Air Conditioner in Rental Property - What Is Considered Normal Output Temperature?

SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 16:53
Last edited 28/12/2017 - 10:47

My girlfriend and I moved into a small 2 bedroom "villa" in Feb in Brunswick East in Melbourne. We are playing an arm and a leg but were happy to finally have our first ever air conditioner! So during the first hot days in Nov we tried out the Air con but were disappointed that we were still sweating and using fans even with the air con running for about 24 hrs

So I bought a thermometer and checked the outside temperature, room temperature and output air temperature etc, just wondering if someone can tell me if this sounds about normal or is our aircon a dud?

On a 34 degree day we set the aircon to 18 degrees. (34 Degrees recorded outside in shade and was recorded on google weather as being 34 degrees most of the day)
The lowest recorded temperature which was coming out of the air con was about 26.5 degrees (thermometer literally stuck on the output vent)
The lowest temperature recorded inside the room was about 31 degrees (thermometer sitting on a shelf about 1.5 meters from the aircon)

Towards the end of the day when the temp got lower it was actually still hotter inside the house than it was outside!
Also this was done with all blinds/shades closed and bedroom and bathroom doors closed so all it was attempting to cool was out lounge and small kitchen…

EDIT:
Forgot to mention, I also already tried cleaning the filter last month, it was filthy but made no difference.
Also tried googling the make/model to see what the icons mean on the display but no luck there.
And I have also tried all the different modes "Cool" "Super" and "Dry" modes but none seem to make a difference either.

I reported this to the RE during an inspection almost 30 days ago and nothing has been done, so just wanting to know if I am within my rights to take it further and maybe request reduced rent??

Thanks in advance,

Home & Garden

Comments

  • poboy on 27/12/2017 - 17:04
    +2

    Yeah. That's buggered. In Winter, I set it to 20c. In Summer it really varies, but about 25c

    • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 17:07

      Are you saying your output temp gets down to 25c in summer? or your room temp gets down to 25c?

      • poboy on 27/12/2017 - 17:09
        +3

        I set my air con for 25c, then my room cools to 25c and the system shuts off.

        • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 17:15

          ah right, thanks for clarifying! Yeah ours never comes close to reaching the set temp and stays on constantly. So prob not right then. haha

        • frewer on 28/12/2017 - 15:22

          @SkMed: Souuund likfe a bad A/C or badly insulated room.

        • SkMed on 28/12/2017 - 16:47

          @frewer: Possibly both. haha

        • Musing Outloud on 28/12/2017 - 22:02
          +2

          @SkMed: Or undersized…

        • frewer on 29/12/2017 - 03:55

          @SkMed: Window and slide door are biggest culprit, and why have both of them. There are gap in slide door (when closed), window has small gaps, plus they aren't double glazing. Thx God our room is just the right size for our A/C. Buy a tarp at ALDI or Supercheap( cost about 20-25), put 2 nail out side of room where the sun hit the most. Hopefully, it will bring your room tempt down 1C-2C

        • TRENT86 on 29/12/2017 - 17:45

          Do you know the capacity of the unit and the size of the room or rooms you are tryin to cool?

  • mapples on 27/12/2017 - 17:10
    +2

    This doesn't sound right to me.If aircon.is matched correctly to area being cooled,it should be doing a lot better.The temp of room will be slightly higher than thermometer on airco outlet.
    It sounds like it needs a service,or
    It's a mismatch,too small for sq MTRS.hooe this is of some help🎅

    • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 17:17

      Yes that helps a lot, thanks! The place is quite small (not sure how many sq meters, the aircon unit is quite large (and looks pretty old) so may need to be fixed/replaced I imagine…

      • 777 on 27/12/2017 - 18:24
        +2

        use RentRight app, will get recorded and the Property manager will get sort of paranoid as they will know that it coming from consumer affair and gets recorded

        https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/rentright-ap…

        btw they will have 14/21 days to fix it

        • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 19:50

          Yeah I saw something about that app while researching, first I have heard of it!

