G'day dudes and dudettes
I've got a couple of split-system Mitsu electric air-cons which ive had for about 3 years and havent yet serviced. I'm wondering how necessary it is? It costs about $300 to get them both done from the installer (BrisbaneAir) so I'm reluctant as money is tight.
That being said, if it's really necessary I'll prolly have it done. I clean the filters every few months so do what I can but just wondering what others have to contribute on this?
Cheers!
I said in my OP ^^ that i clean the filters every few months. So how does this affect your opinion?
I see. There's not much the service does other than check for gas leaks and regas.
Of course, regassing is probably gonna be +$
Ps. Apologies for overlooking your filter comment. Speed read.
No worries and cheers for the comment! (Btw i didnt neg u)
If it’s running ok and you’re cleaning the filters then I wouldn’t be worried about paying for a service. Check your outside unit that it is clear of leaves and any obstructions so the unit can “breathe” and any drain pipes are clear.
yep…I agree :)
Our supplier/installer (Snap Air Comditionimg - also Brisbane) - he supplied a 2nd unit this year.
We asked again. He specifically said no. ELPA is right about the outside unit, drains etc too.
If you are using in summer a lot, the filters may need cleaning more often. They told me every time ivacuum.
We have to buy additional HEPA and carbon filters when required - but they are not indicating it is needed on the first unit yet. It is only used in summer on those hot days. It is mostly off by 6-7 pm - except those balmy nights we had this last summer.
What does a split service even do? It's just a clean, nothing gets oiled or changed does it?
They clean the filters (shocking, most people don't do this) and in certain areas, during use moist coils cause dust to stick to them slowly blocking them, so they do a chem wash of the cooling coils, as blocked or reduced cooling coils, reduce the air flow so the AC doesn't cool as well.
The filters are easy to do, OP is doing that already. The later clean will depend on the coil cond and what is built up on them.
For what they do, and get out have a look here
I've replaced the head units recently (all Mitsubishi) and the tech tradie threw out one of the smaller filters as there was 2 extra types of filters in the box. when I asked why he said the air isn't filthy here and it will stop some idiot trying to charge you a whole pile of money to service your units in a couple of months pretending a service was a big deal and selling you more of that filter. The one he left in out of the 2 extra's in the box can be cleaned with a vac.
so I did ask this question out of curiosity
He said 95% of service calls they go to are people who just don't do the required maintenance then end up paying someone like him to vacuum dirt off the units if it's been completely neglected to the point your indoor unit is icing up then they have to look into it more if the refrigerant coils are rusting evident in the residue in the drain pan,
In short he told me to keep doing what I was doing keep them clean and free of buildup including the compressor outside and only a major issue warrants a tech
I think you are doing the right thing and unless you can categorically say it's not feeling as cool anymore I'd continue with what your doing, I would just check the drain line and compressor on top of what your doing if it all looks clear put your money towards something you need.
They appear to be working perfectly well to me. However, i did have to clean some, like, dust buildup/mould off the louvres of one of them not too long ago which made me concerned maybe there is some buildup furhter inside where i can't see? Like, im kinda concerned about mould or dust in the pipes or something. The actual units are working great though and there's no issue with VISIBLE buildup, at least.
BTW just want to say thanks heaps to everyone for the helpful comments! I really appreciate it
We had 2 units installed 6 years ago and every year he company would ring trying to flog their servicing of the units. Each time the girl could not tell me exactly they would do for the $295 to service the unit - apart from cleaning the filter which I do regularly.
After 4 years I figured maybe time to get a service call and was told $315, I then said we have 2 units that would need servicing so what would that cost, you guessed it 2 x $315!
I asked why double the cost when they are already on-site. Fell on deaf ears and she would not budge from $630. Needless to say I never had them serviced and the units still run perfectly.
So, $300 a year x 6 (non) service calls and I am now at the breakeven point for the cost of the units.
The best thing you can do to 'service' your aircon is to run them monthly to ensure that the compressor gets lubed so it doesn't seize up.
Yeah right. And the filters?
Performance will drop if you dont get them serviced.
A service involves cleaning the filters as these quickly get blocked and more.
If they are not cleaned the system can overheat and hence burn out.
False economy not servicing air cond.
Hey, wanna buy a bridge?
The only thing that needs doing is cleaning the filters, and anyone can do that.
If you talk to a tradesman about it, they'll tell you the same, if they don't then find someone else. It's not exactly a con but it's close.
Qualifier - my brother is a refrigeration tradie, I just asked him.
Addendum: unless it's in the rare situation of being installed where it shouldn't have and the unit is exposed to contaminants.
Can you tell me what…overheats and burns out?
Your wallet….
I have an old Fujitsu rev cycle air-con, ~ 15 years old, and have never got it serviced, I live remote.
all I do is make sure the outdoor unit is clear of grass & things from the intake side; but I make sure the surrounds are clear too.
check & clean the filters on the inside unit every month & wash as required.
once a year I get my air compressor & give the the area where the filters are a good blow out.
I then lower the fan louvers, so I can see the barrel fan, and clean all the junk off the barrel fan. I use a screwdriver so the fan turns slowly & does not spin out of control.
It is a messy job that will require a good vacuum afterwards, but at least the fan won't vibrate when the fan speed is turned to high.
I hope this helps :)
They will also inspect the units for anything out of the ordinary. Ours found a rat had been getting into the outdoor unit via the power/ gas line hole, and had made a nest. He cleaned it out and sealed up the hole with silicone, at no extra charge. Had the rat chewed on motherboards in there it could have been $$$ to repair. They will also check for gas leaks and repair + refill if necessary. I'd recommend doing it before the warranty runs out, then every 3-4 years.
If you are confident, you can turn power off to the outdoor unit (at circuit breaker or at unit power point if it has one). And take covers off with screwdriver to inspect interior if you like.
I have two Panasonic split systems in my home and one of them kept switching itself off.
I watched a DIY air con servicing YouTube video for an LG unit. When I removed the panels of the external units (cutting the fuse power to it first), the layout was exactly the same as the LG video, couldn't believe my luck. The video showed what to do with the hose so I was able to service it myself. The unit started working again.
For anyone who has never cleaned their air filters on the inside part of the unit, I strongly advise to pop the lid (just opens easily), pull them out and wash them now! It is incredible how much dust builds up and suffocates the system, burning out the motor.
That's good you are cleaning the filters regularly. I had to get both my splits systems looked at recently because, even though the filters were ok, the drip tray outlets became blocked and were dripping inside onto the carpet (a couple of litres a day!).
It cost me about $200 for the first one because he had to take it apart to access the drip tray and unblock it. The second one cost a lot less because I was having some other electrical work done at the time and he had his offsider do it. The first was not done by the installer, the second was.
ahh ty for this info. I have had a few droplets coming inside onto the carpet, but it's more like one or two droplets per hour so it's hardly anything. Actually, i think they did that even when they were brand new so i assume it's not a big deal. Thanks for your input though!
In those 3 years, have you at least cleaned the filter?
If not, chances are you're not DIY savvy whatsoever so no choice but pay since you're unlikely to know what you need and what is snake oil.