Services: Air Conditioning Service & Repairs and Air Conditioning Installation
Location: Narrabundah, Canberra
A homeowner in a spacious villa within a larger Narrabundah residential complex could no longer keep their home at a comfortable temperature.
Even when the ducted system was running, very little air moved through the rooms. The temperature would not stay where it was set, and the indoor fan made a strong whining sound.
For the homeowner, this meant running a noisy system without getting the heating or cooling they needed.
Our inspection found that the indoor board and fan motor had failed. The existing Toshiba system was also only 7kW, while the villa needed a unit closer to 14kW.
We removed the failed equipment and installed a larger ducted reverse-cycle system better suited to the home.
A Villa That Would Not Stay Comfortable
The homeowner told us the system could not reach or hold the selected temperature.
Airflow was extremely poor, and a strong whining sound was coming from the indoor fan motor.
Even with the system running, the rooms were not getting enough heating or cooling.
This was affecting the homeowner’s daily comfort and making the system costly to keep running with little result.
Why the Old System Was Struggling
Our checks found that the main control board was sending too much voltage to the indoor fan motor.
The indoor board and fan motor had both failed.
We also found that the existing Toshiba system was too small. It had a capacity of about 7kW, while the villa needed a unit closer to 14kW.
Repairing the failed parts would not have solved the sizing problem. The home needed a larger system that could better manage the heating and cooling needs of the villa.
What Could Have Happened if It Was Left
The old system was already struggling to move air through the villa.
If it had remained in use, the failed fan motor or control board may have stopped working completely. The undersized unit may also have kept running for long periods without reaching the selected temperature.
This could have used more power, placed extra strain on the remaining parts and left the homeowner without reliable heating or cooling during very hot or cold weather.
Replacing the system gave the homeowner a better long-term result than repairing failed parts in equipment that was still too small.
Removing the Old Equipment
Our team disconnected and removed the old Toshiba indoor and outdoor units.
The new system was planned around the villa’s existing layout. The replacement units were installed in the same locations as the old equipment.
This allowed us to use the established installation areas while replacing the failed and undersized system.
The old equipment and waste were removed from the home.
Installing the Larger Ducted System
We installed new Panasonic indoor and outdoor units for the larger ducted reverse-cycle system.
The outdoor unit was mounted on stumps in the existing outdoor location beside the villa.
We also installed about 15 metres of refrigeration pipework. The external pipes were finished with a dune-coloured metal cover to protect them and keep the installation neat.
A new power isolator was also fitted.
Adapting the AirTouch Controls
The villa already had an AirTouch control system.
Our team upgraded and adapted the existing setup so it could work with the new Panasonic ducted system.
This allowed the homeowner to keep using the AirTouch controls to manage the temperature across the home.
Completing the Electrical and Pipework
Our team connected the electrical supply in line with the required Australian standards.
The refrigeration pipework was also installed in line with the required standards and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Before starting the system, we evacuated the pipework to 400 microns. This removed air and moisture from inside the pipes so the system could work as intended.
Testing and Handing Over the System
Once the installation was complete, we tested and commissioned the new Panasonic system.
We checked that it started correctly, responded to the controls and delivered airflow through the villa.
The homeowner was shown how to operate the system, use the AirTouch controls and care for the equipment.
All packaging, debris and waste were removed before the job was handed over.
Stronger Airflow and Better Temperature Control
Our final checks confirmed that:
- the failed Toshiba system had been removed
- the old 7kW system had been replaced
- a larger Panasonic ducted reverse-cycle system had been installed
- the new units had been fitted in the existing locations
- the outdoor unit had been mounted on stumps
- the new pipework had been installed and covered
- a new power isolator had been fitted
- the AirTouch controls had been adapted
- the system had been tested and commissioned
- the homeowner had been shown how to use it
- all packaging and waste had been removed
The homeowner was left with stronger airflow, easier temperature control and a system better suited to the villa.
Instead of running an old system for long periods with little result, they could now heat and cool their home with equipment designed for the space.
Is Your Ducted System Struggling?
Signs your ducted air-conditioning system may need attention include:
- rooms not reaching the selected temperature
- weak airflow from the vents
- whining, rattling or unusual sounds
- the system running for long periods
- some rooms staying too hot or cold
- controls not responding properly
- the system turning off without warning
- higher power use without better comfort
Learn more about our air-conditioning repair services and air-conditioning installation services, or contact JML Trades to arrange an inspection.