        • cryinoutloud on 29/12/2017 - 05:52

          How does the app work when there is already a real estate agent managing the property? Are they supposed to get the tenant to use it? Or is this useful when there is no real estate agent?

      • Candour on 28/12/2017 - 10:49

        if the aircon is a fixture then you should report that it is not working properly and ask it be serviced. [yearly service is suggested I think by manufacturers.] otherwise say the thing is 'not fit for purpose' or 'of merchantable quality' [the ACL's consumer warranty criteria which are for the life of the thing].

  • R-Man on 27/12/2017 - 17:45
    +7

    Even if it was mismatched I reckon you should still be feeling cooler - but you're not. I think it is out of gas or the compressor is dead and you're just getting "fan mode" with no actual cooling.

    Ask the landlord to fix or replace it immediately as you are certainly paying heaps in rent with expectation of a working AC! I've been in your situation in Sydney and it took Fair Trading threats for the piece of human garbage to finally replace it.

    • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 19:52
      +2

      Tne air coming out of the aircon is actually slightly cooler than the room temp so must be working to some degree and not just a fan, but yeah, its pretty much useless.

      We have been amazing tenants and pay rent 6 months in advance so kinda surprised they haven't moved on this yet… Im guessing partly an oversight due to xmas holidays too.

      • LightningMcQueen on 28/12/2017 - 13:06

        I had the same problem,my unit was working to some degree, but never really cooled the room, filled with gas ,still the same problem. Ended up replacing with a new unit.

      • elcap on 28/12/2017 - 18:10
        +3

        just a side comment on the 6 months rent in advance, the RE holds that and only distributes it to the landlord on a monthly basis. So from a landlords point of view, they are guaranteed for those 6 months to get the rent on time, but not in advance.
        just wanted to clear it up cos my RE was promoting it like it was a big incentive for the landlord when i was trying to get a rental. If i was choosing a renter, the rent in advance would not play a big part in the decision.

        Back on topic.
        As for the aircon, it doesnt sound like its working properly. what type is it? is it one of those big square ones that go through the wall?

  • spackbace on 27/12/2017 - 18:00
    +4

    maybe request reduced rent??

    No, push your rights to get it fixed asap.

    We dealt with a dodgy a/c in a rental, and the property manager and owner kept dragging their heels. When I looked up TASWA and found out my rights I let them know (via email, always via email)… 2 days later, new a/c :)

    • 777 on 27/12/2017 - 18:12
      -2

      in VIC, aircon is not essential in the matter of urgent repairs unlike WA and QLD. Here we have gas heaters:P

      • spackbace on 27/12/2017 - 18:15
        +1

        Not 'urgent' per se, but still needs to be done

        https://www.tuv.org.au/advice/air-conditioner-repairs/

        Does the landlord have to get the air-conditioner fixed?
        Yes. Anything provided by the landlord must be maintained and repaired if necessary. This is the landlord’s duty and repairing and maintaining air-conditioning falls under this duty.
        There are a couple of exceptions: 1) if you and your landlord agreed in your lease that the air-conditioner was not working and does not form part of the rented premises; or 2) if the air-conditioner was damaged due to your lack of care, and the landlord has given you a notice to fix the damage. [Section 68 Residential Tenancies Act (1997)]

        How do I get the air-conditioner fixed?
        Read Is fixing the air-conditioner an urgent repair? and then follow the steps for urgent repairs or non-urgent repairs.
        To request non-urgent repairs, you should complete a Notice to Landlord form (CAV website).

        • Make sure you include the landlord’s name on the form and list all the repairs needed.
        • When you have filled in the form keep two copies for yourself.
        • Deliver the notice to the landlord or real estate agent personally or by registered post.
        • When they receive the Notice to Landlord, the landlord has 14 days to carry out the repairs.
        • 777 on 27/12/2017 - 18:19
          -2

          yes that's for urgent repairs, non urgent are either 14/21 days

        • spackbace on 27/12/2017 - 18:26
          +3

          @777:

          Yep, its all right there in my comment as to how to go about it:

          To request non-urgent repairs, you should complete a Notice to Landlord form (CAV website).

          .

