What Is Air Con "Rejuvenation"?

My Daikin multi-split AC recently started giving this E7 error code (Daikin service manual suggests heat exchanger fan motor or motor controller board failure, or both, which seemed like a pretty common problem on Daikin models and a straightforward fix according to my quick Youtube research), paid a $141.90 call-out fee to get a technician out, who spent five mins staring at the outdoor unit without even touching it, then quoted me nearly $4k for "Air Con Rejuvenation", claiming "most AC problems would go away after the rejuvenation", if not I'd have to replace the entire system.

Having never dealt with AC repairs before, I'm completely clueless but the whole thing seemed bonkers to me. Is this common practice?

Edit for future reference:

'Gas & Plumbing Australia Pty Ltd' ABN 69 609 895 721 ARE SCAMMERS, DO NOT ENGAGE THEM!

Their business names:

AIR CONDITIONING REPAIR NEAR ME
AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING
AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING BALLARAT VIC
AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING BENDIGO VIC
AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL BALLARAT VIC
AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL BENDIGO VIC
AFTER HOURS PLUMBING BALLARAT VIC
AFTER HOURS PLUMBING BENDIGO VIC
MR EMERGENCY HEATING AND COOLING
BALLARAT AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING
BALLARAT AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL
BALLARAT AFTER HOURS PLUMBING
BENDIGO AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING
BENDIGO AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL
BENDIGO AFTER HOURS PLUMBING
GEELONG AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING
GEELONG AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL
GEELONG AFTER HOURS PLUMBING
MOUNT BARKER AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING
MOUNT BARKER AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL
MOUNT BARKER AFTER HOURS PLUMBING
MOUNT BARKER AIR CONDITIONING
MOUNT BARKER EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL
MOUNT BARKER EMERGENCY PLUMBING
MOUNT BARKER PLUMBING
AIR CON REPAIR NEAR ME
UPSIDE DOWN AIR CONDITIONING
UPSIDE DOWN ELECTRICAL
UPSIDE DOWN PLUMBING
AFTER HOURS PLUMBING CANBERRA
AFTER HOURS PLUMBING DARWIN
AFTER HOURS PLUMBING HOBART
AFTER HOURS PLUMBING MELBOURNE VIC
AIR CON REPAIR CANBERRA
AIR CON REPAIR DARWIN
AIR CON REPAIR HOBART
AIR CON SERVICE CANBERRA ACT
AIR CON SERVICE DARWIN
AIR CON SERVICE HOBART
AIR CON SERVICE PERTH WA
ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME ADELAIDE
ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME AUSTRALIA
ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME CANBERRA
ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME DARWIN
ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME HOBART
ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME MELBOURNE
ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME PERTH
ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME SYDNEY
PLUMBER NEAR ME ADELAIDE SA
PLUMBER NEAR ME AUSTRALIA
PLUMBER NEAR ME CANBERRA
PLUMBER NEAR ME PERTH WA
PLUMBER NEAR ME SYDNEY NSW
PLUMBER NEAR ME MELBOURNE VIC
CYBER AIR CONDITIONING BALLARAT
CYBER AIR CONDITIONING BENDIGO
CYBER AIR CONDITIONING GEELONG
CYBER ELECTRICAL BALLARAT
CYBER ELECTRICAL BENDIGO
CYBER ELECTRICAL GEELONG
CYBER PLUMBING BALLARAT
CYBER PLUMBING BENDIGO
CYBER PLUMBING GEELONG
AFTER HOURS PLUMBING ADELAIDE
AFTER HOURS PLUMBING PERTH
AFTER HOURS PLUMBING SYDNEY
PLUMBER NEAR ME GEELONG
AIR CON REPAIR MELBOURNE
AIR CON REPAIR PERTH
AIR CONDITIONER NEAR ME
AIR CONDITIONING NEAR ME
AIR CONDITIONING REPAIR
HEATING COOLING NEAR ME
HVAC NEAR ME
PLUMBER NEAR ME DARWIN
PLUMBER NEAR ME HOBART
TRADIE NEAR ME
CYBER AIR CONDITIONING ADELAIDE
CYBER AIR CONDITIONING MELBOURNE
CYBER AIR CONDITIONING PERTH
CYBER AIR CONDITIONING SYDNEY
CYBER ELECTRICAL ADELAIDE
CYBER ELECTRICAL MELBOURNE
CYBER ELECTRICAL PERTH
CYBER ELECTRICAL SYDNEY
METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING ADELAIDE
METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING GEELONG
METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING MELBOURNE
METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING PERTH
METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING SYDNEY
CYBER PLUMBING ADELAIDE
CYBER PLUMBING MELBOURNE
CYBER PLUMBING PERTH
CYBER PLUMBING SYDNEY
GASFITTER NEAR ME
23 HOUR PLUMBING
ONLY HOT WATER
ADELAIDE PLUMBER NEAR ME
AIR CON REPAIR ADELAIDE
AIR CON REPAIR SYDNEY
AIR CON SERVICE ADELAIDE
AIR CON SERVICE MELBOURNE
AIR CON SERVICE NEAR ME
AIR CON SERVICE SYDNEY
AIR CONDITIONER
AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR
AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR ADELAIDE
AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR MELBOURNE
AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR PERTH
AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR SYDNEY
AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE
AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE ADELAIDE
AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE MELBOURNE
AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE PERTH
AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE SYDNEY
AIRCON REPAIR
HEATING
HOT WATER SYSTEM
PERTH PLUMBER NEAR ME
AFTER HOURS PLUMBING ELECTRICAL AIR CONDITIONING
23 HOUR PLUMBING ELECTRICAL AND AIRCON
CYBER PLUMBING ELECTRICAL AND AIR CON
CYBIE
MR EMERGENCY
JIM'S PLUMBING RESERVOIR
METROPOLITAN PLUMBING MARION
METROPOLITAN PLUMBING WEST LAKES
METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ANDREWS FARM
METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ELLENBROOK
METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS GREENWITH
METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS LILYDALE
METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ADELAIDE
METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS GEELONG
METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS SYDNEY
ADELAIDE METRO
ADELAIDE METRO PLUMBING
METRO PLUMBING ADELAIDE
BOOK A PLUMBER ONLINE
Jim's Heating & Cooling
JIM'S AIR CONDITIONING
JIM'S PLUMBING PERTH
Upside Down
UPSIDEDOWN
Metropolitan Plumbing
METROPOLITAN PLUMBING ELECTRICAL AIR CONDITIONING
METROPOLITAN GROUP AUSTRALIA
METROPOLITAN DRAIN CLEANING
METROPOLITAN BLOCKED DRAINS
METROPOLITAN GASFITTING
METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING
METROPOLITAN HOT WATER
METROPOLITAN AIR CONDITIONING
METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
Jim's Plumbing (WA, SA & VIC)

