Air Con Broken Need Advice

Hi guys - have a ducted air con system in a small apartment

It's not running as it should, all it does is pump out hot air on any setting. My apartment gets to 42 on a normal day so the air con would be amazing to get fixed.

I've been told it could be the compressor but I've heard all sorts of possibles.

I've ruby around to try and find someone to come onsite to inspect and advise of actual issue but the prices range from $100-$300 just for the call out fee and then $150+ an hour plus parts…

When I've mentioned the brand (diamond) i get 2 reactions - firstly, that's really old, secondly that system is an industrial sized for your place.

Am I up shit Creek? Is there a decent air con company/guy in the Sydney metro area that is honest and won't bend me over a barrel - what kinda of ball park do you think I would be up for…

So far I've been given figures of 2k plus… Which is crazy. But cold air would be ideal as spritzing my face with cold water is not cutting it.

Thanks for any advice
-Erik

Comments

  • +1

    You could be up for a big bill as you have mentioned, not only if the compressor has failed but also due to the current R22 refrigerant gas price (as R22 is being phased out from imports completely in the not too distant future).

    It's also going to be costing you a lot more than a modern inverter model to run as it's either on at 100% power or off. I would suggest you consider replacing the unit with either a new inverter ducted unit or if budget doesn't allow for that, you could get a couple of split systems and get them installed by a licensed installer.

    If you opt to replace with a new ducted unit, you should be able to re-use your existing ducting, other parts will need to be replaced.

    • Awesome info thank for raking the time to reply - i didnt know about the above

      Would you be able to recommend any brands to stick with or stay away and also any decent installers out there I could reach out to to make this happen?

      • +1

        No worries at all. For split systems, personally I would recommend Panasonic. For sizing you should consult with a licensed fridgy for the correct size or at minimum use a sizing calculator such as this app.

        Steer clear of cheap chinese units such as those from bunnings or no-name ebay units as they WILL cost you more long term and won't be built as well and are usually less efficient.

        If you are considering ducted I would recommend looking at daikin or fujitsu. You would need a proper inspection to work out sizing and re-use of ducting, unit location etc.

        I personally would go for a couple of split systems as this will most likely be much more cost effective. You can find a local installer/refridgeration mechanic through the Arctic directory that way you know you are getting someone properly licensed and not someone doing quick cashies

        • thanks for being a great member - i appreciate the reply. Definitely will research a bit more and hopefully it doesnt get too hot again in the meantime before i have this resolved.

  • +2

    Recently in the same situation for a Weatherwall style air-conditioner, installed in late 80's and it cost me $150 for the guys to come out and tell me it was the compressor and that it was not economical to look into compressor replacements for a unit that is so old.

    Ended up having it replaced with a new Fujitsu Split System.

    Don't spend any money on repairs which will have max 3 months warranty and there is no saying some other component will fail in the next 6 months.

    Invest in something new with long warranty, Fujitsu would be my recommendation.

    • thats something i hadnt thought about to be honest, i appreciate the feedback - i hope to get something sorted out before the next heat wave

      btw who did you get to inspect your unit?

      • Are you in Sydney? Shoot me a PM and I'll give you the details.

  • -6

    Sorry, description is too long, so answering just on the basis of heading. You can get a high strength glue from bunnings and fix the broken air con. Cheers.

    • ummm, it took longer for you to login and post a reply that had nothing to do with the topic or issue.

      great effort though.

      hope that glue comes in handy for you.

  • +1

    ours needed the coils descaling but doing the same thing as you described.

    • i didnt even know they could be, what was the cost for that procedure? also did you get a call out fee.

    • thanks for the info - im based in nsw so i will look into a local unless you can recommend. :)

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