          When they receive the Notice to Landlord, the landlord has 14 days to carry out the repairs.

          It'd be easier for OP to send an email, along the lines of "I could send this form etc, but can you just arrange it for me…?"

        • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 19:44

          @Spackbace: We actually had an inspection on the 1st of Dec and I reported it in the maintenance report then so the RE has written proof of this but I don't. Its now been 27 days since first being reported and I have followed up via phone twice but still no repair man in sight.

        • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 19:53
          +1

          @Spackbace: I've notified the RE, isn't it their job to facilitate communication between renter and LL? Not sure why I should have to bypass the RE myself and go directly to the LL….

        • athk on 29/12/2017 - 08:14
          +1

          @SkMed:

          Correct, renter shouldn't be talking to the landlord.

          That said, my last agent was so hopeless my landlord ended up giving me his number.

        • salem on 29/12/2017 - 09:40

          @athk: also always take a copy of the maintenance reports at each inspection. Back when I was renting it was a triplicate form, one each for agent, tenant and landlord (this was some years back, and ACT, so might not be entirely applicable). If they won't or don't make a copy for you, ask to take a photo of the report with your phone.

      • mysterytal on 27/12/2017 - 18:16

        Even gas central heating is not considered an urgent repair. As long as there is a working electric socket an electric heater can be used and the resident has heat.

        Quotes can then be obtained over several days to fix the gas heater at some point.

        • 777 on 27/12/2017 - 18:22

          not sure about that, as it may cost them "substantially" buying new heater and cost, might have to reimburse them-which we have done in the past

        • mysterytal on 27/12/2017 - 18:39

          @777:

          Cheaper than providing alternative accommodation. It can take a few days to find an engineer in the middle of winter when they're in high demand so providing an electric heater for the short term is a reasonable option whilst getting repair quotes.

          We're also talking about Melbourne… it doesn't get cold enough to snow.

        • 777 on 27/12/2017 - 18:48

          @mysterytal: lol yeah tell Consumer affairs that it doesn't snow here. Even in spring and autumn it is urgent
          I remember ringing all day to find a plumber to replace a hot water system(gas) which is considered urgent, and cost me nearly $400 extra in urgent callouts

        • mysterytal on 27/12/2017 - 18:58

          @777:

          I'm just saying…one way of turning an urgent repair into a non-urgent repair is to provide an alternative source of heating and that can be achieved by providing electric heaters which are very cheap to buy. It's not long term but it keeps the tenants warm whilst waiting for the main system to be repaired which may take several days if the entire system needs replacing.

          There are alternatives to providing hot water too. In my property I have a gas hot water system with electric backup. There is no need to pay $400 extra in urgent callouts.

        • 777 on 27/12/2017 - 19:07

          @mysterytal: A gas hot water system with electric backup - I'm intrigued never heard of such system or you actually have 2 sources in your shower?

  • mysterytal on 27/12/2017 - 18:04

    Sounds like it needs a service which your landlord should be providing.

  • 777 on 27/12/2017 - 18:26
    +1

    anyone wondering difference between urgent and non-urgent repairs -look at this

    https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/during-a-lea…
    vs
    https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/during-a-lea…

    • spackbace on 27/12/2017 - 18:30

      As per my comment, the tenants advice service make it pretty clear how to go about requesting the repairs of the a/c unit, including the 14 days they have to get it fixed.

      • 777 on 27/12/2017 - 18:45

        Yes your comments are correct in regards to a/c only. There are other things in Victoria and Tassie which are urgent which aren't in other states

        • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 19:48

          Yeah I already read up and know that Air con isn't an urgent repair, but going on 27 days since first reported and still nothing has been done.

          I guess I am within my right to push to have it looked at/fixed and ask for reduced rent at this point.

  • chris77 on 27/12/2017 - 18:53

    Stupid question, but is it an actual air con and not evaporative cooling? Those temps would be quite normal for evap.

    • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 19:45

      How would I go about figuring this out? Looks like a normal air con unit to me. Has a box outside too.

