The Ultimate Guide To Ducted Air Conditioner Service

Phill Crawley

Smarter Air & Electrical

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Ducted Air Conditioner Service Temperature

Ducted Air Conditioner Service

If you have a ducted air conditioning system installed on your house, it must continue to operate at peak efficiency. A dirty air conditioning system could cause your energy expenses to skyrocket, and it could even have a negative impact on your health. An air conditioning system that is properly maintained can ensure that you and your family always enjoy clean air, free of dust and other airborne contaminants.

The most effective strategy to ensure that your ducted air conditioning system continues to operate efficiently is to get it serviced on a regular basis. It is advised that you have your air conditioning system serviced at least once a year to ensure optimal performance. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding ducted air conditioning servicing and make sure you know what to expect when you schedule one for your home or business.

 

What Do I Need To Do Before My Ducted Air Con System Is Serviced?

To ensure the optimal running of your ducted air conditioner, you should conduct a few basic DIY tasks before scheduling a professional ducted air conditioner service.

Clean your return air filters

Your ducted air conditioner filters collect dust and other airborne impurities, preventing them from being sucked into your air conditioner and blocking the cooling coils or clogging the drain. Air conditioner filters should be cleaned at least once every three months. The single best thing you can do to keep your air conditioner functioning efficiently is to clean your air filters.

Clear objects & DEBRIS around your outdoor unit

As a result of grass and dog hair being drawn into the condenser coils located at the back of your air conditioner’s outdoor unit, airflow through the coils is restricted, which can negatively impact the performance and energy efficiency of your ducted air conditioning system, as well as the overall performance of your ac unit. When mowing the lawn, it’s a good idea to blow any grass clippings away from your air conditioner to keep it running efficiently. Check to see that nothing is obstructing the airflow of your air conditioner’s fan, which may be found near the front of the unit.

Many home improvement blogs and television shows frequently teach people how to cover their air conditioners in order to improve the aesthetics of their outdoor space; however, we highly advise against doing so because it inhibits airflow and causes the system to work harder & underperform. We are frequently called out to inspect air conditioners that are unable to cope with the summer heat, only to discover that the customer has constructed a cover around the unit. We simply remove the cover, and the air conditioner returns to its previous peak performance level!

Clean your gutters

Ask your installer where your ducted air conditioner drains are located; they usually go into your gutters. The drain may not be able to flow freely if your gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris. A clogged drain can result in a variety of problems, including water overflowing onto your ceiling. A clogged drain can keep your cooling coils submerged in water, resulting in mildew, slime, and your air conditioner rusting from the inside out, eventually leading to refrigerant leakage!

A clogged drain indicates that the drip pan within the air conditioner is full of water. The indoor fan may suck this water into the airstream and fling it down into your flexible ductwork, causing damage and water logging.

 

As well as keeping your air con system well maintained, you should also select a time for the service that is suitable for you and your family. During the service, the air con system will not be operating. You should consider getting it serviced during one of the cooler months of the year.

It’s also essential that when arranging for a ducted air conditioning service near me, you guarantee that the technician can access all the different parts of the air con system that need to be inspected. This could include the:

  • Indoor unit
  • Ductwork and fittings
  • Outdoor unit cabinet
  • Refrigerant pipe connections
  • Zone motors
  • Wall controller
  • Return air filters

 

Do I Need To Clean My Ducted Air Conditioner Filters?

The air conditioner filters for a ducted system will need to be cleaned regularly. We recommend cleaning them at least every three months. As such, you should be completing this process yourself instead of waiting for your annual service.

If dust collects on the filter, then airflow will be significantly restricted through the system. As well as causing issues with efficiency, this may also lead to the fan coil getting damaged. If you want to avoid searching for ducted air conditioning repairs near me, this is a crucial maintenance step.

Typically, a filter should be checked and cleaned every three months. Some systems will provide you with a message prompting you to clean the filter. Do note for Daikin ducted air conditioner filter cleaning and other similar brands, the message is not based on how dirty the filter is. Instead, the message will appear after a certain amount of time – usually three months.

It’s easy to clean a ducted air conditioner filter. To do this, you need to access the air grille frame for your system. Once the filter frame is open you can slide the filter out. The filter can be washed in warm water and then left to dry outside. Once the filter is dry you can slide it back into the frame. You may not notice it but this will provide a significant improvement in airflow & the efficiency levels of your air con system.

 

When Do I Need To Replace My Ducted Air Conditioner Filter?

How often you need to change your air conditioner filter will depend on the quality of the filters that you are using. If you are using cheap air filters, then experts recommend that you replace them every 12 months. If you are using high-quality air filters, then you may be able to continue using them for many years. This is based on the assumption that you are cleaning your filters regularly, as mentioned above.

