Brisbane's climate and your air conditioning
Brisbane has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers, mild winters and frequent thunderstorms. All of these affect the performance and lifespan of an air conditioning system, especially one that is not maintained regularly.
Hot, humid summers
Summer days regularly pass 30 degrees, and the humidity makes it feel hotter. That is when your system is under the most pressure.
- Higher demand means more wear on components and higher energy bills
- Overworked systems can overheat, and compressor faults are among the costliest repairs
- High humidity tests a system's ability to dry the air, especially if it is undersized for the space
To stay ahead of it, have your system serviced before summer, use timers so the system is not running flat out all day, and check your insulation so the air conditioning is not fighting heat coming through the roof.
Storms and the wet season
Summer storms bring heavy rain, strong winds and plenty of debris.
- Pooling water around an outdoor unit can lead to electrical faults and corrosion
- Leaves and branches can clog the outdoor unit and damage the fan or coil
- Water getting into roof spaces can affect ductwork and lead to mould
After a storm, clear debris from around the outdoor unit and look for any signs of leaks near indoor units or ceiling vents. Businesses with exposed rooftop or ground-level plant may benefit from protective covers or screens.
Cooler months
Brisbane winters are mild, but early mornings and evenings are cool enough that most reverse cycle systems switch to heating. A system that has sat idle or unserviced can struggle.
- Some systems short cycle in mild conditions, switching on and off too often and wearing faster
- Ducted systems with leaking or poorly balanced ductwork can heat unevenly
Run your system on heat for short periods as the weather cools, book a check before winter, and seal draughts around doors and windows so the system is not heating the outdoors.
Keeping your system in shape all year
- Regular servicing by a qualified technician, summer and winter
- Watching your energy bills, since a sudden jump can signal a struggling system
- Cleaning filters regularly, especially in periods of heavy use
- Considering an upgrade if your system is more than ten years old and no longer keeps up
Airspect has worked with Brisbane families and businesses since 2007, installing and servicing ducted and split systems. Whether you need a maintenance check or are thinking about an upgrade, we can help you get ready for whatever the weather does next.