      • Caped Baldy on 27/12/2017 - 19:50
        +1

        How old does it look? Chances are the gas has leaked and it needs to be recharged.

        • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 19:55

          Not sure, first aircon Ive ever had. Maybe 10 years old?… its not one of those types that sit in a window cavity but one thats a white rectangular box with a remote and properly installed in the lounge and has a box outside the building….

        • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 19:57

          I did try find info about it using the brand and model ID but wasnt really able to find much at all, not even enough to be able to figure out what the lit up icons on the front panel mean (one may be a re-gas icon from what I can tell)

        • hooyn on 28/12/2017 - 12:45

          @SkMed: Can you tell us what make model it is?

        • SkMed on 28/12/2017 - 15:53

          @hooyn: Just dug out the info I found last month.

          Its a Chunlan 2.6kW Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner.
          Model: KFR-25GW/AZ3Wa-E0

          This one:
          http://nightingalecc.com.au/chunlan-2-6kw-reverse-cycle-air-…

          Still unable to find any user manual online for this exact model though :(

        • BartholemewH on 28/12/2017 - 20:27

          @SkMed:
          2.6kw is pretty small in air conditioning terms and Chunlan isn't exactly a market leader. They could service the unit, but as the saying goes 'with very few exceptions as demonstrated on Mythbusters, you can't polish a turd'.

      • chris77 on 27/12/2017 - 20:52

        Usually evaporative coolers have a large unit sitting on the roof. Sounds like you have a split system air conditioner.

        • SkMed on 28/12/2017 - 15:54

          Yeah just dug out the info, its a Chunlan 2.6kW Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner.

  • Gronk on 27/12/2017 - 19:09
    +2

    Unfortunately, there's not a great deal you can do, I had a very similar experience at the last property I lived at.

    Our last property had ducted air conditioning and heating, all the townhouses in the estate had the exact same setup and were fed from a common line in from the street. The main issue was that the feed in from the street could only supply about 50% of the power that was needed when everybody got home on a hot afternoon and started firing up their A/C.

    This meant that inevitably, on days above 35C you would lose power for some amount of hours because the common breaker would eventually get tripped and we'd need to call the provider to come and reset it, because the meters were all in a locked cabinet. Initially, they were quick to respond and we'd normally see someone within 30 - 60 mins, but the last time it happened it took over 5 hours.

    It was during the course of all this excitement that I learned that while heating is an essential service, air conditioning is not, so there is no formal action you as a tenant can take to force the landlord to do something about the issue with your air con. You might get lucky because by the sounds of it your issue could be resolved without the involvement of body corporate, but there's no legal obligation on the landlord's part to fix the A/C.

    • [Deactivated] on 29/12/2017 - 05:15

      Failure by design. That sucks.

  • CyberMurning on 27/12/2017 - 19:19

    From landlord point of view.
    If I had paid proper depreciations scheduled report prepared years ago and now changing all the Aircon, by end of this tax year can I just claim the rest of the old Aircon cost and then start new separate depreciation record for what, 10 years?
    (using Excel)

    • SlickMick on 28/12/2017 - 09:22
      +3

      Google ato for life of air con, but yes that's how it works

  • robbyjones on 27/12/2017 - 20:33
    +2

    The air conditioner in the unit I rent out in Sydney wasn't working on the hottest day of the year 41c. I treated it as an emergency repair and approved an urgent call out fee. The agent had been to the unit to check it wasn't a user issue prior to calling. This is the difference between having a good agent and an owner that values a great tenant and a crap agent. If you are not receiving any response from the agent it could be that they are very lax and perhaps the owner isn't aware. Take it further but not directly to the owner because as far as you are concerned the agent is the owner, unless you have the owners email address then copy them in the correspondence.

  • bigticket on 27/12/2017 - 22:46
    +1

    Check your lease and the original advert as well what the real estate had said or emailed. If there is any mention of a/c and there isn't anything to the contrary, then you may have a course of action.

    Also, excluding any operator error, the a/c does sound faulty. If it is set to 18C, then if after the a/c has stabilised after running some time you would expect the vent temp to be around 18C otherwise it will never cool the room to that temperature. Hope that helps.

