What gets checked and cleaned in a split system service?
A split system service starts with the indoor unit. The filters come out and get washed or replaced. The indoor coil and fan are checked for dust and mould, because a dirty coil cuts airflow and makes the unit work harder. The drain line and tray are checked and cleared. A blocked drain is a common reason water drips from a wall unit.
Then the technician moves to the outdoor unit. The coil is cleaned of dirt, leaves and salt build up where needed. The fan and motor are checked, and the electrical connections and isolator are inspected. Pressures and air temperatures are tested to confirm the system is cooling and heating the way it should. Salt air near the coast is hard on outdoor units, so this part matters more here than inland.
What is included in a ducted air conditioning service?
A ducted service covers everything above, plus the parts a split system does not have. The return air filter and grille are cleaned or replaced, because that is where most of the dust collects. The indoor unit in the roof space or under the floor is checked, along with its drain line and the safety float switch that stops it overflowing.
Zone dampers and their motors are tested, and the controller (AirTouch 5 is one we install) is run through each zone to make sure rooms open and close properly. Outlet temperatures are checked room by room. Ductwork is looked at wherever it can be reached, for crushed, torn or disconnected flexible duct and damaged insulation.
What is not included in an air conditioning service?
A standard service is a check and clean. Repairs, replacement parts, refrigerant top ups and deep chemical cleans of the coils are usually separate jobs. The technician should tell you what they find and quote before doing extra work.
Refrigerant is not used up like fuel. If the gas is low, there is a leak somewhere. Topping it up without finding the leak only buys a few weeks. Handling refrigerant needs an ARC authorised licence in Australia, so this is not a job for a handyman or a kit from a hardware store.
How often should I service my air conditioner, and how does Delta Temp handle it?
Once a year suits most homes. Homes with pets, dust, heavy use or a position close to the water can need more. In between, you can wash the indoor filters yourself every few months. Your manual shows how.
Servicing also protects your warranty position. Our 10 year workmanship warranty on installations covers defects in our installation work only. It does not cover equipment faults, which fall under the manufacturer warranty (Fujitsu 5 years and Hisense 7 years, parts and labour), fair wear and tear, or lack of servicing. Full terms are at deltatemp.com.au/warranty/. Check your manufacturer's terms for any servicing requirements.
