One of the most common components to fail is the capacitor, crucial to the operation of the compressor, blower motor and external fan. It’s also one of the cheapest items to replace.

“At least 80 per cent of our service call-outs are from people whose cooling systems have started to fail,” says a Sharpe Group spokesperson.

“The series of recent heat waves has added to the strain but if people ensured their systems got regular servicing and checks there wouldn’t be a problem.”
The capacitor is easily replaced as part of a scheduled service. However, a catastrophic failure can damage the entire system and even cause a house fire.

Recently Sharpe Group technicians were called to a northern suburbs house after the family heard a loud bang and their air-conditioner stopped working.
The outdoor unit had actually caught fire, destroying the internal controls, melting wiring and damaging switchboard components.

Sharpe Group can’t stress enough the importance of scheduled servicing. If you aren’t convinced about the need to commit to this go to any fire authority website and see the pages devoted to how cooling systems can pose a major risk of house fire if not maintained to the original manufacturer’s specification.

If air-conditioners aren’t running at peak performance they can put a huge strain on the switchboard. Set up properly, they are supposed to cycle on and off during use.
When they run continuously they can overload the switchboard circuitry. It’s a bit like a hose being crushed by a car tyre while it’s trying to water the lawn. Something has to give.
Sharpe Group technicians undertake complete system checks and testing, including ensuring the switchboard is up to specification.

For more information call Sharpe on 131 750.