    • SkMed on 27/12/2017 - 22:49

      Yeah it was advertised and leased out as having a working AC, thanks, that does help!

  • Stevek1960 on 28/12/2017 - 08:33
    +4

    My brother isnt the sharpest tool in the shed but he had a similar problem. He had it set to 20 and it was always warm in the room until i pointed out that he had it in the wrong mode. Once he changed modes to ensure the snowflake was showing it froze his proverbials off.

    • Euphemistic on 28/12/2017 - 09:01

      Interesting. That could be the cause if the system is working properly. If it is in heat mode, it will just be pumping out air, not heated air. Could also be in dehumidify mode.

      Setting the temp lower on the AC unit won't actually lower the temp of the air, it will still pump out at the same temp, but just run for longer to reduce the room temp. Setting it to 22 will do exactly the same if the room is at 30 as setting it to 18 does until the room temp reaches 22. When the room reaches 22 the AC will cut out the cooling cycle if it is set to 22 and just blow air, if it is set to 18 it will keep blowing out cooled air until it reaches 18 (which is too cold to be comfortable in summer)

      • SkMed on 28/12/2017 - 10:36

        Yeah mine wont get anywhere near 22 even when set on 18.

    • Zondor on 28/12/2017 - 09:39

      I also had this issue sadly.

    • SkMed on 28/12/2017 - 10:35

      Nah, it has several different modes (none are really clear) but I tried them all and they don't seem to make any differrence.

      • Eeples on 28/12/2017 - 12:01

        Google the model and download the manual. And read it.

        • SkMed on 28/12/2017 - 15:46

          Yeah I tried but didn't have any luck finding one. Its some obscure chinese brand as far as I could tell.

  • stevednj48 on 28/12/2017 - 10:01

    The filters probably need a clean.

    • serpserpserp on 28/12/2017 - 10:20
      +3

      Filter has nothing to do with air temp coming out of the aircon.

    • bumblebeetuna on 28/12/2017 - 10:26

      Came here to say the same. Clean filters do make a difference and should be relatively straightforward to do.

    • SkMed on 28/12/2017 - 10:37

      Oh yes, sorry forgot ot mention I already did this too after someone at work told me about it. Took ages to get them out but finally did and they were filthy! Cleaning them showed no improvement though :(

  • Mike88 on 28/12/2017 - 10:27
    +7

    Hi I am an AC mech by trade.
    By the sounds of things you likely have an issue with your AC. Supply Temperatures from vent should be roughly 10-15 degrees lower than your return air(normally just your room air depending on where it draws air from). As the temperature in the room decreases the air out will too.
    As a consumer check/clean your filters and if there is any kind of error log. Google make/model of AC and you will likely be able obtain instructions of how to retrieve error codes if it is applicable. This is useful to provide to AC repairer prior to visit as it may allow them to diagnose potential issues before attending(saves having to return with parts)

    • SkMed on 28/12/2017 - 10:43
      +1

      Thanks mate!

      Yeah definitely something up. The difference between the air coming out of the vent and room temp is only ever about a 5 degrees difference.

      I pulled out the filters last month and cleaned them but it didn't help (forgot to mention this in OP).

      I also tried googling the model/make to find out what the lit up icons on the front panel mean but its an obscure chinese brand and I couldn't find anything at all on those. There are two icons that are lit up, and they are pretty obscure, One is a red circle with a vertical red line through it, and the other is a green icon with some weird graphic which may be a re-gas icon?

      • Mike88 on 28/12/2017 - 11:15

        It won’t be a regas icon as AC shouldn’t need to be regassed(only if there is a leak somewhere).
        Lights can mean anything, would need the manual to advise.
        Circle with a line through is generally a power symbol, likely on/off indication. Other could be a snowflake for cooling mode but just a guess.
        You will need someone to diagnose what the issue is.

      • kingmw on 28/12/2017 - 11:17

        We had a similar problem within 1 week after installation of a brand new air con. Had it serviced twice (under warranty) and eventually they found a refrigerant leak in the pipes and had to reweld the connection. No problems since then.

