Frequently Asked Questions!

Air Conditioner (AC)

How does an air conditioner work?

An air conditioner works by using a refrigerant to cool and dehumidify the air in a room or building. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air as it evaporates, and then releases the heat outside the building as it condenses.

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How does air conditioning work?

Air conditioning systems work by removing the heat from the air inside a building and transferring that same air outside through a system! This process is called refrigeration and involves a refrigerant gas being compressed and expanded to absorb and release heat.

 

When did the first air conditioning unit appeared?

Willis Carrier invented the first modern air conditioning system in 1902! And Melbourne was the place that had the first air conditioning system installed in Australia! However this only happened in the early twentieth century!

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Why is air conditioning so important these days?

How can it not be? Air conditioning can help keep your home or office cool and comfortable during the hot summer months and cold winters, as well as control humidity levels. It can also improve the quality of your indoor air!

 

Are air conditioning units noisy?

Old air conditioning units certainly used to make noise, but these days the level of noise is very minimal! Newer units are designed to be much quieter but of course that the noise levels will depend on the specific unit and its installation. It is always best to consult with us first so that we can make the appropriate recommendations – we are here 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year for you, covering all Melbourne and surroundings!

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What is the best air conditioning system for my home or business?

The best air conditioning system for your home depends on a number of factors! Some of these factors include the size of the space, your budget as well as your specific requirements. Split systems and ducted systems are the most popular options and to determine the best system for your specific case, you should get in touch with a professional air conditioning and refrigeration expert (like us! We provide a Free Quote for your new air conditioning system!)

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How do I know what size AC unit my house needs?

We use a few different factors to determine the best size AC unit for your home!

These include things such as the size and layout of the house, window count, the level of insulation, the amount of people in your family and the typical weather climate - we consider every fine detail to maximize comfortability.

In general, a larger AC unit is needed for a larger house or a house with poor insulation, while a smaller unit may be sufficient for a smaller house with good insulation.

It is crucial to choose the correct size of AC unit for your home, as an oversized unit may turn on and off frequently, leading to inefficient operation and higher energy bills. On the other hand, an undersized unit may not be able to effectively cool your home.

To determine the size of the AC unit that your house needs, it is best to consult with us as we perform a load calculation, to determine the correct size of the unit – get in touch!

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How long should my AC unit last?

The best AC units are built for long term use and years of efficient longevity! With proper maintenance, routine checkups, and immediate repair of any issues, a brand new AC unit should last anywhere from 15 to 20 years within a well-kept home. Be sure to schedule AC servicing with us once or twice a year to catch any unforeseen problems early on!

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Is it worthwhile to invest in air conditioner maintenance?

Air conditioning maintenance or servicing can help to ensure that your system is running efficiently and that costly repairs are avoided in the future! It contributes to the unit's longevity and will allow you investment to be more worthwhile in the long run!

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What are the costs of air conditioning?

The cost of air conditioning depends on a few different things including the type of system, the size of the space, the cost of installation and the maintenance it needs. You can get in touch with us for a Free Quote to discuss the different options for your specific case!

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How do I know when to replace my AC unit?

There are a few signs that it may be time to replace your AC unit:

• The unit is more than 15 years old: When it comes to replacing your AC unit, time is what matters the most! If you replace it too soon, you’ll miss out on months of good service and run the risk of not truly capitalizing on a pricy investment. On the other hand if you replace your AC unit too late, you might be without the comfort of your AC and feel urgently a new unit. Most AC units have a lifespan of about 15-20 years. If your unit is older than this and has become inefficient or broken down frequently, it may be time to consider replacing it.

• The unit is consistently needing repairs: If your AC unit struggles to keep your house cool, requires constant refrigerant refills and has needed multiple repairs in the past year, maybe it may be more cost-effective to trust our professionals and replace it rather than continuing to pay for repairs!

• Your energy bills have increased: An old or inefficient AC unit may be using more energy to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills. If you have noticed an increase in your energy bills and your AC unit is more than a few years old, it may be time to consider replacing it.

• The unit is not cooling your home effectively: If your AC unit is no longer able to effectively cool your home, it may be time to consider replacing it.

• You are experiencing allergies or other health issues: If you are experiencing allergies or other health issues that you believe may be related to your AC unit, it may be time to consider replacing it.

It is always a good idea to consult with a professional technician to determine the best course of action for your AC unit. We can help you assess the condition of your unit and advise you on whether it is worth repairing or if it is time to replace it!