Comments

  • +8

    $4k is total bs!

    I usedto get filters direct from Fujitsu and have the guy replace them when serviced.

    Total cost for 2 reverse cycle units was maybe a couple hundo.

    • Good to know.

      The $4k quote doesn't even include any parts.

      • +1

        How long is the "rejuvenation" going to take him, 2 weeks?

        • +5

          It looks like whoever came to quote you has featured on A Current Affair multiple times!! Not a good sign if you want a tradie.

          https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/jims-group-cuts-ti…

          You should leave an honest review on Google for the business so other people don't get sucked in. And don't take the review down when (not if) they call you and offer you cash to do it.

          The actual company name is 'Gas & Plumbing Australia Pty Ltd' ABN 69 609 895 721 and they have a long list of business names

          AIR CONDITIONING REPAIR NEAR ME 
          AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING 
          AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING BALLARAT VIC 
          AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING BENDIGO VIC 
          AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL BALLARAT VIC 
          AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL BENDIGO VIC 
          AFTER HOURS PLUMBING BALLARAT VIC 
          AFTER HOURS PLUMBING BENDIGO VIC 
          MR EMERGENCY HEATING AND COOLING 
          BALLARAT AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING 
          BALLARAT AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL 
          BALLARAT AFTER HOURS PLUMBING 
          BENDIGO AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING 
          BENDIGO AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL 
          BENDIGO AFTER HOURS PLUMBING 
          GEELONG AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING 
          GEELONG AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL 
          GEELONG AFTER HOURS PLUMBING 
          MOUNT BARKER AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING 
          MOUNT BARKER AFTER HOURS ELECTRICAL 
          MOUNT BARKER AFTER HOURS PLUMBING 
          MOUNT BARKER AIR CONDITIONING 
          MOUNT BARKER EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL 
          MOUNT BARKER EMERGENCY PLUMBING 
          MOUNT BARKER PLUMBING 
          AIR CON REPAIR NEAR ME 
          UPSIDE DOWN AIR CONDITIONING 
          UPSIDE DOWN ELECTRICAL 
          UPSIDE DOWN PLUMBING 
          AFTER HOURS PLUMBING CANBERRA 
          AFTER HOURS PLUMBING DARWIN 
          AFTER HOURS PLUMBING HOBART 
          AFTER HOURS PLUMBING MELBOURNE VIC 
          AIR CON REPAIR CANBERRA 
          AIR CON REPAIR DARWIN 
          AIR CON REPAIR HOBART 
          AIR CON SERVICE CANBERRA ACT 
          AIR CON SERVICE DARWIN 
          AIR CON SERVICE HOBART 
          AIR CON SERVICE PERTH WA 
          ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME ADELAIDE 
          ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME AUSTRALIA 
          ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME CANBERRA 
          ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME DARWIN 
          ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME HOBART 
          ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME MELBOURNE 
          ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME PERTH 
          ELECTRICIAN NEAR ME SYDNEY 
          PLUMBER NEAR ME ADELAIDE SA 
          PLUMBER NEAR ME AUSTRALIA 
          PLUMBER NEAR ME CANBERRA 
          PLUMBER NEAR ME PERTH WA 
          PLUMBER NEAR ME SYDNEY NSW 
          PLUMBER NEAR ME MELBOURNE VIC 
          CYBER AIR CONDITIONING BALLARAT 
          CYBER AIR CONDITIONING BENDIGO 
          CYBER AIR CONDITIONING GEELONG 
          CYBER ELECTRICAL BALLARAT 
          CYBER ELECTRICAL BENDIGO 
          CYBER ELECTRICAL GEELONG 
          CYBER PLUMBING BALLARAT 
          CYBER PLUMBING BENDIGO 
          CYBER PLUMBING GEELONG 
