: If your system is ducted, look for leaks or duct damage. Efficiency can be lowered and energy costs raised by leaks.
    • Expert Inspections Plan yearly checks with an experienced technician. Before possible problems become into serious ones, they can be identified.
    • Repairs You Can Do Yourself Some little improvements you can do yourself, while others are better left to the pros:
    • New Thermostat Batteries: Dead batteries in the thermostat might be the reason your air conditioner isn't working.
    • Keeping the Drain Line Clean Water damage can be brought on by a blocked drain line. For clog prevention, flush it with a bleach and water solution.
    • Adjustment Screws that come loose: Over time, vibrations from the device might do this. Twist and check them often.

    Popular Air Conditioning Issues and Their Fixes

    You might run across some problems with your air conditioning system even with routine maintenance. Several typical issues are listed below along with solutions:

    • If your air conditioner isn't cooling, it might be because of a clogged filter, low refrigerant levels, or broken thermostat. Should the issue continue, call a professional to check the refrigerant levels after cleaning the filter and adjusting the thermostat.
    • Strange Noises: Debris or loose parts in the device may be indicated by buzzing or rattling noises. Cut the power and look for any obvious problems with the equipment. Tighten up any loose screws and clear the area of any rubbish.
    • Water leaks: Either a refrigerant leak or a clogged drain pipe might cause water to flow around the unit. In case the issue persists, consult a specialist to look for refrigerant leakage after clearing the drain line.
    • Bad Odours: The unit may be growing mould if it smells musty. To lower the moisture levels, clean the coils and filters and think about installing a dehumidifier.

    The Value of Expert Advice

    Although little fixes and do-it-yourself maintenance can keep your system operating well, some problems call for the knowledge of a specialist. Arctic Air Conditioning guarantees that your system runs effectively and efficiently by providing complete air conditioning installation and air conditioning repair services. Refrigerant leakage, electrical difficulties, and significant component failures are just a few of the complicated problems they can tackle to provide you year-round pleasure.

    Energy Saving Advice

    Following are some advice to maximise the performance of your air conditioning system while reducing energy bills:

    • Adjust the Thermostat Prudently Summertime temperatures should be between 24 and 26°C. Energy use might rise by as much as 10% for every degree below.
    • Utilise ceiling fans. By helping to move cool air, fans let you raise the thermostat a few degrees without compromising comfort.
    • Draw the blinds and curtains. Deflecting direct sunlight can lighten the burden on your air conditioner.
    • Make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed to keep cold air from escaping.
    • Planned Maintenance Regular expert maintenance guarantees effective operation of your system, which ultimately saves you money.

    Final Thoughts

    An crucial component of Australian houses, air conditioning keeps people comfortable in the sweltering summer months. Knowing the fundamentals will enable you make wise choices and maintain a cool and comfortable house whether you're building a new system or maintaining an old one. Though certain maintenance jobs may be completed by you, don't be afraid to contact experts like Arctic Air Conditioning for more involved installations and repairs. Your air conditioning system will provide you with many years of reliable service with the correct maintenance.

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