Top 5 Ducted Air Con Troubleshooting Tips

With the weather gradually picking up the heat as we inch closer towards summer, chances are many of us will be picking up the use of our ducted air con systems. So before that happens, you want to be confident that yours is in peak working condition.

Well-maintained ducted systems provide complete temperature control with optimal energy efficiency, allowing you to enjoy cool air in every room of your home. So when your system suddenly stops performing to its usual high standard, it’s important to try and resolve the issue ASAP.

Regular, consistent maintenance can help avoid costly repairs and ensure your system continues to deliver conditioned air efficiently. Let’s look at the top 5 basic troubleshooting tips for ducted air conditioners.

Before we look at the best ways to troubleshoot a ducted system, let’s first look at how they work.

Also known as central air conditioning, ducted air conditioners are a great way to keep your whole home comfortable. The system has an indoor unit, usually tucked away in the roof, and an outdoor unit placed outside. Together, they distribute cool or warm air through ducts that use vents in multiple rooms to make sure every space stays at just the right temperature.

By using a centralised system, ducted air conditioning offers consistent comfort in all areas of the house, unlike split systems that only cool individual rooms. It’s an efficient and discreet solution that ensures your home stays comfortable all year round.

With that in mind, let’s now look at some general ways to troubleshoot your ducted air conditioning system should you run into trouble. Note that this is just very general information – for more specific instructions always refer to the manufacturer’s system manual.

One of the easiest ways to troubleshoot your ducted air conditioner is by checking the thermostat settings.

Accidentally setting your air con to the wrong temperature is more common than you’d think. This simple mistake can explain why your ducted air conditioning system isn’t delivering the cold air you expect. Make sure you have set your system to the desired temperature, and that you’ve switched the mode to cooling or heating, depending on the season.

Also, make sure you haven’t got the thermostat in direct sunlight, near air vents or near heat sources. These can cause the system to misread the room’s temperature and overwork. Proper thermostat settings are key to maintaining optimal home comfort.

To keep your ducted air con running efficiently, it’s well worth your while to regularly inspect the system’s indoor unit and outdoor unit. Much like a split system air conditioning unit, these two parts work together to deliver conditioned air throughout your home. Therefore, any blockage or damage can impact the system’s performance.

• Begin with a thorough check of the outdoor unit for any debris, like leaves or dirt, that might be obstructing airflow.
• Get rid of any obstructions to help your system breathe easier.
• Take a look at the indoor unit and make sure nothing is blocking the vents.
• Clean filters regularly to keep the cool air flowing freely.

A quick inspection of outdoor and indoor units can save you from bigger issues in the future.

Keeping the ducts and vents of your ducted air conditioning system clean is crucial for enjoying the best possible airflow. Over time, dust and debris can build up inside the ductwork. This diminishes the overall efficiency of your system and makes it harder for cool air to circulate through your home.

To avoid this problem, check and clean the vents in each room regularly to make sure they’re free of dust and blockages. If you notice that certain rooms aren’t cooling as well as others, it might be a sign of a blockage in the ducts, especially in the roof space. Cleaning the vents is a relatively simple task that anyone can do. However, for a deep clean of your ducts, you will need a licensed technician.

Clean ducts allow your ducted air conditioning system to work at its best, keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills lower.

One of the simplest ways to make sure your ducted air conditioning system is working properly is to simply gauge the airflow in several rooms of your home. Uneven cooling throughout the house, with some rooms feeling cooler than others, can point to an issue within your ducted system.

The first step is to check the vents in each room to make sure they are open and free from obstructions. If certain rooms still aren’t receiving the same level of conditioned air, the problem could lie in the ducting or internal unit. Uneven airflow might mean a leak or blockage in the ducts which stops cool air from reaching individual rooms effectively.

It’s worth noting that many ducted reverse cycle systems come with zone control that allow you to set different temperatures in different rooms. This can, of course, account for airflow differences between rooms. But once you’ve ruled that out as the issue, monitoring airflow ensures your ducted air con keeps every room comfortable.

5. Reset the System to Fix Minor Glitches

A simple reset can sometimes fix minor glitches in your ducted air conditioning system. If your air con isn’t running as expected or you notice the cool air isn’t flowing evenly, try restarting the system.

Start by turning off your ducted air con at the thermostat and the power source. Wait a few minutes before turning it back on to give the system enough time to reset fully. Once powered up, check if the system is now working correctly.

Resetting can resolve minor software or operational issues, especially with advanced systems like ducted reverse cycle air conditioners. This quick fix could save you the hassle of a bigger repair in the future.

When to Call a Licensed Professional for Help

While basic troubleshooting can resolve some issues with your ducted air con, there will likely be times when you’ll need a licensed air con technician. Professional assistance at least once a year is your best plan of attack against persistent problems like:

• weak airflow
• unusual noises, or
• the system not cooling or heating properly

A qualified technician can spot and fix any tricky issues, making sure your ducted air conditioning runs smoothly. They’re also great for regular maintenance, which helps keep your system in good shape for years to come.

If you’re thinking about getting a new system, proper installation is crucial to making sure it works well in the long run. Check out our blog on the benefits of professional air conditioner installation to learn why it’s important to trust the experts with your cooling and heating needs.

Keep Your Ducted Air Con Running Smoothly

A well-maintained ducted air conditioning system is the key to home comfort all year round. By following simple troubleshooting tips like checking thermostat settings, cleaning ducts and vents, and monitoring airflow in multiple rooms, you can keep your system performing at its best.

Regularly inspecting the indoor and outdoor units ensures smooth operation, while resetting the system can solve minor glitches. Remember, calling a licensed professional for repairs or maintenance will help prevent larger issues and keep your ducted air con energy efficient.

With proper care, your ducted air conditioner will continue to provide consistent temperature control, keeping your entire house comfortable no matter the season.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.