          AFTER HOURS PLUMBING ADELAIDE 
          AFTER HOURS PLUMBING PERTH 
          AFTER HOURS PLUMBING SYDNEY 
          PLUMBER NEAR ME GEELONG 
          AIR CON REPAIR MELBOURNE 
          AIR CON REPAIR PERTH 
          AIR CONDITIONER NEAR ME 
          AIR CONDITIONING NEAR ME 
          AIR CONDITIONING REPAIR 
          HEATING COOLING NEAR ME 
          HVAC NEAR ME 
          PLUMBER NEAR ME DARWIN 
          PLUMBER NEAR ME HOBART 
          TRADIE NEAR ME 
          CYBER AIR CONDITIONING ADELAIDE 
          CYBER AIR CONDITIONING MELBOURNE 
          CYBER AIR CONDITIONING PERTH 
          CYBER AIR CONDITIONING SYDNEY 
          CYBER ELECTRICAL ADELAIDE 
          CYBER ELECTRICAL MELBOURNE 
          CYBER ELECTRICAL PERTH 
          CYBER ELECTRICAL SYDNEY 
          METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING ADELAIDE 
          METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING GEELONG 
          METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING MELBOURNE 
          METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING PERTH 
          METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING SYDNEY 
          CYBER PLUMBING ADELAIDE 
          CYBER PLUMBING MELBOURNE 
          CYBER PLUMBING PERTH 
          CYBER PLUMBING SYDNEY 
          GASFITTER NEAR ME 
          23 HOUR PLUMBING 
          ONLY HOT WATER 
          ADELAIDE PLUMBER NEAR ME 
          AIR CON REPAIR ADELAIDE 
          AIR CON REPAIR SYDNEY 
          AIR CON SERVICE ADELAIDE 
          AIR CON SERVICE MELBOURNE 
          AIR CON SERVICE NEAR ME 
          AIR CON SERVICE SYDNEY 
          AIR CONDITIONER 
          AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR 
          AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR ADELAIDE 
          AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR MELBOURNE 
          AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR PERTH 
          AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR SYDNEY 
          AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE 
          AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE ADELAIDE 
          AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE MELBOURNE 
          AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE PERTH 
          AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE SYDNEY 
          AIRCON REPAIR 
          HEATING 
          HOT WATER SYSTEM 
          PERTH PLUMBER NEAR ME 
          AFTER HOURS PLUMBING ELECTRICAL AIR CONDITIONING 
          23 HOUR PLUMBING ELECTRICAL AND AIRCON 
          CYBER PLUMBING ELECTRICAL AND AIR CON 
          CYBIE 
          MR EMERGENCY 
          JIM'S PLUMBING RESERVOIR 
          METROPOLITAN PLUMBING MARION 
          METROPOLITAN PLUMBING WEST LAKES 
          METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ANDREWS FARM 
          METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ELLENBROOK 
          METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS GREENWITH 
          METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS LILYDALE 
          METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ADELAIDE 
          METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS GEELONG 
          METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS SYDNEY 
          ADELAIDE METRO 
          ADELAIDE METRO PLUMBING 
          METRO PLUMBING ADELAIDE 
          BOOK A PLUMBER ONLINE 
          Jim's Heating & Cooling 
          JIM'S AIR CONDITIONING 
          JIM'S PLUMBING PERTH 
          Upside Down 
          UPSIDEDOWN 
          Metropolitan Plumbing 
          METROPOLITAN PLUMBING ELECTRICAL AIR CONDITIONING 
          METROPOLITAN GROUP AUSTRALIA 
          METROPOLITAN DRAIN CLEANING 
          METROPOLITAN BLOCKED DRAINS 
          METROPOLITAN GASFITTING 
          METROPOLITAN HEATING AND COOLING 
          METROPOLITAN HOT WATER 
          METROPOLITAN AIR CONDITIONING 
          METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS 
          Jim's Plumbing (WA, SA & VIC) 