We can provide a ducted air conditioning filter replacement as part of a complete service as well as the replacement for every major brand of ducted air con system available.

 

Signs That Your Ducted Air Conditioner Filters Need Replacing

There are numerous signs that your air conditioner filters need to be replaced. First, you should check if there is an error code on your system. These will differ depending on the brand of aircon system that you have installed. However, it may suggest that there is an issue with the filter that needs to be corrected.

You might notice visible dirt around the vents and on the filter itself. If the air filter is clogged, then dirt and contaminants will be released into your AC unit. However, this can also be a sign that your air ducts are dirty.

Another sign to watch out for is a spike in your energy bills. Replacing a clogged filter could reduce your total air con energy consumption significantly. If your air con system is clogged up it will need to work harder to provide the same results. At the same time, if your filter is clogged, you may also notice it takes longer to cool down your home.

You might even notice some peculiar smells coming from your air con system. Air filters trap particles carried through the air. When they accumulate, they will lead to the development of mould as well as moisture. You may notice a musty smell around your home.

If anyone has allergies, you might find that their symptoms get worse when your air filter needs a replacement. The pressure from the clogged filter could be pushing trapped allergens into your home, causing problems with running noses, sore throats or dry eyes.

We recommend that you replace your filters twelve months after your initial ducted aircon installation. You should use a double-layered electrostatic washable filter media. If this material is looked after properly and cleaned correctly every three months then it should last as long as the life of your system. Keeping your filters in pristine conditioner means you won’t need to worry about replacing your air conditioning system for many years to come.

 

Why Would My Ducted Air Conditioner Stop Working?

It’s always going to be a nightmare if your ducted air conditioner stops working. Particularly, if this happens during the middle of the summer season. There are a few common reasons why this could happen.

 

The Unit Is Cutting In And Out

Modern ducted air conditioners use inverter technology so they regularly speed up and slow down depending on the heat load. However, your air con system may be cutting in and out. This might suggest that there is a shortage of gas in the system or it could point to the fact that the airflow is restricted.

Due to this, the first step that you need to take is to make sure that your filters are clean. If there’s no issue here, then you should turn off your air con system and call for professional support. If your system is short on gas and you continue to run it, then you could damage the system, leading to an expensive and often avoidable repair.

Similarly, there may be a refrigerant leak in your system. Usually, this will occur due to either corrosion or mechanical issues. It is important to ensure that the leak is quickly identified and corrected before it causes severe problems within your system.

Problems With Zoning Systems

Zoning systems are a vital element of your ducted air conditioner. They use dampeners to redirect or regulate air to specific parts of your home and desired locations. This ensures that you can create customized temperature zones throughout your home. As well as providing benefits in terms of efficiency, they also help ensure that your home is more comfortable overall.

Zoning systems need to be checked every time a service is completed on your system. Even a small issue such as a failure with a zone damper motor could mean that air is constantly pumped into only one part of the home. As such, this area of the property will either be far too hot or too cold. Some systems are also temperature controlled. In this case, placing the temperature sensor in the wrong area of the room could lead to issues with how the system operates.

Water Leaks

During the summer season, your ducted air conditioner will be cooling. You should notice water coming from the main drain. This will usually flow straight into your gutters. As well as this, there should be an emergency drain. If you notice water coming from the emergency drain, you need to ensure that you stop using the system immediately.

An issue like this suggests that the main drain is blocked and the drain pan in the roof could begin to overflow into the gyprock ceilings.

Burnt Out Compressor

Another issue could be to do with the compressor. This could be the case if the aircon system is no longer producing cold air. The compressor is like the heart of your air conditioner and is responsible for pumping refrigerant through the system to provide you with a cooling effect. If there are issues with the compressor then it can lead to problems with the aircon’s ability to produce the right levels of cool air. A professional will be required to complete this type of ducted aircon repair and get your system operating correctly.

 

Why Do You Need To Get Your Ducted Air Conditioner Serviced?

It is vital to get your air conditioner serviced to ensure that the air quality of your home remains at the right level. Doing so will also guarantee that you keep your home energy costs under control and ensure that the life of your unit is extended significantly. It can save you from an expensive repair or replacement.

A service can be used to identify various issues that could be present in your air conditioning system. For instance, your air con system could have clogged or dirty filters. As already mentioned, this means that your system won’t be operated as it should and will struggle to pump clean air around the home. A cleaning ducted air conditioner service is an essential part of the full inspection and this does include the filter. During a service, a professional will recommend whether your filter needs replacing. If you do require something like an Actron air filter replacement then we can complete this for you.

