Air conditioning installation and service in Melbourne

No — the electrical work and the refrigeration work are both part of the installation here, which avoids the common problem of a split-system unit being mounted before anyone confirms the switchboard can carry it. Larger units frequently need a dedicated circuit.

Annually for most residential systems, and more often for commercial units or anything running year-round. Servicing is largely about airflow and heat exchange: filters, coils, drainage and refrigerant charge. A system low on refrigerant runs longer and costs more to achieve the same result.

Split systems suit single rooms or open-plan areas and are cheaper to install and run when you are conditioning one zone. Ducted suits whole-home coverage and looks tidier, but costs more up front and needs adequate roof space. Zoning a ducted system is what keeps its running costs sensible.

Sometimes, but it is often false economy. Indoor and outdoor units are matched pairs, and mixing generations or refrigerant types can leave you with reduced capacity and no manufacturer warranty. Older R22 systems in particular cannot simply be topped up — that refrigerant has been phased out.

Usually a blocked condensate drain. The indoor unit produces water as it dehumidifies, and if the drain line clogs with dust or biofilm that water backs up into the tray and overflows. It is a routine fix, but worth attending to promptly because it can damage plaster and flooring.