Signs Your Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner Needs Servicing: Key Indicators to Watch For
Knowing when your system needs servicing can save you from costly breakdowns and ensure comfortable temperatures all year round. Strange noises, weak airflow, or uneven cooling might mean your system is struggling. These issues often pop up when your unit hasn’t been inspected recently.
Regular servicing keeps your ducted reverse-cycle air conditioner running smoothly and helps to catch issues early. Plus, a well-maintained system uses less energy, which can lower your power bills.
Recognising the Signs of a Servicing Need
There are many signs your ducted reverse-cycle air conditioner may need servicing and knowing what to look for can help you avoid bigger problems in the future.
Unusual Sounds and Smells
Listen for odd noises coming from your air-con unit, such as banging, clanking, or grinding sounds that could mean loose or broken parts. Meanwhile, hissing noises could point to a refrigerant leak.
Strange smells in your home could also be related to your air-conditioning. A musty odour might mean mould growth in your system, while a burning smell could be an electrical issue.
Inadequate Airflow and Poor Temperature Control
If your ducted system isn’t cooling or heating as well as it used it could be because of weak airflow from your vents. This is a common sign of trouble and could mean blocked air ducts or a faulty fan.
Your system might also need help reaching the set temperature, or it might cycle on and off too often (short cycling). These issues are often due to low refrigerant levels or dirty filters.
Visible Ice Build-Up and Water Leaks
Look for ice on your outdoor unit or indoor vents as ice build-up can mean low refrigerant or a blocked air filter, stopping your system from working effectively.
Water leaks are another worry, especially if you see water pooling near your indoor unit. This could indicate a blocked drain line or a problem with your condenser.
Impact on Health and Environment
A poorly maintained ducted reverse cycle air conditioner can affect your health and the environment. Regular servicing helps prevent these issues and keeps your system running efficiently.
Air Quality Concerns
Dirty ducted systems spread harmful particles throughout your home, such as dust, pollen, and other allergens that build up over time. When the system runs, these particles are blown into your living spaces, potentially triggering allergies and respiratory problems.
Mould and mildew can grow in damp, poorly maintained ducts and these fungi release spores that can cause health issues when inhaled. Regular cleaning of your ducted system helps stop issues like mould growth and improve indoor air quality.
Dirty filters also make your system work harder using more energy and increasing your power bills. Check your filters monthly during peak use and clean or replace them as needed. This simple task can greatly improve your home’s air quality and boost your system’s performance.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Implications
Ducted reverse-cycle air conditioners can increase your energy bills and running costs. Regular servicing ensures your system maintains a high level of performance and saves you money.
Rising Energy Bills
An unexpected increase in your energy bills could signal that your ducted air-con needs a service. As systems get older or dirty, they use more power to cool or heat your home, but a well-maintained unit runs more efficiently, using less energy.
Check your bills over time, and if you see a steady rise in costs despite no change in your heating and cooling habits, it’s time for a check-up. Dirty filters, worn parts, and low refrigerant can all impact your system’s efficiency.
System Wear and Increased Consumption
Your ducted air conditioner has many parts that can wear out over time, applying additional strain on the overall system, and possibly leading to a breakdown.
Signs of wear include:
- Your system takes longer to reach the set temperature
- The system turns on and off frequently
- Uneven cooling or heating in different rooms
Regular maintenance helps spot these issues early, and a professional check-up service can clean or replace worn parts, to improve efficiency and avoid downtime.
Professional Maintenance and Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups and professional maintenance are key to the smooth running of your ducted reverse-cycle air conditioner. These services help catch issues early and maintain efficiency.
The Role of Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance is vital for your air conditioner’s health and you should book a service at least once a year. A skilled technician will clean the filters, coils, and ducts, and also check the compressor and fan motors. The outdoor unit will also be examined for damage while clearing any leaves and debris that can block airflow.
Thermostat and Refrigerant Checks
A faulty thermostat can cause significant problems and during a check-up, a technician will test it to ensure it’s working correctly. They’ll also check if it needs new batteries or if you require an upgrade.
Refrigerant is crucial for cooling and low levels can mean there’s a leak in the system. When your system is serviced, a professional will look for leaks, check the levels, and top up the refrigerant if required. This is important as too much or too little refrigerant can damage your compressor which is one of the most expensive parts to replace.
Contact us today to arrange a service for your ducted reverse-cycle system or to discuss the benefits of upgrading your current heating and cooling system.