A full service will also check for other issues including damaged flexible ducts or air restrictions in the ducts. If the flexible ducts in your system are damaged then they will need to be repaired or replaced. However, you won’t know if you need a ducted aircon repair unless you arrange for a service of your system. A professional can also check if anything is restricted air in your ducts which will cause your system to function at a low level of efficiency. Usually, this will be the case if the ducts are dirty and need to be cleaned.

A service could even reveal that the cooling coils in your air con system are mouldy or damaged. If your air coils are mouldy, then it will cause a repugnant smell around your entire home because it will be carried through the air in the system.

Regular maintenance can prevent most of these issues from causing trouble with your system. However, cleaning ducted air conditioner filter systems will not completely prevent problems like electrical issues. This is another problem that can be picked up during a service and that may be corrected with the help of our friendly & efficient service team.

 

What Could Happen If You Don’t Get Your Air Conditioner Serviced?

You might be worried about air conditioning cleaning prices when exploring options for servicing your system. Rest assured, a service will always save you far more money in the long term. If you don’t arrange a ducted air conditioning service each year then it’s likely that your system will develop more faults over time. This will be the case even if you are cleaning and replacing your filters as regularly as recommended above. As well as potentially costly repairs, you may also find that there are problems with the performance levels of your system.

If your ducted aircon system is not regularly serviced, it will likely be using far more energy daily & may need to be replaced with a new system prematurely which can be costly. The system will need to work harder to pump clean air through the home. If the ducts have become dirty or clogged during the year, this can also lead to issues with poor air quality. As such, you may find that if your air con system isn’t serviced regularly, your family will experience more issues with allergies and other health problems in the long term.

Failing to service your air con system at least once each year could also lead to possible warranty issues. In some cases, you may find that your warranty is no longer valid if you are not regularly servicing your system. This is just one more way how the right service could save you a lot of money in the long term.

 

What Should You Expect From A Ducted Air Conditioner Annual Service?

If you arrange a ducted air conditioner service Gold Coast residents can trust, then you can expect a comprehensive inspection of your system. All parts will be checked to ensure that the system is functioning correctly. The main aim will be to ensure that the system is not going to cause you any issues throughout the year.

As well as checking that the different parts are functioning correctly the ducted air conditioner service cost includes cleaning of any filters and the removal of dust or dirt that has built up. The filters will be cleaned using a hospital-grade disinfectant to ensure that any germs, mould or bacteria are removed.

Before the service is complete the unit and zone motors will be tested to ensure that they are operational. Electrical connections are checked and tightened where necessary while the system is also checked for any leaks. 

The full air conditioning annual service process may differ depending on the ducted air con installation that you have in your home. For instance, MyAir system services include the balance of airflows throughout the property.

You will also receive a complete report identifying any issues and areas where you could improve your system. This includes information on how you could upgrade ducted air conditioning elements in your property.

 

How Much Will It Cost To Get A Ducted Air Conditioning Service?

If you’re looking at air conditioning cleaning prices, you might have noticed that they vary dramatically. The reason for this is that the cost of a service will often depend on how thorough it is. Some contractors will not provide the same quality standard when checking your system to ensure that it is working correctly. 

We charge $399 for new clients who are using our ducted air conditioner service. However, those who have used the service before will be provided with an exclusive discount. After your first service, you will only pay $299. This is just one of the ways we ensure that our clients get more from our air conditioning service.

 

Do Different Aircon Brands Have Varying Service Requirements?

There are various ducted air conditioner brands to choose from when selecting an installation for your home. If you explore reviews, you’ll see that each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the quality of the system that they offer.

However, in terms of servicing requirements, every ducted air con system will need to be serviced at least once a year to ensure that it continues to function correctly. This is true regardless of what brand of air con system you have installed in your home.

The service your air con system needs may differ slightly depending on the brand of your system. Different brands have layouts and use individual parts. Some brands also have settings that are unique to the systems that they sell. Don’t worry, a complete service will include everything your system needs to continue operating at the maximum level of efficiency.

 

What Brands Do We service?

At Smarter Air & Electrical, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional ducted air conditioning services on a wide array of brands. Our expertise and commitment to quality mean we are fully equipped to service any ducted air conditioning system available on the market today. Whether your AC unit is a well-known brand or a or something a little more unique, our skilled technicians have the knowledge and experience to ensure your ducted air conditioning operates at its best, providing you with optimal comfort and efficiency. Trust us to maintain, repair, and optimize your system, regardless of its brand, with the highest standards of service.