        • xuqi on 28/12/2017 - 13:22

          We had the same as the idiot installers didn't do a proper job and it leaked out all its refrigerant.

          Called them back and after a visit & re-gas the next day everything was as should be.

        • Mike88 on 28/12/2017 - 23:17
          +6

          @xuqi: ever do something incorrectly in your job?
          Can’t comment on your installers work personally but if the only reason you are calling them idiots is because they had a leaking connection that’s pretty ruthless.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 28/12/2017 - 10:51

    I like it cool in the house, so set mine to 23c,which is fine with the dehumidifying effect of the aircon.

    It's a 5kw inverter unit and easily maintains the lounge, dining and kitchen area at that temperature when it's 35c outside (it's only running part load).

    Measured the output temp to be around 4c at the vents, when set to max cool.

    • SkMed on 28/12/2017 - 10:55

      :O Wow 4c coming out of the vents? Wow, yeah mine is buggered if thats what its supposed to be doing haha.

      • OzzyOzbourne on 28/12/2017 - 10:57
        +1

        Yeah the output temp should be just above freezing.

        Yours hopefully might just need regassing.

        • SkMed on 28/12/2017 - 10:59

          Im hoping so too, I assume that would take less time to organise than a whole new unit installation. One of the obscure icons lit up on the panel may be a re-gas icon, but really cant be sure.

  • stumo on 28/12/2017 - 14:28
    +6

    Assuming its not an inverter model, after its been running for a few minutes, turn it off. Then turn it back on and go outside to the outdoor unit.

    On the outdoor unit you should hear/feel/see the big fan running. Then after about 3 minutes you should be able to hear the compressor kick in.

    If it doesnt kick in or it makes a loud hum noise, then its the start/run capacitor. If it does kick in the its probably lost refrigerant due to a leak.

    If you can see or feel the copper pipes/fittings on the outdoor unit… the fatter pipe/fitting should feel like a cold beer with condensation on it. If ether pipe is frozen then youve lost refrigerant.

    Similar with the indoor unit. If you take out the filters, put your hand against the fins. Your hand should get cold after a few seconds and it should be the same the whole way along the unit. If its frozen at one end then its low on refrigerant. If its not cold at all then its a compressor issue.

  • Name on 28/12/2017 - 18:32
    +1

    Sounds like it needs re-gasing. It cost me around $100 to get mine regassed about 15 years ago.

    • SkMed on 06/01/2018 - 17:25

      Had it re-gassed and a leak fixed on Tuesday, but 42 degrees today outside and inside is still nearing 35 with the aircon running all day. I suspect its screwed and needs replacing.

  • LUTSlit on 28/12/2017 - 18:42
    +1

    This is the rental department we are talking about here.

    They need to be chased up four million times by way of email and grumpy calls to get anything done.

    The Rental Property Managers role is duck, dodge, lie and cheat. Keep at them.

  • ganymede on 28/12/2017 - 20:21
    -1

    Hi OP,if the reverse cycle aircon is working properly the temperature at the barrel fan unit should be below freezing, if not then the cooling coil must be very dirty and clogged or the unit is undersized.

    • Mike88 on 28/12/2017 - 23:12

      Actually the complete opposite, coil should not be freezing and would be caused by dirty filter/coil

  • lgacb08 on 28/12/2017 - 21:05

    I got an infrared thermometer and checked a few of my aircon equipment, temperature on the vent was around 10-15 for them, including car aircon. The new split unit can actually give like 8 degrees but that's not even the most powerful settings. Even the portable aircon which sucks at keeping the room temperature down give reading around 14-15. Your unit is definitely faulty. And it sounds like the landlord bought a cheap no name brand just to make it appealing to the tenant so I guess they won't be very enthusiastic about fixing it.

  • NuclearWessels on 28/12/2017 - 21:13

    I'm in Brissy so a bit warmer and I have my aircon set to 23-24. Sounds like yours is bust

  • pistachio on 29/12/2017 - 00:12

    This happened to me before when I first moved in current home.
    There was an air conditioner but not cool enough air came out.
    Told RE in writing that I signed the rental agreement of the property with a 'working air conditioner'.
    Landlord came and checked.
    In the end he installed a new one.

