Air conditioning
Choosing, running and looking after air conditioning at home.
- Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?Solar can power your air conditioner while the sun is up. After dark it runs on the grid or a home battery, and what a battery can carry varies.
- What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?Ask who is doing the work and what licences they hold, how the size and position were chosen, what the quote covers, and what happens after handover.
- What temperature should I set my air conditioner to in summer?Most people are comfortable at about 24 to 26 degrees in a Queensland summer. Adjust gradually, allow for humidity, and call an installer if the unit struggles.
- Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?Weak cooling or heating usually comes from airflow, settings, sizing or refrigerant problems, and some of these need a licensed technician.
- Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?Water dripping from an indoor unit usually means the condensation drain is blocked or the unit is icing up, and a technician should look at it.
- Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?A musty or dirty-sock smell usually means moisture and mould or bacteria are building up inside the unit, which a technician can deal with.
- Why is my air conditioner making a loud or strange noise?Rattling, buzzing, grinding or squealing can mean loose parts, a failing fan or compressor, or an electrical fault, so stop and get it checked.
- Why is there ice or frost on my air conditioner?Some frost on an outdoor unit in heating mode is normal, but ice on an indoor unit or on a unit in cooling mode points to a fault.
- What do air conditioner flashing lights and error codes mean?Flashing lights and error codes are the unit's way of reporting a fault, and the meaning depends on your model, so note the pattern and call.
- Why does my air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?An air conditioner that trips the breaker or safety switch has an overload or fault that a licensed electrician needs to find.
- Why does my air conditioner keep turning on and off?An air conditioner that starts and stops repeatedly, called short cycling, often comes from sizing, airflow or a fault, and needs a technician.
- Should I choose a split system or ducted air conditioning?Split systems suit one or a few rooms, while ducted systems suit whole-home comfort if the roof or floor space allows, so get an on-site assessment.
- What size air conditioner do I need for my room or home?The right kW size depends on room size, ceiling height, sun, insulation and layout, so a licensed professional should assess it.
- What affects how much it costs to run an air conditioner?Running costs depend on your electricity plan, how long and how hard the unit runs, its efficiency and size, and your home.
- How often does an air conditioner need servicing?Many manufacturers and installers advise servicing every one to two years, but follow your manual and warranty and use a licensed technician.
- Can I use my air conditioner during a blackout or storm?An air conditioner cannot run without power, and storms and power returning can damage it, so ask a licensed electrician about protection.
- Can I install an air conditioner myself in Australia?No. Installation involves refrigerant that needs an ARC licence and an electrical connection that needs a licensed electrician.
- Can renters install an air conditioner in Queensland?Renters need the owner's written approval, and apartment owners usually need body corporate approval, before a fixed air conditioner is installed.