Servicing a Split System Air Conditioner
Valley Air Conditioning Repairs and Services a 7.0kW Rinnai Split System in North Rothbury, NSW
When a homeowner in North Rothbury, NSW, noticed their air conditioner was no longer cooling as it should, they turned to Valley Air Conditioning for help. Their 7.0kW Rinnai split system air conditioner was blowing warm air no matter what setting was selected, leaving the family frustrated and uncomfortable.
This service call illustrates the importance of professional diagnostics, proper refrigerant management, and timely repairs to keep split systems running at peak efficiency.
The Problem: Warm Air from the Rinnai Unit
The client reported that their air conditioner, which had been reliable for years, suddenly began to struggle. Regardless of whether the system was set to cooling or heating, the indoor unit was producing little more than warm, ineffective airflow.
Valley Air Conditioning’s technicians arrived promptly to investigate. As always, the first step was to perform a thorough inspection of both the indoor and outdoor units. Air conditioners can blow warm air for a number of reasons, dirty filters, faulty compressors, electrical issues, or refrigerant problems.
The Inspection and Diagnosis
During the inspection, the technicians checked the filters, airflow, and thermostat calibration. These were all functioning correctly. However, when examining the refrigerant system, they noticed the R32 refrigerant pressure levels were much lower than expected.
R32 refrigerant is widely used in modern air conditioning systems because it is more environmentally friendly than older refrigerants. But like any system, if there is a leak, refrigerant levels can drop, leading to reduced cooling performance.
In this case, the low refrigerant levels explained why the Rinnai unit was blowing warm air, the system simply did not have enough refrigerant to complete the heat exchange cycle.
Locating and Repairing the Air Conditioner Leak
Once the issue was identified, the next task was to locate the source of the leak. Using specialist equipment, the Valley Air Conditioning team carefully checked all refrigerant lines, joints, and coils.
A leak was found in one of the refrigerant connections. Over time, vibration, wear, or even environmental conditions can weaken seals and fittings, allowing gas to escape.
The team repaired the leak, ensuring the connection was sealed securely to prevent further refrigerant loss. Once the repair was completed, the refrigerant lines were tested again under pressure to confirm there were no additional leaks.
Recharging the Air Conditioning System
With the leak repaired, the next step was to recharge the R32 refrigerant to the manufacturer’s specified levels. Proper refrigerant charge is critical to the efficiency and longevity of an air conditioner. Too little refrigerant means the system cannot cool effectively, while too much can cause pressure issues and damage components.
The Valley Air Conditioning technicians used calibrated gauges to ensure the refrigerant charge matched the correct specifications for the 7.0kW Rinnai split system.
Full System Testing
Once recharged, the system was powered back on and tested. The difference was immediate. The Rinnai unit, which had previously blown only warm air, was now delivering strong, cool airflow throughout the living area.
The technicians tested the system in both cooling and heating modes to ensure everything was functioning properly. They also monitored the compressor and checked that the refrigerant cycle was operating at its optimum capacity.
Preventative Air Conditioner Maintenance and Advice
After repairing and recharging the system, Valley Air Conditioning provided the homeowner with advice on how to maintain their Rinnai unit for the long term. Key recommendations included:
- Regular filter cleaning – Dirty filters can restrict airflow and place unnecessary strain on the system.
- Annual professional servicing – A yearly inspection ensures refrigerant pressures, electrical components, and system performance are checked before problems arise.
- Prompt attention to unusual performance – Issues like weak airflow, unusual noises, or warm air output should always be addressed early to prevent bigger breakdowns.
The homeowner was also reminded that refrigerant leaks can sometimes be subtle at first but will always worsen if left unattended. Catching this issue quickly saved the client from ongoing inefficiency and potential compressor damage.
The Outcome
By the end of the service, the 7.0kW Rinnai split system was fully restored to its original cooling capacity. The homeowner was relieved to once again enjoy consistent, reliable comfort in their North Rothbury home.
What had seemed like a major failure was resolved efficiently thanks to Valley Air Conditioning’s expertise in fault finding, refrigerant handling, and system repairs.
Conclusion
This North Rothbury case demonstrates the value of professional air conditioning service. A split system blowing warm air can be caused by several factors, but in this instance, low R32 refrigerant due to a leak was the issue. By repairing the leak, safely recharging the refrigerant, and thoroughly testing the unit, Valley Air Conditioning restored the Rinnai system to full working order.
For homeowners across the Hunter Valley, the message is clear: if your air conditioner isn’t performing as it should, call in the experts. With the right knowledge and attention to detail, even frustrating problems like warm air output can be resolved quickly and effectively, keeping your home comfortable year-round.
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Project Details
- Client – Residential
- Property Type – Single-storey brick
- Location – North Rothbury, NSW
- Task – Service and clean a split system air conditioner