 

Daikin Ducted Air Conditioning Systems

Daikin has been operating throughout Australia for more than 45 years. The company provides a range of different air conditioning systems including:

  • Inverter Ducted – Compact and efficient, making it ideal for installation in any modern home’s limited roof space.
  • Premium Inverter Ducted – Better energy efficiency & performance than the standard inverter.
  • Slimline Ducted – Suited to homes with limited ceiling space.

Daikin systems provide many benefits including the ability to adjust airflow and set the fan speed. We can provide Daikin ducted air conditioning filter cleaning as well as full Daikin ducted air conditioning maintenance to ensure your system is operating correctly.

Fujitsu General Air Conditioning

As one of the most awarded consumer electronic brands in Australia, Fujitsu is a popular choice for ducted air con systems in new homes.

The systems include DC fan motors and DC rotary compressors. Both parts can be checked and any necessary repairs quoted during an ducted air conditioning service.

Mitsubishi Electric

Mitsubishi Electric specializes in providing ducted air conditioning systems to homes and businesses across Australia.

Their ducted air con systems are available from 10kW up to 22kW. The 22kW system is the largest available and has a three-phase power supply. In contrast, the 7.1kW to 14kW system has a low profile and boasts a lightweight design. One of the main features of the Mitsubishi air con systems is that you can easily adjust the distance between the air outlet and intake vents around the home to ensure the perfect airflow configuration. Our Mitsubishi ducted air conditioning service Brisbane homeowners use will ensure that each part of the system is working correctly to provide a high standard of efficiency.

Toshiba Ducted Air Conditioning

Similar to Daikin, Toshiba air conditioning systems have been a popular choice in Australia for 40 years. The systems are designed to ensure high levels of energy efficiency while also improving levels of comfort throughout the home. The main options include a single-phase and three-phase system. The three-phase system has a cooling capacity of up to 27kW. Toshiba ducted air conditioning systems are available with a range of advanced features including a weekly schedule and timer. However, they can still develop faults. As such, you do need to make sure that you are arranging for a regular ducted air conditioner service in Brisbane if you have one of these systems installed in your home.

Samsung

Samsung provided ducted reverse cycle inverter air conditioners for use in both commercial and residential properties. They are available with capacities ranging from 502kW to 20.0Kw. These systems are also available on the market in both single-phase and three-phase setups. One of the greatest benefits of Samsung systems is that they come with a 5-year parts & labour warranty. However, this may be void if you do not arrange an annual Samsung ducted air conditioner service. Over time, you might also require a Samsung ducted air conditioner filter replacement which we can provide for you.

LG

An LG ducted air conditioner service will ensure that your advanced system provides the high-quality solution that you need. LG systems allow you to control your air con with just the click of a button. We can provide services for ducted systems available with a capacity of 6.8KW and 20KW from LG.

 

 

We hope this helps if you are searching for air conditioner cleaning near me or if you need a complete service of your aircon system.

Remember, the best way to keep your ductwork for heating and air conditioning operating effectively is to arrange for an annual service. By taking this step, irrespective of your aircon brand, you can ensure that the system continues to provide maximum levels of efficiency and avoid the need for expensive repairs over the lifetime of your system.

SERVICE DUCTED AIR CONDITIONER WITH SMARTER AIR

When you need to service your air conditioning, turn to Smarter Air & Electrical. We are Brisbane’s leading installer of split system and ducted air conditioning and regularly perform interval services for customers.

We provide competitive quotes, quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. For honest advice or a quote for quality air conditioning, please Contact Us or live chat to speak with our friendly team now!

 

