For most New Zelanders, our heat pumps / air conditioners are one of the most important features in our homes, keeping our air cool and dry throughout the humid summer months and warmer when the winter chills set in.

However, like all essential appliances, heat pumps / air conditioners also need ongoing care and maintenance and depending on use may require components to the repaired or even replaced.

Here’s how you can determine where your heat pump / air conditioner is in its lifecycle.

Is my heat pump / air conditioner due for professional service or repair?

If your heat pump / air conditioner is displaying any of these symptoms, it may need to be professionally serviced by a qualified heat pump / air conditioning technician:

• Warm air instead of cool air. If your heat pump / air conditioner is blowing warm air, it could be a sign of low refrigerant levels, clogged filters or a failing compressor.
• Strange noises. Unusual noises such as hissing, banging, or rattling could indicate a problem with the motor, fan or ductwork.
• Poor airflow. If the airflow from your heat pump / air conditioner vents is weak, it may be due to dirty air filters or a clogged air duct. Simple maintenance could solve the problem before any damage is caused.
• Uneven cooling. If you have a whole home ducted system and some rooms are cool and others are warm, it could be a sign of ductwork issues or a refrigerant leak.
• Increased energy bills. A poorly maintained heat pump / air conditioner may consume more energy, resulting in higher energy bills. If you’ve noticed an unusual spike that isn’t related to current climate conditions, it might be worth having a technician take a look.
• Bad odours. Foul odours coming from your heat pump / air conditioning unit could indicate the presence of mould or bacteria, which could be harmful to your health.
• Poor indoor air quality. Sneezing, itching, or watery eyes are all symptoms of poor air quality in your home, which could be caused by filters that need to be cleaned or replaced.
• Leaks. Puddles on the floor or wet streak marks running down the walls can indicate your heat pump / air conditioner has a leak which can be caused by a clogged drain line, blocked filters or a damaged pipe or coil.

Is my heat pump / air conditioner due for a replacement?

There are several reasons why you may need to replace your heat pump / air conditioning unit. Ideally, you’ll want to do so before peak summer or winter, but if your heat pump / air conditioner is not behaving as expected, get it checked. Your technician will know whether it is more cost-effective to repair the unit or replace it.

• Age. Depending on use, the average lifespan of a heat pump / air conditioning unit is 10 to 15 years. If your unit is approaching this age range, it may be time to consider a replacement.
• Frequent repairs. If you find yourself having to repair your air conditioner frequently, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.
• Inefficiency. Heat pumps / air conditioners that consume more energy without producing effective cooling as a result can be a reason to explore more efficient models.
• Uncomfortable temperatures. If your heat pump / air conditioner is unable to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home,  it needs to be seen by a heat pump / air conditioning specialist to determine the cause. The unit installed may have been too small to suit the size of the room or repairs may be required. It may be more cost effective to replace your current unit with a more energy efficient unit.

Is my heat pump / air conditioner due for an upgrade?

There are many reasons to upgrade your heat pump / air conditioning unit. Here are a few to consider:

• Improved energy efficiency. Upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient heat pump / air conditioning unit can help reduce your energy bills and have a positive impact on the environment. Some states offer rebates for more energy-efficient homes.
• Better indoor air quality. Upgraded heat pumps / air conditioners often have advanced air filtration systems that can improve the quality of the air in your home.
• Increased comfort. A newer, not necessarily larger heat pumps / air conditioning unit can help maintain more consistent temperatures in your home, leading to greater comfort. Similarly, if your home was built for a family of four, but your kids have recently moved out and fewer rooms are occupied, a change in unit or zone design could drastically improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Enhanced technology. Newer models may offer features such as programmable thermostats, remote control,  smart home integration and home sensors for efficiency. For example, Fujitsu General’s anywAiR^® technology with the myanywAiR app for the Ducted Controller allows for remote Wi-Fi control.
• Home value. More efficient heat pump / air conditioning units can enhance the value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers or renters.
• General home improvements. Home makeovers often go hand-in-hand with newer, more modern styles and features.

Whether it’s time for an upgrade, replacement, or a simple repair, it’s important to address any issues promptly to keep the air quality in your home clean and comfortable. Regular maintenance also helps to ensure your air conditioner continues to operate efficiently. Regular maintenance will also help prolong the lifespan of your unit and keep it running smoothly.

Assist Tool:

You can also use the Fujitsu Assist Product Selector Tool available on our website to help you find a suitable heat pump / air conditioning solution for your home. This tool uses your room sizes and space to guide you in the right direction.

For more information, visit www.fujitsugeneral.co.nz or contact Fujitsu General Assist on 04 568 8761.