Evaporative Air Conditioning Replacement – Replacing your old AC system has never been so easy

With our long hot summers becoming increasingly more humid, our core business over summer is to remove evaporative systems and replace them with a new reverse cycle system.

The changeover involves removing old components from the roof space, removing the evaporative cooler, from the roof and patching the roof.

A skip bin is provided for all rubbish and the new system installed – all within a day.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN ITS TIME TO CHANGE YOUR EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM?

Your unit has diminished airflow
During operation, there is little or no cool air coming out of the vents. A significant decrease in airflow could be another sign that your air conditioner’s compressor is on its last leg. If your thermostat is set to a reasonable temperature and your home is still too warm, then your air conditioning system is definitely not working at its optimum level. Again, check filters first, but it might be time for a new unit.

It’s emitting strange noises or strange smells

A fully functioning air conditioning system should operate almost silently. If you know your unit well, you’ll be familiar with any little sounds it makes as it cycles. In fact, those noises will be a regular part of your life’s sound symphony. So, when you hear noises different from the norm, it’s time to act. Minor noise changes could simply indicate the need for some repairs. Perhaps the fan isn’t working properly, or one of the parts inside the unit has become loose, or an internal mechanism has become clogged with dirt. However, if the noise is a little stranger – such as screeching, grinding, grating, rattling, buzzing or ticking, this could indicate a serious problem that means unit replacement!

The same goes for unusual odours! If your unit is giving off a bad smell, it’s not just a nuisance, it indicates a problem you need to address right away. Foul odours can mean that your air conditioner’s insulation has become damaged or that the ductwork has become mouldy. Dirt, mould or mildew inside your unit can circulate contaminated air through your home and cause health issues for your family. So don’t ignore those bad smells. Strange smells may simply be caused by a filter that needs replacing. So check them first, but if your unit is still smelly, could be time to replace it.

Your unit requires frequent repairs (and is out of warranty)

Has your trusty air conditioning unit become more trouble (and expense) than its worth? In an ideal world, your unit should be serviced just once a year to keep it well maintained, clean and in tip-top shape. Occasionally, you may need an extra service or repair. However, if your air conditioning system is constantly in need of mending and repairing, multiple times per year, then you may have to call time on this unit – replacing your air conditioner may simply be the more economical and efficient option. Usually, you can factor in one major repair or part replacement. However, if serious repairs occur later in the unit’s life, they serve as a warning of future issues. If your unit needs a complex repair after the warranty expires, that’s a sure sign to start shopping around for a new unit instead of pouring money into an old one with a limited shelf life.

Unit is blowing hot or cold air which is inconsistent to temperature settings

One of the most common problems in an older air conditioning unit is that it just doesn’t cool or heat. It may still produce regular air levels, but the air isn’t coming out cold or hot as per its settings. From time to time during regular use, you may experience some warm air on a cool setting, but if your unit stops producing cool air entirely, it’s time to investigate and vice versa for heating. It may mean low refrigerant levels. However, warm air production when set for cooling can indicate a serious problem such as a damaged compressor.

Inconsistent temperatures are a sign of trouble too. Your air conditioner is supposed to provide a consistent air temperature at the setting you’ve chosen. When certain rooms become cold zones, and others don’t seem to get any cool air at all, it could mean your air conditioning unit is on the way out. If your unit is producing hot (or inconsistent) air, inspect the filters, valves, condensation drains and coils for airflow obstructions. But be prepared, a replacement unit may be on the cards.

Your unit is leaking or producing excess moisture

Depending on the type of air conditioner you have, a small amount of condensation or water dripping on the outside of your unit (i.e. outside the house) is normal. But for the most part, your air conditioning unit should stay dry whether or not it’s in use. If you notice moisture inside the house, a sudden increase in condensation or a leak, it may be time to replace your air conditioner. First of all, ask a professional air conditioning technician to inspect it straight away for safety reasons (electrical components and water are not a good combination). Some units may spring refrigerant leaks; refrigerant should only ever be handled by a professional due to the health risks it poses. Your air conditioning specialist will locate the source of the leak and let you know if a new unit is the most cost-effective course of action.

Your unit is short cycling

It’s quite normal for your air conditioner to cycle on and off to maintain a set temperature throughout your home. However, has your unit developed a tendency to switch itself off randomly? Or does it sometimes have difficulty getting started? If you notice that it is turning on and off more frequently than usual, it is possible that your unit is malfunctioning. Short cycling puts extra stress on your air conditioner and will cause it to fail entirely if not handled quickly. Call a technician, and with any luck, it may just be a blown fuse. But it may mean it’s time for a new unit.

Your energy bills have dramatically increased

Even if your unit appears to be functioning ‘normally’, one of the biggest telltale signs there may be a major problem can be found on your energy bill. Has it spiked suddenly and you aren’t sure why? Undertake an ‘energy audit’ and consider other factors that may have caused your energy bill to increase. This will help you to work out whether your air conditioning is the culprit behind a surge in energy costs. If all roads lead to your unit being the source of the extra power, then you need to determine why it has become significantly less efficient. Perhaps your air conditioning system is overworking? Diminished cooling capacity will raise energy costs as your unit struggles to maintain the desired temperature ineffectively. Try cleaning the air vents, replacing the filters and then check for any lumps or knots in the condensing coil. Of course, it may be an energy drain simply because it has become sluggish and is reaching the end of its working life.

Providing a Total Turnkey Solution

Nothing can be reused from your old evaporative system, as the duct size is generally too large for reverse cycle systems and as it has been using outside air, the duct is tainted with dust and other particles.

The old duct will also be of a lesser insulation value which if reused would make the new system less efficient.

In most instances the location of the existing ceiling grilles will not be desirable due to the different airflow requirements and a site visit by one of our sales consultants is required to determine which locations can be reused.

Most installations require a number of ceiling patches by a ceiling fixer. Crispair provides a total turnkey service from evaporative to reverse cycle, so why not get started today and give us a call.