    Don't hesitate to speak up.

  • CalmLemons on 29/12/2017 - 01:21

    Be reasonable. Don't be a prick about it - you're not atm - but try not to listen too much to the others on these forums. I've had good tenants who keep the place nice and clean, pay rent on time and I have instruction to the real estate agent to get anything fixed asap without even asking me if it's under $500. If something like aircon needs to be replaced (VERY RARE) be aware it can take up to 2-3 weeks and longer during holidays to get a decent trade to do it. Sounds like it will just need some gas or a replacement fan for the master unit/some other component to push around the gas.

  • ChaLuo on 29/12/2017 - 09:05
    +1

    well OP… good news is that the peak of summer is almost over

  • myfuturej on 29/12/2017 - 12:31
    +2

    I’d say there is a problem with your unit. Something similar happened to us 2 years ago.

    AC seems to be working as I can feel some cool breeze when I place my hand nearby, but doesn’t cool the room at all. I called the property manager who scheduled a repair after 2 weeks (bummer that it happened during Christmas as well and she was on annual leave) and another week for the real estate company’s tradie to check the unit. It is a Mitsubishi aircon and we were told that we have to contact the manufacturer directly and schedule a repair. Of course, this has to go through the Property manager once again. When we finally got hold of Mitsubishi’s tech guy, he said that he neeeded to replace some parts of the unit. Apparently, these parts are not readily available and they have to order them from God knows where as it took months to arrive. By that time, I stopped following-up as it was already April. Anyway, by October, the Mitsubishi guys were finally able to fix the unit, just in time for the end of Spring.

    • sajidmib on 29/12/2017 - 13:04

      Did u. claim any rent back?

  • KmkZ on 29/12/2017 - 23:11

    Do you have a screw driver? Take the fins of the bottom, unscrew and unclip the face plate of the unit. if you want to be safer then turn off the unit at the switch connected to the outside unit. When you take the face plate off how much dust is built up on the inside (should be the coils and that) then you'll either see it's absolutely filthy with debris on the coils and internals which would need to be professionally cleaned out or there's actually something else wrong with the unit.)

  • drillvoice on 31/12/2017 - 11:13

    I'm really interested by this post - I have been working on issues around rental properties and heating and cooling. It looks like lots of the advice above is good, but if you have any issues with your landlord, I'd be happy to help out if I can! If you are interested, you can check out https://comfyhomes.org/ or "Comfy Homes" on Facebook to see more about these issues for renters.

  • SkMed on 31/12/2017 - 15:48

    Thaks for the suggestions all. I have tried a few of the suggestions but nothing seems to be helping to get this air con working properly. Ive been on the RE's case to get someone out and finally they passed the Air Con repairmans number on and said I can chase them up, however they are off until the 15th of Jan :/

    RE Suggested if I can find someone else and then let them know rough quote to take a look I could get someone else in to look at it.

    Anyone got any recommendations for Air Con repair/quotes in Northern Melb? If not im just going to start googling around at random.

    Thanks,

  • SkMed on 06/01/2018 - 16:15

    So we had an Air Con technician out on Tuesday and he apparently fixed a leak and added some more gas to our Aircon for $220.
    After a quick test on a non-hot day the temp did seem to be better, 25 degrees outside, Temp set to 18 and air coming out from vent was around 17-18 degrees, however it wouldnt lower the room temp below 20…

    However today we have had it on all day for this scorcher 42 degree day and it doesn't seem to be helping.
    It started off ok, but now has been running on 18degrees for 6 hours.
    Its currently 4pm and the the vent temp is coming out at 30, the room temp is 34, and outside its 42.

    I just went into the bedroom (non-air conditioned room) and the temp is the same… maybe even slightly cooler then the room which we have the air con :(

    The vent is technically pumping air that is about 12 degrees cooler than outsdie, and the room is 8 degrees cooler than outside, however I think the room would be the same temp even if we had the aircon off all day.

