Air Conditioning Services: Installation, Maintenance, and Repairs

Want to know the ins and outs of your air conditioning system? We’ve got the ultimate guide to how your air conditioning system works, common repair and maintenance issues and all your air conditioning service and installation needs.

 

How Air Conditioning Systems Work

How air conditioning systems work

 

Whilst air conditioning systems are usually associated with making conditions in a room cooler, the science behind making a room cold actually involves the transfer of heat from the inside of a building to the outside. Below is an outline on how your air conditioning system works:

  1. Warm air from the room is sucked in through a grille at the base of the machine.
  2. The air flows over some chiller pipes through which a coolant fluid is circulating. This part of the air conditioning service works just like the chiller cabinet in a refrigerator. It cools down the incoming air and a dehumidifier removes any excess moisture.
  3. The air then flows over a heating element (similar to the one in a fan heater). On a cold day, this part of the air conditioning service may be turned right up so the HVAC works as a heater.
  4. A fan at the top blasts the air back through another grille into the room. If the heating element is turned down, the air re-entering the room is much cooler, so the room gradually cools down.
  5. Meanwhile, coolant (a volatile liquid that evaporates easily) flows through the chiller pipes. As it does so, it picks up heat from the air blowing past the pipes and evaporates, turning from a cool liquid into a hotter gas. It carries this heat from inside the room to the outside of the building, where it gives up its heat to the outside air.
  6. What happens to the heat? In the part of the air conditioning service that is outside the building, there are lots of metal plates that dissipate the heat to the atmosphere. An electric fan blows air past them to accelerate the process.
  7. Over time, the heat inside the building gradually pumps away into the outside air.

 

How to Install an Air Conditioning System

Unless your air conditioning system is portable, all of your air conditioning should be installed by a professional licensed and qualified installer. Licensed air conditioning service installers are qualified to safely handle refrigerant gases.

Air conditioning cost: unit and installation

 

Our technicians at Hewitt Trade Services are highly experienced with all air conditioning services and can advise you on everything you need to know and show you how everything works.

Here are some important questions you can consider before contacting one of our air conditioning experts.

  1. What type of home do you have?
  2. Which rooms or spaces do you want air conditioning in?
  3. What’s the best location for the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system?
  4. Type of air conditioning system you want
  5. The size of the air conditioning system you need

 

Choosing to have an air conditioning system installed in your home is a great investment, so be sure you are getting good value for your money. Working with incompetent contractors will end up costing you more in the long run.

There are plenty of companies offering air conditioning services. You, however, need to make sure that any company you contract to install, repair or service your air conditioning service is genuine and accredited.

 

Air Conditioning System Maintenance

We supply and install only the most trusted air conditioning systems that mostly come with a substantial warranty or guarantee on both parts and labour. You can browse your chosen model or brand on our website to get the exact terms of the warranty. One thing you will find in common across all the brands we work with is that your air conditioner should be installed by professionals in Australia and undergo regular air conditioning services from professionals, like Hewitt Trade Services to keep the warranty from becoming void.

Here are some handy tips to help you prolong the life of your air conditioning system:

1. Clean the filters – If you notice these signs it might mean your air conditioner’s filters are due for a clean.

  • An obvious decrease in the amount of airflow.
  • An increase in noise from the return air location.
  • An increase in your electricity usage, as the unit will be running longer to get to the set temperature.

Refer to your manufacturer’s handbook about the recommended process for cleaning your model’s filters. Or if you would prefer, the team of professionals at Hewitt Trade Services can assess your filters and arrange a clean for you.

2. Take care of the unit’s exteriors – Take proper care of your air conditioning unit and it will last longer. Use a damp cloth on the exterior of the equipment to regularly remove any dust and dirt.

3. Try turning it off – To turn the power off to your air conditioner you should use the isolation switch which is located next to the outdoor unit. If you have any issues with your air conditioner you can try this to resolve the problem, turn the isolation switch off for a minimum of 5 minutes to give the unit time to reset, then switch it on. If there is still an issue you should contact Hewitt Trade Services to arrange an air conditioning service.

4. Ensure the system has no airflow issues – Airflow issues are a common problem with air conditioning units. This is usually due to filters not being cleaned regularly which reduces the airflow.

5. Make sure there is no air leakage – It is important to check your air conditioner for any leaks at least once per year. If there are leaks in the hoses, the unit could have problems that may cause a breakdown.

If you have a ducted system also check the airflow throughout your house. Air leakage can be caused by a duct being blown off in the roof space which is usually due to not having enough zones turned on. This will require an inspection from one of our air conditioning service professionals who should be able to solve any air leakage issues.

6. Change the filters – Aside from cleaning the filters, you should also replace them when they have deteriorated to ensure the air conditioner continues to run efficiently.

7. Give your air conditioning service a break – It helps if you are not running the air conditioner when it is unnecessary. Use the timer to turn off your air conditioner on schedule. You can also use the programmable timer to help reduce your running costs and adjust the temperature by 1 – 2 degrees to reduce the amount of electricity being used to run your air conditioner.

8. Work with a professional, especially during installation – Only have your air conditioning service installed by a professional. During installation, you should never DIY this could result in significant risk to your safety and also void your house insurance policies. A qualified professional will also advise you on what type of air conditioner best suits your home. In the long run, you will save money if a professional looks after your air conditioner installation.

9. Get regular services – Getting regular air conditioning services from a qualified professional is very important when it comes to extending the life of the unit. Regular air conditioning services will keep your system in excellent condition and will help to prevent problems before they can begin.

Ensure your air conditioning service is summer-ready and running efficiently by getting into good habits with a regular maintenance and repair routine. Here is what a minor and major air conditioning service can include:

Minor air conditioning services:

  • Clean filters in front of fan coil
  • Clean fan coil at the head unit
  • Flush drain and check operation
  • Check electrical connections
  • Check airflow from the head unit
  • Check refrigerant gas pressure at the compressor
  • Remove any obstructions from the outdoor unit.

 

Major air conditioning services:

  • Clean fan coil at the head unit
  • Remove and clean covers at the head unit
  • Remove fan barrel and clean
  • Flush drain and check operation
  • Check electrical connections
  • Check airflow from the head unit
  • Check refrigerant gas pressures at compressor
  • Remove any obstructions from the outdoor unit.

 

Common Air Conditioning System Repairs

Common problems with air conditioning systems are a result of faulty installation, poor service procedures, and inadequate maintenance. Air conditioning service manufacturers generally make rugged, high-quality products. If your air conditioning service fails it is best to call a professional. Here are some common air conditioning service problems.

 

  • Refrigerant Leaks – If your air conditioning service is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.
  • Inadequate Maintenance – If you allow filters and air conditioning service coils to become dirty, the air conditioning service will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.
  • Electric Control Failure – The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioning service turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.
  • Sensor Problems – Room air conditioning services feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioning service could cycle constantly or behave erratically. The sensor may need to be adjusted into position.
  • Drainage Problems – The air conditioning services condensation drain may clog or not be draining properly. An air conditioning service may not drain properly if not mounted level.

 

Whether you are looking to have your air conditioning system repaired, maintained or serviced, our team of technicians are skilled, competent and have years of experience. Besides giving you the air conditioning service you require, our team will go a step further and advise you on the best practices of maintaining your air conditioning services to ensure they are working to their full capacity. This will go a long way in saving you on the repair costs and energy bills.