 

How do I properly maintain my AC?

To properly maintain your air conditioner, you should:

• Keep the air filter clean and replace it when necessary.

• Check and tighten any loose bolts or screws.

• Lubricate moving parts as needed.

• Inspect and clean the condensate drain line.

• Have a professional service the air conditioner annual or biannually!

 

What should I check for before I call for AC repairs?

This is certainly one of the big asked questions! Before you reach out for help, here’s a few steps you can take to make sure you have a bigger issue at hand (read to save some money!):

• Thermostat settings: Make sure that the thermostat is set to "cool" and that the temperature setting is at least 3 degrees cooler than your current room temperature.

• Batteries: If your thermostat requires batteries, be sure to have new ones installed!

• Air filter: Check the air filter and clean or replace it if it is dirty. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause the AC unit to work less efficiently.

• Obstructions: Check for any obstructions that may be blocking the airflow to or from the AC unit, such as furniture, curtains, or debris.

• Circuit breaker: Check the circuit breaker and reset it if it has tripped.

• Refrigerant levels: If your AC unit is low on refrigerant, it may not be able to cool the air effectively. You can check the refrigerant levels by looking for ice on the refrigerant lines.

Still having issues? No worries – call us today! We have the knowledge and expertise to properly diagnose and fix any issues with your AC unit.

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What should I do if my air conditioner isn't cooling?

If your air conditioner is not cooling your space as expected, there are several possible causes, including a dirty filter, low refrigerant levels or a thermostat malfunction. To diagnose and repair the problem, it is best to contact a professional air conditioning and refrigeration technician – you can contact us at any time on 0414753300!

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Can my air conditioning system run multiple zones at different temperatures at the same time? 

Yes, mostly for ducted air conditioning systems, if your air conditioner system is correctly sized and you know where your zones are, you can set certain number of zones at a temperature and set others at another temperature! This way you can isolate zone(s) and even be able to cool or heat up an area faster!

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Why does my AC unit keep freezing? 

There are several reasons why you could be experiencing a frozen air conditioning unit. You could be experiencing blower motor issues. Perhaps your AC needs more refrigerant. If your air filter is clogged or dirty, try replacing it and turning your system off. Turn the fan setting on until it’s no longer frozen. Either way, we’re here to assess your issues.

 

My unit has been running in heating mode. However, it stopped and now the the outdoor unit has ice on it! Is this an issue?

No, it may come as a surprise but ice on the outdoor unit is not an issue! The unit has controls that allow it to monitor ice accumulation on the outdoor unit and will occasionally enter a de-ice mode to clear the ice. The whole de-icing process can last up to 30 minutes.

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What kind of air conditioning gas do I need for my space?

The type of air conditioning gas depends on the actual system you have installed. R-22, R-410A, and R-32 are common refrigerant gases used in air conditioning systems. A technician will explain you everything you need to know about this and make the most appropriate recommendations for your specific system!

 

Will an air conditioning system help to reduce humidity in my home or office?

Yes, it will definitely help! By removing moisture from the air, air conditioning systems can help to reduce humidity levels in a space!

 

What is the difference between the “on” setting and the “auto” setting?

The "on" setting and the "auto" setting on a thermostat refer to the fan setting for your heating and cooling system.

The "on" setting means that the fan is constantly running, providing a steady consistent flow of air throughout the home regardless of whether the heating or cooling system is actually running. This can be useful if you want to circulate the air in your home, or if you want to evenly distribute the cooled or heated air.

The "auto" setting means that the fan only runs when the heating or cooling system is running. This can be more energy-efficient, as the fan is not constantly running and using energy, and your AC works only to maintain a specific set temperature.

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Is it possible to have air conditioning without an external unit?

Yes, air conditioning without an external unit is possible! Mini-split and ducted systems do not require an external unit and can be an excellent choice for homes with limited space or aesthetic concerns.

 

Is it possible to have an air conditioner without ducts?

Yes, there are air conditioning systems without ducts! Ductless mini-split and VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems do not require ducts and can be an excellent choice for properties that do not have existing ductwork or are difficult to install ducts!

 

Is it possible to have an air conditioning system with heating?

Yes, of course! Most systems these days provide cooling as well as heating for your home! In fact we encourage our clients to make the most of their system during summer and winter.