  • -1

    What did he say when you asked him?

    • +3

      "Conduct a full rejuvenation and jet clean of wall split air conditioner using pressurised water technology on both indoor and outdoor unit, including a visual inspection of possible faults while checking operation of the unit. Disclaimer: Although a majority of the time a rejuvenation will rectify the issue, should it require parts we will provide additional quotes accordingly."

      From their quote.

      I refuse to believe it's just some checking and cleaning. Am I in a changing headlight fluid situation?

      • +3

        Nah stitch up, howd you find this operator?

        • Found on Yellowpages, decent reviews on Google maps.

          • +9

            @tako: Unfortunately the dodgy ones often have good reviews on Google. Doesn't cost much to buy good reviews and Google does nothing to stop it.

            I am almost certain if you look at the Google reviews again and sort by lowest rating, you will find lots of 🚩🚩

          • @tako: Yellow pages! Man, brings back memories of my childhood…

          • +5

            @tako: Did you consider contacting Daikin?

            https://www.daikin.com.au/service-and-maintenance

      • +9

        I normally pay $150 ish for this service btw

        • Thank you. Good to know.

        • Maybe it was $40 and the guy just forgot to put the decimal point ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

      • +6

        This just means they're going to hose down your condenser unit and look at it when its clean. They are absolutely taking you for a ride. Trust your instinct and the error code, its not as complicated or as youthfully mystical as "rejuvenation". Its the replacement of one, maybe two parts.

      • +3

        pressurised water technology

        He has a ferrex or ozito pressure washer. If he had a gerni it would surely be "state of the art" too.

      • “using pressurised water technology” aka gerni. Can you pressure wash it yourself?

      • RUN!!!
        I had a similar experience except it was $800.

        ‘I have a special machine I can attach, but a hose works better’.

        Check the back of your outside unit. Are the back coils covered in dirt/build up. Some cleaning product and a hose will fix that. (Assuming the issue is it’s not cooling/heating).

