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Cooling Tips
Maximising the performance of your air conditioner
When a heat wave hits, you want to know your air-conditioners are up to the job and there are a few things you can do to help them keep you cool.
Reverse Cycle Split & Ducted Systems
Clean and return your air filter every 2-3 month to maximise air flow (this is the large grille inside your home- remove the filter, wash it with warm water and allow to dry prior to reinstalling.)
Turn off unused zones, this will reduce the area the air conditioner is trying to cool, which will allow it to work more efficiently in the areas you DO want cool and it will also reduce running costs (NEVER run the unit with all zones switched off.)
CLOSE the doors to zones that are OFF, to prevent warm air mixing with the cooled air.
Ensure all windows and external doors are CLOSED to reduce running costs and improve efficiency.
Close all blinds/curtains to shield home from solar heat.
On days of extreme heat, turn on your air conditioner first thing on the morning, before it gets hot. Your system may not be designed to pull the temperature down, rather to hold it. Don’t wait until the house is already hot to turn on the unit. If you will be out of the house, we recommend you leave your air conditioner ON, to prevent the house heating up in your absence.
NEVER set temperature below 21 degrees on cooling- it could cause the system coil to ice up and fail.
Ensure the compressor (this is the large outside unit) is unobstructed and can ‘breathe’. Don’t place new sheds, fences, plantings etc too close to the unit as it will reduce air flow and effect the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Troubleshooting
If your unit is not cooling well, try / check all of the above to improve performance.
If the unit cuts out, it could be a power issue. Try resetting the unit by switching it off at the thermostat and turning off the power supply to the unit for 2 minutes (most units have power switches in the outside of the compressor unit. DO NOT attempt to open the unit as live power supplies are dangerous.)
If water is coming out of your emergency overflow drain, turn unit off immediately, remove and clean filter. Refit the filter and turn unit back on (The fan unit in the ceiling cavity has 2 drains installed, one is into the gutter and isn’t visible but the second is the emergency drain and is normally located in the facia under the gutter and this will only leak water once the first drain has blocked.)
Ignoring this emergency drain can cause structural damage to the building, which may not be covered by warranty.
Evaporative Systems
Ensure system is serviced YEARLY.
Ensure cooling pads are in good condition.
Depending on water quality and level of use, Aspen woodwool pads should be replaced every 2-4 years, Celdek honeycomb pads should be replaced every 4-6 years.
Ensure you have adequate windows open- small units approximately 3-6sq/m larger units 4-8 sq / m.
Turn system on early, prior to home heating up.
Close blinds and curtains to shield home from solar heat but DO NOT block open windows.
Troubleshooting
Check the fan is still working- there may be a faulty motor, pully or fan blade
If the unit isn’t blowing cool air, ensure pads are getting adequate water, check each side as water flow pipes can block.
Check that float valve is set to correct height.
If unit stops working, turn power OFF to reset and leave for 2 minutes- newer evaporative systems have a control box and like a computer, occasionally needs a re-start.
If you have reduced airflow, check that ducting hasn’t come off in the ceiling. The best way to do this is to pop the manhole out and if it’s cooler in the ceiling than in your home, you know you have a problem.