FAQ — John’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
What types of air conditioning systems do you work with?
We handle split systems, ducted systems, multi-head units, and older setups that may need extra care. Some callers aren’t sure what type they have, and that’s fine. A quick look at the indoor and outdoor units usually tells us everything we need.
Do you install new air conditioners?
Yes. Some people come to us with a model already chosen. Others want guidance because every home cools differently. We look at room size, layout, insulation, and how often you plan to run the unit. After that, installation is pretty straightforward. We remove the old system if needed, set the new one in place, and make sure the airflow and thermostat work as they should.
Can you help me choose the right system for my home?
We can. A small bedroom needs a very different setup from an open-plan living area. We’ve seen people buy systems that are either too big or too small, which leads to poor cooling or unnecessary power use. We try to prevent that by walking you through realistic options.
How often should an air conditioner be serviced?
Once a year works for most people. If your household runs the unit almost every day in summer, a pre-season check can help avoid mid-summer failures. A basic service includes cleaning filters, checking pressures, testing electrical connections, and looking for leaks or worn parts.
Do you offer repairs for units that stop cooling properly?
Yes. Weak cooling happens for many reasons—blocked filters, low refrigerant, damaged fans, or failing sensors. We go through each part step by step until we find the cause. Some fixes take minutes. Others take longer, especially if a major component has failed.
Is it worth repairing older air conditioners?
It depends. If the unit is under ten years old and the repair is minor, it’s usually worth fixing. If the compressor or coil is failing, the repair cost can approach the price of a replacement. We give you an honest view of both options without trying to push you in one direction.
Do you offer same-day service for air conditioning issues?
Yes. During the hotter months, the schedule fills quickly, but we do our best to get out the same day if the workload allows. If not, we aim for the earliest available time rather than pushing you out by weeks.
Heating Services
Do you repair gas heaters and ducted heating systems?
Yes. Many calls involve heaters that stop warming the house, turn off too quickly, or give off unusual smells. Some issues come from ignition faults or blocked airflow. Others come from older units that need deeper inspection. We check the system safely and explain what needs to be done.
How often should a gas heater be serviced?
A yearly check is recommended. Gas systems need proper tests to make sure they burn cleanly and ventilate correctly. A service also includes inspecting burners, checking carbon monoxide levels, and confirming the unit is safe for winter use.
Can you replace an outdated heater?
Yes. If your heater struggles to warm the space, uses too much gas, or becomes unsafe, replacing it with a modern unit may be the better choice. We remove the old system, fit the new one, and make sure the ducts or vents are set up correctly.
Do you offer emergency heating repairs?
When possible. Winter breakdowns can be tough to deal with, especially at night or early in the morning. If our schedule has room, we attend on the same day. If not, we aim for the soonest opening rather than leaving you waiting.
Can you help improve the efficiency of my heating system?
Yes. Sometimes a heater struggles because of clogged filters, poor duct design, or a thermostat that doesn’t read the room correctly. Small adjustments can improve warmth without raising energy use.
General Questions
What areas do you service?
Most suburbs across Melbourne. If your location is slightly outside our usual range, you can call and check. We try to be flexible when the workload allows.
How long does a typical service or repair take?
Simple work can take under an hour. Larger repairs, installations, or issues that need special parts may take longer. If a part has to be ordered, we tell you upfront so you know what timeline to expect.
How do I know whether to repair or replace my system?
We look at the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, and how well the system performs. A small repair on a newer system makes sense. A major repair on an old system usually doesn’t. We explain the situation clearly so you can make a practical choice.
Do you provide quotes?
Yes. For clear-cut installations or services, we can give a quote right away. For complex breakdowns, we may need to inspect the system before giving a final figure.
Do you work with both homes and businesses?
Yes. Most of our calls come from homes, but we also handle small commercial jobs that fall within our capacity.