Visit our showroom : 6 Royan Place, Bayswater North, Victoria 3153
Visit our showroom : 6 Royan Place, Bayswater North, Victoria 3153
The summer of 25/26 is rapidly approaching, and according to industry experts, Australia is likely to face hotter-than-normal temperatures (Source: BOM). Based on recent modelling, the temperatures throughout the summer nights are tipped to be “unusually high”.
Australians who own ducted air conditioning are in the best position to cope with these high temperatures, but it’s not always as simple as it seems. Sometimes, too much strain is placed on the system and it begins to overheat. Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening altogether. Let’s take a look!
When your ducted air conditioning system overheats, it’s often because the internal components are working beyond their intended capacity. This can occur when filters are blocked, airflow is restricted, or the refrigerant levels are too low. In these situations, the system struggles to exchange heat efficiently, forcing the compressor and motor to work overtime.
As these parts generate more heat than they can dissipate, the temperature inside the unit rises, eventually triggering safety mechanisms or a complete shutdown. Another major cause of overheating is poor maintenance or an accumulation of dust and debris. Over time, coils and vents can become clogged, preventing air from flowing smoothly through the system.
Essentially, the harder the air conditioner has to work to push air through, the hotter it becomes. External factors also play a role. For example, a condenser unit that’s placed in direct sunlight or a poorly ventilated roof space can trap heat and cause the system to run much hotter than it should.
Although sometimes it’s out of your hands, there are many ways to prevent the unfortunate situation of an overheating air con system. Keep reading for a more detailed breakdown of everything you need to know!
Setting your thermostat to the wrong temperature is one of the most common causes behind overheating. Although it’s tempting to go for the coolest setting on a sweltering day, anything lower than 18/19 degrees will place a serious strain on the system. This will then force it to work much harder than usual.
If the thermostat is set too low, the compressor runs almost continuously, leaving little time for the internal components to rest and regulate their temperature. Then, the refrigerant cycle becomes overworked, the coils stay cold for too long, and condensation tends to build up, which impacts efficiency. Over time, this heavy workload leads to overheating and even premature wear on the motor and compressor.
How can you counteract this? In most cases, all you’ll need to do is set it around 23–24 degrees on cool mode. This strikes the right balance between comfort and efficiency, allowing the air con to maintain a steady rhythm instead of operating in high gear all day.
A well-functioning air con system is a fantastic way to stay comfortable, but this doesn’t mean it needs to be used everyday. In fact, there are many times when the best option is to switch it off or limit it to specific zones. These include:
One of the easiest ways to manage this is through smart home technology. A lot of newer systems come with Wi-Fi connectivity and are easily controlled through apps that allow you to adjust zones, set timers, and turn the unit off or on remotely.
Bonus tip: educate everyone in the household (including children and guests) on how to use the system properly. Something as simple as leaving doors open between zones or setting the temperature too low can place extra pressure on the unit. With a bit of shared responsibility, your system will stay efficient and healthy all summer.
In most cases, your ducted air con is unlikely to overheat out of nowhere. Usually, it’ll emit a number of warning signs to let you know that something’s not quite right. Here are some of the most notable:
These are just some of the many warning signs to keep an eye on. Of course, much like a car, older units are more likely to have problems. So, if you own an older system, it’s best to get it checked by a professional sooner rather than later.
Worried about how the system might hold up this summer? It’s never a bad idea to organise a service. With the help of our ducted heating and cooling technicians, you can enjoy reliable performance all summer long. When required, our licensed technicians will also carry out a range of ducted heating and cooling repairs.
A professional service is one of the easiest ways to keep your ducted air conditioner in top shape. During the visit, our technicians will check the thermostat, clean or replace filters, inspect the ductwork for leaks, clean the coils, test refrigerant levels, and overall, make sure all parts are running smoothly.
These small steps really do make a big difference. When filters clog or components wear down, the system works harder than it should, which can lead to overheating. By booking a service before summer hits, you’re helping your air con stay efficient and reliable through those boiling days from January through to March.
Sometimes, the best option is to say goodbye to your current setup and hello to a newer, more efficient system. Often, this means upgrading to a ducted air conditioning system with a higher energy star rating, which is a great way to save money on your average energy bill.
These ratings should be listed in product descriptions on the manufacturer or retailer’s website. On the physical label itself, the right-hand side usually showcases the estimated annual electricity consumption for cooling and heating in each climate zone. Notably, this new label replaces the old Energy Rating Label (L), and it comes in the form of the Zoned Energy Rating Label (R).
As a general rule, units with a higher star rating will operate more efficiently than those with a lower rating. Therefore, they’re also less likely to overheat or experience issues at the height of summer.
Air conditioning is a great way to keep cool, but it isn’t the only option. In fact, there are countless small steps you can take to stay cool on the warmest summer days. These include:
A few simple steps will make a real difference. Closing blinds during the hottest parts of the day, improving ventilation, or adding shade with trees can all help keep your home naturally cooler. Think about it this way; the less heat that gets in, the less your air con has to work.
Whether you need help with faulty ducted air conditioning or simply need an expert eye, Maroondah Air is the team to depend on for heating and cooling in Melbourne. We’ve been helping Melbournians for decades, and our team is up-to-date with the most innovative and sustainable products on the market.
As a family owned and operated company, our story began after spotting an opportunity to make a name for upholding high standards of honesty, integrity, and customer service. Reach out to us now and get your home ready for the summer!
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