FAQ

Air Conditioning Questions Answered

If you have an air conditioning question, the team at Climatic will have an answer!


Frequently Asked Air Conditioning Questions

  • Is buying an air conditioner like buying a microwave oven?

    Unlike fridges, microwave ovens and washing machines that are designed to function effectively in a wide range of environments, the effectiveness of air conditioners / reverse cycle heaters is heavily influenced by a range of environmental and other external factors. Investigating these factors and subsequently taking them into account when your system is being designed will ensure the successful operation of the system is maintained.

    These factors can include:

    - The volume of air to be cooled or warmed

    - Location of doors and windows

    - Orientation of the room (west-facing windows, for example)

    - Structure of the home: solid brick, brick veneer, weatherboard, tile roof, iron roof, flat roof, etc.

    - The availability of power;

    - Aesthetic of outside (where a unit can be effectively placed)

  • Why should I insist on a site visit?

    The only way to accurately assess all the factors involved in your system is with a trained professional personally visiting your site. That might seem obvious, but it is remarkable how many suppliers only visit an installation site after recommending a particular unit.

  • Why should I see the unit working in a showroom?

    You would never buy a car without test-driving it. So why would you buy an air conditioner or reverse cycle heater without feeling its effect or hearing it operate? Some units are quieter than others – both inside the house and the outside unit. It's important that you understand the relative impact your new system will have in the area it's installed.

  • Why should my system supplier have hands-on experience in installing and servicing?

    Designing an effective system requires a high level of both technical expertise as well as hands-on installation experience. Suppliers that have experience in designing, installing, servicing and repairing air conditioning and reverse cycle heating systems in all kinds of residential and commercial applications are in the best position to ensure you get the right equipment for your specific application.

  • Why choose a specialist AC company?

    Specialist air conditioning and reverse cycle heating businesses provide complete packages. They provide all services under one roof. They design, supply, install and service every system they sell. And because the designer also installs the systems, you know the installation will be exactly how the designer intended. What's more, because the supplier also services the unit, they want to be certain they get the job right the first time.

  • Why buy a recognised brand . . . do you really get what you pay for?

    From time to time, new brands of air conditioners and heaters enter the market, looking to capture market share. These brands would be well known for their heavy advertising and aggressive discounting.

    Like cars and other mechanical products, air conditioning and reverse cycle heating systems have moving, operating parts. Just like cars, these mechanical components can vary in quality, engineering excellence and performance. And they also malfunction from time to time.


    Even the most expensive cars break down, albeit less frequently.

    But what happens when your car breaks down? You want to get it fixed fast!

    That means having quick access to qualified service people and an abundant supply of readily available spare parts.

    The same is true with air conditioning and reverse cycle heating systems. The quality of critical mechanical parts varies enormously. So does their operating effectiveness and energy efficiency. Just like with cars, leading manufacturers also invest heavily in the development of new technology.

  • Does the installer have a Plumbing Industry Commission License?

    Air conditioning and reverse cycle heating system installers must hold a Plumbing Industry Commission license.

    This ensures that your air conditioner is installed correctly. Incorrect installation could actually void the warranty of the unit. You'll have to pay for all repairs resulting from the faulty installation.

    Ask to inspect their Plumbing Industry Commission license. If your installer does not hold a license, run the other way!!

  • What is the ARC tick?

    For the climate's sake, ensure your installer is ARC tick-approved to handle refrigeration gas. In this era of climate change, poor handling of ozone-depleting refrigerant gases can add to the greenhouse effect.

    The ARC tick can only be used by Australian Refrigeration Council-approved installers. In fact, it is illegal to handle refrigerant gas without a license. So, for the planet's sake, insist on an ARC tick-approved installer.

  • Do I need to insist on an Electrical Compliance Certificate?

    An Office of Electrical Safety Certificate must be supplied when work is carried out by a qualified electrician. Like the Plumbing Compliance Certificate, this is your electrical insurance policy.

    Some less professional installers may be tempted to undertake small electrical jobs themselves. Not only is this dangerous, but it puts you and your family at significant risk.

    The short answer is to insist that your electrical work is completed by a qualified electrical contractor.

  • Does size matter . . . ?

    In a word. Yes.

    It is important to get the correct size unit to ensure optimum performance and minimal running costs.

    The question is, how do you establish what is the correct size unit?

    Your air conditioning and heating specialist will visit your site and calculate the heating and cooling loads, taking into account the specific conditions of your home or building and ensuring you get the perfect-sized unit. Incorrectly sized systems underperform, dramatically reduce the life of the system, can void warranties and increase running costs.


  • Is the Energy Star Rating important?

    The Energy Star Rating helps you understand the relative effectiveness and running cost efficiency of electrical appliances. When purchasing any electrical equipment, pay attention to the Energy Star rating. The higher the star rating, the more energy-efficient the product is and the cheaper to operate. The Energy Star Rating help you compare the relative efficiencies of different units.

  • How much will the system cost to operate?

    Mmm... how long is a piece of string?

    But seriously, there is nothing worse than owning a product that you won't use because it is too costly to operate. None of us likes surprises, so ask your air conditioning and heating specialist for the estimated running cost of the designed system.

  • What are the electrical requirements of the system?

    Different systems have different power requirements. Some systems can require your switchboard to be upgraded. Again, no one likes surprises. Don't get caught out discovering you have to upgrade your switchboard after you purchase.

    Your air conditioning and heating specialist will ensure that your electrical supply is sufficient, meaning no extra expense when it comes to your installation. If your switchboard does require upgrading, you will know before you purchase.

  • Do systems require maintenance?

    Several items impact the effective operation of your system. These include filters and refrigerant pressures.

    Filters should be serviced regularly to ensure optimum performance and the lowest possible running costs for your AC unit. Undertaking annual maintenance ensures efficient operation and can prevent costly repairs.

  • Should you expect a warranty on the installation?

    Absolutely!

    A credible installer will guarantee their work for at least five years – even more. Before you buy, ensure that the installer's work is guaranteed. This demonstrates their commitment and confidence in their own ability and workmanship.

  • What kind of warranty should you expect on equipment?

    All around the world, appliance warranties are full of legalistic fine print with impossible-to-understand exclusion clauses. They often exclude particular "at risk" components and rarely include labour.

    Furthermore, some air conditioning and reverse cycle heating manufacturers do not have the support personnel available when something goes wrong. Technicians are not local, parts are not readily available, and it can all lead to huge frustrations. A reliable manufacturer of quality units will offer a five-year parts and labour warranty backed by trained local service agents.


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