        When was the last time you had a HVAC clean done. Usually the ‘premium’ option includes an outside clean of the unit. Should cost approx $300 for a regular split system and that’s a full hygiene clean and mould treatment.

  • +3

    Sounds like he wants to just replace everything and charge you ridiculous money to do it. I wouldn't be paying the call out fee if the guy didn't do any investigation.

    Did you find the guy on Gumtree?

    • +3

      Unfortunately no. A Gumtree guy will actually do something, probably.

      Entirely my fault for not seeing the red flag when they asked call-out fee upfront.

    • This guy wants to charge $4k for pressure washing the outside unit.

  • +8

    Might as well buy a new one

    • I love consumerism.

      • +4

        I got a 5kw Hisense split for $1k and installed for $600 cash sometimes it's cheaper to replace the entire unit also get fresh warranty and you can also get a couple hundred for the scrap inside it….

    • +3

      ^ AC systems usually have a 5-year warranty and go for 10+ years, just like fridges. If it needs rejuvenation, it's time to buy a new one.

      According to Dr Google, Daikin E7 error code indicates that the outdoor fan motor of the air conditioning unit requires replacement.

      So you could contact a few service people and get a rough idea for the replacement/rejuvenation/service.

    • It's actually the price of a new one plus install.

  • +10

    Rejuvenation = I don't know what is wrong, but if I start to replace everything I will eventually find the problem.

    • +1

      Don't you wish the engineers would put in a system to direct you to where the potential problem is? Oh wait.

    • Usually it's a control board in the compressor, but shouldn't cost $4k to rejuvenate it lol

    • I have an ooold split system that makes a squealing sound and "rejuvenation" is what any place I called says they will do to investigate the issue. But they all basically said it's so old that parts will be hard to find so it's not worth the bother, but they would be happy to accept a few hundred to come out anyway.

      • Why don't you just replace it?

        • +1

          I don't own it and the owner of the house is thinking more about the payday from knocking it down and selling the land than investing in it. It'll just be amongst the rubble soon enough.

  • How old is your split system and when was it last serviced? Have you had it serviced regularly? Most people don't so by the time their split system dies it's actually better to replace it entirely as the lack of maintenance usually means it's not going to operate reliably anymore even if you a fix an obvious issue, chances are that'll get at most another year out of it before it encounters another serious fault.

  • +2

    rejuvenation ….pressurised water technology

    Imported from The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine

  • +2

    Sounds like total bs.

    Steer well clear. That’s basically the cost of a whole new system.

  • +1

    Probably give your AC the spa treatment. Scrub down and moisturise

    • ^ This & this should work a treat by OP cutting out the middle person (a/c technician) & applying it themselves.

  • -1

    then quoted me nearly $4k for "Air Con Rejuvenation"

    Why didn't you ask them what it covers!!!?

  • +2

    Clean your own Air Con with a hose/Gerni or whatever you have and use this : Green stuff coil cleaner.
    Bunnings link

    https://www.google.com/search?q=green+stuff+air+conditioner&…

  • +5

    A part of that 4k probably goes towards paying a proper technician to look at it.
    Even if you decide to stop here, scammer is already ahead $140.

    That's the game. Quote some ridiculous fee, hoping you wont continue, and pocket the call out fee. No actual skills required

  • +3

    Metropolitan Air Conditioning by any chance?

    https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/metropolitan-air-c…

    It's a scam is what it is.

    • +2

      Looks like it. If you search for them on google maps you will see they are listed all over Australia. They clearly just subcontract to dodgy people, who are almost certainly not even plumbers, as no qualifications are needed to clean out a air con. Reviews are very fake where they have bothered to pay for them.

      Would be good if the government could actually take action against obvious scammers running "legal" businesses.

      • +1

        Yep. Strongly suspect that all the glowing five star "reviews" of them on product review are fake: they are all very similar, one sentence reviews with minimal detail. And if you click on the accounts of the users who posted them they've all posted just the one review and signed up to product review on the same day as that review.

  • Another scam is where they "service" your unit (basically just give it a vacuum), then it no longer works so they offer you a discount on their over inflated prices for a new one.

  • Most air con service techs carry a small stepladder to work off, you can tell if they know what they're doing by whether it's aluminium (conducts electricity) or fiberglass (insulates).

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