Split System Air Conditioning Repairs Melbourne

At Ideal Air Melbourne, we service and repair all major air conditioning brands, including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, Toshiba, LG, Samsung, Lennox, York, Temperzone, and many others.

With over 40 years of industry experience, our technicians work on new high-efficiency systems as well as older units (30+ years old) across all system types, including:

• Split system air conditioning
• Ducted refrigerated split systems
• Multi-split and VRV/VRF systems
• Cassette units
• Water-cooled package units
• Commercial HVAC systems (rooftop package units)

Sometimes repairs aren’t possible if parts are no longer manufactured or available. In these cases, we explain this clearly and provide practical next steps.

We’re not tied to any single brand — we diagnose, repair, and maintain almost any air conditioner, regardless of age or model. Before any work proceeds, we provide a detailed repair quote, outline any risks involved (especially with ageing systems), and supply a replacement quote when appropriate so customers can make an informed decision.

Repair is generally the better choice when the system is under 10 years old, the fault is minor, and the repair cost is well below the price of a new unit.

Replacement becomes the smarter option when the system is 10–15+ years old, has recurring issues, struggles to cool evenly, becomes noisy, leaks, or is driving up power bills due to poor efficiency.

Units that use obsolete refrigerants such as R-22 also fall into the “replace rather than repair” category, because both parts and refrigerant are increasingly difficult to obtain.

During an on-site inspection, Ideal Air Melbourne will assess the system and provide a clear recommendation. If the unit is a high-risk repair — meaning it’s unlikely to operate reliably even after fixing the identified fault — we will advise replacement so you can make an informed decision.

If your air conditioner is blowing warm air instead of cold, book a service call with your HVAC technician as soon as possible. This is a critical sign the system needs prompt attention to prevent further (and potentially costly) damage.

Sometimes the fix is simple — like replacing a clogged air filter or correcting a thermostat setting — but warm air often points to deeper mechanical problems that require professional expertise, such as:

• Refrigerant leak: Low refrigerant levels usually indicate a leak. This reduces cooling efficiency and can damage the compressor.
  
• Compressor or fan failure: A struggling compressor or a non-functioning outdoor condenser fan prevents the system from removing heat effectively.
  

Don’t keep running an AC that isn’t cooling properly. Continued operation can drive up power bills and turn a minor issue into a major repair. A diagnostic service call lets a licensed technician check refrigerant pressures, test electrical components, confirm airflow, and identify the root cause quickly — restoring efficiency and protecting the system’s lifespan.

Fault codes are displayed differently depending on the brand and model, but they’re usually shown on the remote, wall controller, or sometimes as flashing lights on the indoor unit. Look for an “Error” or “Check” message, or an alphanumeric code like E1, F3, U4, or P0. If you see flashing lights instead of a code, note the pattern.

Before you try resetting the unit, record the fault code first — the easiest way is to take a clear photo. Turning the power off and on can wipe the fault history, and without that code it’s harder to diagnose the problem. Resetting may get the system running again temporarily, but most fault codes return because they’re warning you that something is genuinely wrong. Fixing the issue early usually means less damage, a faster repair, and lower cost.

Fault codes on split-system air conditioners are a useful guide, but they’re usually too general to diagnose the exact problem. A code might indicate “high pressure,” a “sensor fault,” or a communication error, yet several different issues — or a combination of faults — can trigger the same code. That’s why technicians treat fault codes as clues, then confirm the real cause through proper testing.

You can safely try a few basic steps first:

• Clean or replace blocked air filters
• Clear airflow obstructions around the indoor and outdoor units
• Reset the system by turning it off at the isolator for a few minutes, then restarting

These simple checks can sometimes resolve minor problems.

If the fault code returns, don’t open electrical covers or access refrigerant valves. Most split-system faults require electrical diagnostics, refrigerant (gas) pressure testing, and sometimes control-board or programming expertise. These units contain high-voltage components — typically 230–240V on single-phase systems and around 380–415V on larger three-phase systems — plus pressurised refrigerant lines. In Australia, any work involving refrigerant handling or AC servicing/repair must be done by appropriately licensed professionals under the ARCtick refrigerant licence scheme and related regulations. 

If basic cleaning and reset steps don’t fix it, book an experienced air-conditioning technician who specialises in diagnostics.

AC repair costs begin with a standard diagnostic service call-out of $275 inc. GST. This includes travel to your location and up to the first hour on site, during which our technician will inspect the system, run tests, and diagnose the fault. In most cases, the issue can be identified within this first hour.

If the fault is more complex and requires extra time — such as difficult access, multiple issues, or extended testing — additional diagnostic labour is charged at $160 per hour.

Once the diagnosis is complete, we provide a clear report explaining the problem and a fixed-price repair quote. No repair work is carried out unless you approve the quote first, so you stay in control of the cost with no surprises.