    Is this normal for a home aircon? I mean I expected it to struggle but we are still running fans and sweating inside…
    Am I now within my right to ask for a new Air Con or a permanent rent reduction if they don't replace it?

    Thanks,

    • mysterytal on 06/01/2018 - 16:29

      No not yet. You just need to keep on reporting it to the landlord and they'll keep sending a technician.

      The air con is not designed to reduce the room temperature to 18 degrees. It'll reduce the room temperature somewhat but asking the air con to reduce the temp from 42 to 18 degrees is beyond it's design capabilities.

      You can't expect a rent reduction in Melbourne for a lack of working air con. You'll be saving money by not using it.

      • SkMed on 06/01/2018 - 16:39

        Haha, well it ended up being me who organised the technician to come out. I paid it and have to get reimbursed by the RE :(

        I know it wouldn't bring it down to 18, but I would have expected it to bring the temp down to a relatively comfortable level, under 30 at least. I actually just checked the bedroom (non-air-conditioned room) and its 1 degree cooler than the room with the Aircon :/

        The rent on this place is very high, but the fact that it had and Aircon was the main reason for justifying paying such a high price, surely if the Air-conditioner isn't working then it either needs to be replaced or the rent reduced? Is there actually a rule/law saying that this isn't possible? Its an appliance that isn't working so I would assume VCAT would award in a tenants favour if it came to that.

        I don't mind paying a few $$ each day for a working air-con, if they don't replace it I will likely have to buy a portable one instead.

        • mysterytal on 06/01/2018 - 16:46

          Repairing it is still an option. They do not have to replace it.

          A portable air con is very inefficient. Not much better than a fan. They'll remove about the same amount of heat than they add. They add heat by having the compressor inside the house and by pulling hot sir from outside into the house by the action of the exhaust. They'll cost significantly more to run than an split system with an equivalent output.

          Keep reporting the fault.

        • SkMed on 06/01/2018 - 16:58

          @mysterytal:

          Just reading on tenants Victoria and seems that I can take things further if the LL/RE don't fix the aircon properly and possibly have the rent reduced if they aren't able to fix or don't replace it.

          Although it does sound like a lot of work just to get the aircon i'm already paying for to work correctly :/
          The rental industry in Aus really needs a good shake up to make things like this much more simplified and fair :(

          https://www.tuv.org.au/advice/air-conditioner-repairs/

          "What can I do if they don’t fix it, or don’t fix it properly?
          If the repairs are not completed within 14 days or if you think the repairs aren’t satisfactory, you can request an inspection of the repairs by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)."

          "After an inspection, if they find that the landlord has not completed adequate repairs, they may negotiate with the landlord to complete the repairs."

          "What if the landlord still doesn’t do the repairs after the report?
          If you have received the inspectors report from Consumer Affairs Victoria but the landlord still hasn’t adequately completed the repairs, you can apply to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a hearing within 60 days of receiving the report."

          "The tribunal may also order compensation assessed at a daily rate for as long as the landlord continues to breach their repair duty. [Section 209 Residential Tenancies Act (1997)]"

        • mysterytal on 06/01/2018 - 17:08

          @SkMed:

          Summer will be over by then. As long as they're complying by sending a technician every time you report a fault and the landlord does everything the technician recommends such as in your case sealing the leak and topping up the gas then there's nothing else you can do.

        • SkMed on 06/01/2018 - 17:21

          @mysterytal:

          We plan to be here for at least 5+ years and even discussed the idea of signing a long-term lease with the RE, I know its probably not going to help this summer, but better to get the ball rolling and have it replaced for next Summer at least.

          Also it's a split system and the heating also doesn't really work properly either so would be nice to have working heating in the winter too even though we tend to just rug up instead.

          I know that heating IS actually considered an urgent repair, so worse case I will just have to report that part as not-working correctly once it starts cooling down and then I believe that they will be required to fix/replace it by law and would be easier to have Tenants Victoria come out and confirm that.

          I highly doubt they can just perpetually send out a technician and there isn't anything I can do. If so there is something seriously wrong with the system.

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