Australia often has a challenging environment and an air conditioning system can help make the heat much more bearable, or even heat your home in winter if you have a reverse cycle air conditioning system, It Is useful to hire an air conditioning specialist near you because it is important to have the system installed correctly the first time to avoid any additional repair or maintenance costs in the future. Air conditioners can be tricky to install yourself so it is best to hire a professional near you, which hipages can help you with.

Why might you need to hire an air conditioning specialist?

You might need to hire an air conditioning specialist to either install, repair or maintain your air conditioning system. Installation is generally a straightforward job which all air conditioning specialists should be able to do quickly and efficiently.

While professionals are able to repair your air conditioning system in the event that it breaks down, it is better to have a maintenance system in place. Professionals are happy to provide maintenance services. Such services include:

• Checking how well the unit is operating
• Checking refrigerant levels and gas pressure
• Cleaning coils and burners
• Checking for and repairing any leaks in piping or insulation
• Replacing air filters
• Resetting the thermostat and ensuring that it is correctly calibrated
• Ensuring that fans are operating correctly
• Ensuring that the unit does not rattle, vibrate or make excessive noise

The filter in the air conditioner needs to be cleaned regularly and this is easily done by removing the screen and running a vacuum cleaner over it every two weeks or so.

Choosing the right type of air conditioner

There are some questions to ask before selecting an air conditioner to ensure that you have the right system for you and your needs. Consider where the system will be placed, and what exactly you want the system for. Do you have the correct wiring for the system and do you need to make any changes to your home to accommodate the system?

If you think that changes may have to be made, speak to an electrician. They will be able to assess your current wiring system and advise you on what changes are required, if any. There are also costs to think about such as the cost of the air conditioner itself, the cost of installation, and the cost of maintenance.

Ask friends and family for their recommendations as to what they find to be a good brand of air conditioner as you want something that is reliable, especially during those hot summer months (or cold winter months!).

There are three common types of air conditioning systems – split systems, fixed units and ducted air conditioning systems.

Split System Air Conditioners

A split system air conditioner consists of two sections, one inside the home and one out, with the sections being connected by refrigerant piping. Split systems can be wall or floor mounted, depending on the space where they are being installed. Floor mounted systems are usually only used when the wall hung system is not feasible.

Portable split systems are also available and these are usually smaller units that have the indoor and outdoor sections connected by a hose through an open window. The advantage of this is that the unit can be moved from room to room as required.

Multi split systems can air condition multiple rooms (up to seven) using only the one outdoor unit. These systems are best used when there is limited outdoor space or where there is not enough ceiling space to install ducted air conditioning. Using a multi split system means that you have control over the air conditioning in each room, saving you money in running costs and minimizing wastage.

Fixed Air Conditioning Units

A fixed air conditioning unit is a small box unit that is traditionally mounted within external windows or walls. These are generally only good for single rooms so multiple units may be needed if you need to air condition more than one area of your home. Smaller units can be plugged into a standard power point but larger units may need to be wired into the electrical system.

Ducted Air Conditioning Systems

Ducted air conditioning can be installed in virtually any home, existing or new, provided that there is sufficient ceiling space. There are two components to the ducted system, with the compressor unit located outside the house and the indoor unit located within the ceiling space. The cooled or heated air is distributed through vents located throughout the house.

To improve efficiency, ducted systems can be zoned so that different areas of the house are heated or cooled at different times. For example, the house can be divided into a day zone (living areas) and a night zone (bedrooms). On average, ducted systems cost anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000 fully installed. You will need the services of a professional refrigeration mechanic and electrician to ensure that you have the right system for your needs, so that it is as comfortable, economical and efficient as possible.

How much does an air conditioning specialist cost?

Because each tradie and job is different, it can be difficult to know exactly how much your air conditioning system will cost. Air conditioner units can cost anywhere from less than $1000 and escalate upwards. The capacity of the unit - typically expressed in kilowatts (kW) - is a guide to how much cooling (or heating) it is capable of. Units with higher energy output will generally cost more. Small portable style air conditioning units will consequently be more affordable than a large integrated ducted or split system. Don't forget to factor in the cost of labour for an installation, which will likely also involve a call out fee. Air conditioning installation can cost anywhere from $60 - $110 per hour + GST for domestic air conditioning and $80 - $140 per hour + GST for commercial units.

The cost of air conditioning repair can be either an hourly rate or a standard rate depending on the job. Generally, expect to pay around $50-$100 per hour for repairs, but this might not include any replacement parts that you might need depending on what issue you are having with the system.

*All costs are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide.

Questions to ask when hiring an air conditioning specialist

There are a few questions you should be asking your potential air conditioning specialists, including:

• Are you licensed, registered and insured?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• What other work do you have at the moment?
• Can I see previous examples of your work?
• Who is supervising the work?
• What deposit do you require?
• When do you need progress payments?
• How long will the job take?
• When can you start?
• Who is cleaning the site once the work has been completed?