Jason Trembath
A big thank you to Benji who was very friendly and professional. He provided a great service and ran through questions we had. He fixed ...
Jason Trembath
A big thank you to Benji who was very friendly and professional. He provided a great service and ran through questions we had. He fixed up a few items which was greatly appreciated to ensure we have our system running well. I highly recommend Benji from Smarter Air. Thanks as well go Amanda and Andrea as well for being warm, friendly and professional to deal with when booking everything in, and getting our service and repairs in straight away.
Jason Trembath
Jason Trembath
Greg Chijoff
Not Happy Jan. Despite the company being told in advance of my unique situation - a 3 storey townhouse with limited roof void space, necessitating the ...
Greg Chijoff
Not Happy Jan. Despite the company being told in advance of my unique situation - a 3 storey townhouse with limited roof void space, necessitating the probable use of a scissor-lift and access through the steel roof, Smarter Air accepted the job for ducted air installation and took a deposit. Deposit transferred November 29. First site inspection January 10. Project declined January 13. Not only has this set back other activity such as the installation of roof top Solar panels, but I had declined two other reasonably priced proposals [also Black Friday deals]. Now I have to go back to scratch and restart with new Project quoting from competitors. I have elevated the star rating by '1' as I did eventually get the refund back, after a reminder two days later.
Greg Chijoff
Greg Chijoff
James Herbert
We couldn't be happier with the fantastic service provided by Smarter Electrical! They recently upgraded our air conditioning system, and the entire process was seamless ...
James Herbert
We couldn't be happier with the fantastic service provided by Smarter Electrical! They recently upgraded our air conditioning system, and the entire process was seamless from start to finish. The team was professional, punctual, and incredibly knowledgeable. They took the time to explain all the options available and made sure we chose the right system for our home. The installation was done efficiently and with great attention to detail, leaving everything clean and tidy afterward. Our new air con system works perfectly, and we can already feel the difference in comfort and efficiency. We would highly recommend Smarter Electrical to anyone looking for a great service and expert advice. A big thank you to the team, especially Tom, Hayden and Chris for their excellent work!
James Herbert
James Herbert
Tammie Taggart
Now I can understand why these guys are 5 stars. From a booking to the install was a fast and efficient process, if...
Tammie Taggart
Now I can understand why these guys are 5 stars. From a booking to the install was a fast and efficient process, if I knew it would have been this easy I would have done it long ago. Team at installation were all amazing and now I’m nice and cool. Nice work Smarter Air & Electrical thank you⭐️
Tammie Taggart
Tammie Taggart
Tiffany Smith
Jack & his team were amazing. The entire team at Smarter Air have been extremely helpful & have gone over & above to get my ...
Tiffany Smith
Jack & his team were amazing. The entire team at Smarter Air have been extremely helpful & have gone over & above to get my home air conditioned as quickly as possible. Amanda in the office has been particularly helpful when I needed to navigate some tricky body corporate issues & wet weather delays. Jack & his team for installation were always on time , polite , respectful of my home & cleaned up after their work every step of the way. This is a very well run local company.. Thank you for being so good at your job..
Tiffany Smith
Tiffany Smith
Helen Luafutu-Tofilau
We had the Samsung ducted system installed in our home today. The team arrived on time, they were absolutely amazing, very professional, polite and friendly. ...
Helen Luafutu-Tofilau
We had the Samsung ducted system installed in our home today. The team arrived on time, they were absolutely amazing, very professional, polite and friendly. They were very respectful of our home and were able to work around our family as we were all home at the time of instilation due to school holidays. Everything was done at a high standard, and the boys were never too busy to answer any questions we had. They also left our home clean and tidy inside and out. We would definitely recommend them. Christmas has come early for us. Thank you again Sam and Helen
Helen Luafutu-Tofilau
Helen Luafutu-Tofilau
Helen Luafutu-Tofilau
We had the Samsung ducted system installed in our home today. The team arrived on time, they were absolutely amazing, very professional, polite and friendly. ...
Helen Luafutu-Tofilau
We had the Samsung ducted system installed in our home today. The team arrived on time, they were absolutely amazing, very professional, polite and friendly. They were very respectful of our home and were able to work around our family as we were all home at the time of instilation due to school holidays. Everything was done at a high standard, and the boys were never too busy to answer any questions we had. They also left our home clean and tidy inside and out. We would definitely recommend them. Christmas has come early for us. Thank you again Sam and Helen
Helen Luafutu-Tofilau
Helen Luafutu-Tofilau
Cara Macarthur
The Smarter Air & Electrical team from start to finish (order to install) has been nothing short of amazing! Great products, great service and impeccable ...
Cara Macarthur
The Smarter Air & Electrical team from start to finish (order to install) has been nothing short of amazing! Great products, great service and impeccable workmanship! Benji and his install team were probably the highlight of the experience, well mannered, punctual and a friendly bunch!
Cara Macarthur
Cara Macarthur
Arthur Cowell
Great service! Full ducted install which took just over half the day, team were quick, professional and respectful when moving around the home and wishing ...
Arthur Cowell
Great service! Full ducted install which took just over half the day, team were quick, professional and respectful when moving around the home and wishing to use facilities. Support by the team from selection to installation was fantastic. System is working well and keeping us nice and cool. I would highly recommend.
Arthur Cowell
Arthur Cowell
Kurt Obermeit
The boys arrived on time, got stuck into it straight away. They were very professional and careful and thoroughly cleaned up after....
Kurt Obermeit
The boys arrived on time, got stuck into it straight away. They were very professional and careful and thoroughly cleaned up after. The install looks flawless and the airflow circulation is amazing! Summer is going to be awesome this year 🙌
Kurt Obermeit
Kurt Obermeit

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