A well-maintained ducted heating and cooling system is the key to staying comfortable in Melbourne. Dual-mode HVAC systems keep your home cool in summer, and warm in winter.
More importantly, they can also keep you warm in summer and cool in winter when Melbourne’s weather changes for seemingly no reason!
Heating and cooling-capable HVAC systems look after you, no matter what it’s like outside – it’s only fair that you return the favour by looking after them.
That means arranging for HVAC service and maintenance on a regular basis.
Does ducted heating need servicing?
Yes!
Heating and cooling systems are complex systems with many moving parts – especially the ducted variety.
And that many moving parts means that there are a lot of places where something might go wrong, leaving you without heating and cooling when you need it most:
- Refrigerant levels running low
- Clogged filters
- Blocked drainage systems
- Compressors failing
- Ducts leaking
- Electrical components failing
While each of these issues can be fixed, ideally, you’ll want to get them addressed before they start affecting your comfort (as well as your power bills).
As such, it’s absolutely essential that you look after your system, organising regular inspections and service to keep it running.
How often should ducted air conditioning be serviced?
For best results, it’s best to get your system looked at by a pro once a year.
Just think about how much work your system does in a year, especially if it’s a dual heating and cooling system. In essence, it’ll be running for most of the year during both the hottest and coldest seasons.
And that doesn’t even account for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather swings!
Even if they don’t identify any major issues, they can help you keep tabs on some of the minor issues that, if ignored, can build up until they’re major problems.
A lot of people assume that summer and winter are the best times to get their systems checked out – after all, that’s when they’re going to see the most work.
If you ask us however, the best time is actually spring or autumn – these are the quietest times of the year for air conditioning teams like ours – and ensure you beat the summer or winter rush!
How long should a ducted air conditioner last?
It depends on a number of factors:
- Usage
- Maintenance and service
- Its current age
As a general rule however, ducted heating and cooling systems tend to last anywhere between 15 and 20 years.
However, regular maintenance and repairs from an experienced HVAC team can push that number even higher!
How do you clean a ducted heating filter?
All ducted HVAC systems use filters to keep your air clean.
In addition to affecting your air quality, a filter blockage can also reduce your system’s effectiveness. A blocked filter means less air getting through, which in turn means that your system will need to work overtime to pick up the slack.
The result? Less effective heating and cooling, and higher power bills.
Luckily, filter cleaning is pretty easy to do on your own:
- Ducted systems have an intake filter on one of your walls
- Split-system/ductless HVAC has filters directly under the lid
Both of these are pretty easy to access – and that makes them pretty easy to clean if you have some wet wipes, a facemask to protect yourself from dust and a bit of time.
Can you clean air ducts yourself?
Ducts are the key to any ducted heating and cooling system – they’re what deliver cool and warm air, after all!
Over time, dust, debris and other unwelcome guests can build up in your ducts. This impedes airflow, reducing your system’s effectiveness and increasing your power bill as your system tries to compensate.
Thankfully, a good clean can take care of the issue for you.
While filter cleaning is something you can do on your own, duct cleaning is something that’s best left to a professional – especially if the issue is tougher than dust, such as mould growth.
Does ducted heating emit carbon monoxide?
It’s a concern that those with old-fashioned gas-powered heaters have to deal with on a fairly regular basis. Even though it’s an issue that doesn’t affect HVAC systems, we aren’t surprised that it’s on many homeowners’ minds.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that’s created as the result of fuels – gas, in this case – not burning off fully.
Since HVAC systems don’t use gas (or any burning, for that matter) when set to either heating or cooling mode, this isn’t something you’ll have to worry about at all!
How do I service my gas ducted heating and evaporation cooling?
So far, we’ve been focusing on HVAC heating and cooling service – however, not all homes in Melbourne use this type of system.
While on a downwards trend, many homes still use gas ducted heating and evaporation cooling.
These systems aren’t as versatile, powerful or effective – however, they still account for a good percentage of the systems in Melbourne homes. And more importantly, they still need to be maintained.
Our team can also work on gas ducted heating systems and evaporation cooling systems throughout Melbourne.
And if need be, we can talk to you about replacing your old heating and cooling setup with ducted heating installation, an air conditioning upgrade or best of all, a HVAC system that does both!
Looking after your system starts by choosing a team you can trust – contact Alpha Air!
A good team is the key, whether it’s routine maintenance, a cooling upgrade or ducted heating installation.
In addition to workmanship, the right team can also bring their expertise and know-how to your project.
They’ll help:
- Choose the most suitable system for your needs
- Devise a system that fits your budget
- Help decide what type of system to go for
- Accommodate for factors unique to your property
All of which is key to keeping your home comfortable, whether you’re in the peak of summer or the chill of winter.
When it comes to ducted and split systems in Melbourne, our team is the one to call.
Working with reputable brands like Daikin ducted heating and cooling and with 15 years of ducted heating installation Melbourne, Alpha Air can look after your heating and cooling needs, whether they involve installation, service or repairs.
And it all starts by getting in touch on 1300 854 525, or by clicking here to get a free quote.