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Why is my air conditioning blowing cold air, while I have set it to heat?

It’s not cold air actually! When you set up a higher temperature, the air conditioner will work to get to that temperature. If the temperature you wanted for the space is reached, the indoor unit will slow the fan but still continue to circulate air, so that it can still measure the room air temperature and monitor if It is the correct one! This air that you are feeling is actually room temperature air, but it may appear to be 'cooler' because the indoor unit has stopped heating the air. This happens until the room temperature drops again and then you will hear and feel the air conditioning giving hot air again!

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Can I have plants near my air conditioner? How near can they be? 
To ensure proper operation of your AC system, at our air conditioning and refrigeration company, we recommend keeping plants away from both the indoor and outdoor units. It is also critical to ensure that leaves and vegetation don't obstruct the airflow of the units! General rule, for smooth, optimal and trouble-free air flow, we recommend at least 1 meter of space in front and behind the outdoor unit! 

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Will air conditioning make you sick?

No, air conditioner systems by themselves don’t make you sick! However, if it is not properly maintained, due to the accumulated bacteria, mould, and other contaminants, the air flowing will push those items into the air, which can cause health problems. This can be avoided by cleaning and maintaining your air conditioning system on a regular basis – get in touch to book your service! We cover all Melbourne and surroundings!

 

Can an air conditioning system give you a cold?

You cannot catch a cold from the air conditioning. If you are feeling ill and have a fever, actually the cool air from the air conditioning can make you feel better and cooler!

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Where in Melbourne can I find air conditioning services?

We know that there are numerous air conditioning and refrigeration companies in Melbourne that can provide installation, repair, and maintenance services. However we are here to prove to you that we are the top prime company that you need! We have been providing quality service over 10 years now and work with numerous clients on a daily basis! Get in touch to see and feel the difference!

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Refrigeration (Fridges, Freezers and Cool Rooms)

What is a cool room?

A cool room is a temperature-controlled space used for storing perishable items, such as food and beverages. Cool rooms are typically found in restaurants, supermarkets, and warehouses.

 

How does a refrigerator and a cool room work?

A refrigerator works by using a refrigerant to cool the air inside the fridge. A cool room works by using a refrigeration system to maintain a constant temperature inside the room, which uses a refrigerant to cool the air inside the room, which is then circulated by a fan.

In both, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air as it evaporates, and then releases the heat outside the room as it condenses.

 

How often should I replace my refrigerator?

The lifespan of a refrigerator can vary, but most units last about 15-20 years. If your refrigerator is more than 15 years old and has become inefficient or broken down frequently, it may be time to consider replacing it.

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What exactly are door gaskets?

Door gaskets are the rubber linings that you see in fridges, freezers and other refrigeration systems, that help to keep the temperature constant by creating a seal that keeps the cold air in and the warm air out. When gaskets become worn, their effectiveness deteriorates as cold air starts to sneak out and the compressor needs to work harder and more frequently to keep the temperature cold. These gaskets should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary energy costs so get in touch with us as soon as you notice it!

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How do I properly maintain my fridge/freezer or cool room?

To properly maintain your cool room, you should:

• Keep the door seals clean and tight to prevent warm air from entering the room.

• Check and tighten any loose bolts or screws.

• Lubricate moving parts as needed.

• Inspect and clean the condensate drain line.

• Make sure the room is properly insulated to prevent heat from entering.

• Avoid placing hot items in the room, as it will raise the temperature inside.

• Have a professional service the refrigeration system regularly.

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How much energy does commercial refrigeration equipment consume?

Quite a fair bit, to be completely honest! If you think about it, it’s a significant part of the business to store and preserve products and usually big areas need to be running constantly. For instance, supermarkets can spend up to half of their total energy bill, keeping the food cold and fresh. That is why we always encourage energy-efficient refrigeration equipment and also spend time properly maintain it with regular servicing.

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How do I know if my cool room is not working properly?

If your cool room is not working properly, you may notice that the temperature inside the room is too high or too low. Other signs that your cool room is not working properly include a lack of cool air, a hissing or bubbling noise, and ice forming on the refrigerant lines.

 

How do I know if my refrigerator is low on refrigerant?

If your refrigerator is low on refrigerant, it may not be able to cool the air effectively. Some signs that your refrigerator is low on refrigerant include a lack of cool air, a hissing or bubbling noise, and ice forming on the refrigerant lines.