The Advanced Air WA installation team has just left. The outdoor compressor hums quietly, and cool air flows through wall-mounted units or ducted vents. The system works perfectly, yet what happens next determines whether it stays that way for 15 years or begins to struggle after five.
Perth homeowners face a critical window in the first 24 hours after installation. The right actions now prevent 80% of common problems that emerge in year two or three. Incorrect assumptions can create expensive repairs, void warranties, and lead to uncomfortable summers when temperatures hit 42°C.
This comprehensive guide covers what happens immediately after installation, the specific support provided, and the essential steps to protect your investment. A proper new AC system walkthrough ensures you are equipped to manage your climate control effectively from day one.
What Advanced Air WA Leaves Behind
Installation completion involves more than simply switching on the system. The handover process provides documentation, demonstrates controls, and ensures homeowners understand basic operation. This phase is vital for future reference and warranty protection.
Physical Documentation and Items
Upon completion, homeowners receive a handover package containing essential items:
- Warranty Documentation: Coverage details for five years on parts and labour.
- Manufacturer Manuals: Specific guides for indoor and outdoor units.
- Remote Controls: Handheld units for split systems or wall controllers for ducted setups.
- Maintenance Schedules: Specific filter cleaning timelines tailored to the system.
- Compliance Certificates: Electrical safety certificates showing adherence to AS/NZS 3000 standards.
System Demonstration
The technician performs a demonstration covering critical functions. This includes temperature adjustment, mode selection (cooling, heating, fan-only), and fan speed controls. They also explain timer functions for automated operation and energy-saving modes that reduce running costs. Crucially, the location of filter access points and outdoor unit clearances are highlighted.
Most homeowners receive this information while excited about their new system. Writing down key points during the demonstration prevents confusion later. Our commitment includes follow-up support if questions arise after installation day, ensuring no homeowner is left guessing.
First 24 Hours: Critical Actions
The initial day establishes patterns that affect system performance for years. Taking three specific actions immediately after the technicians leave ensures the system settles in correctly.
Functional Testing
Test all functions immediately. Run the system in cooling mode for 30 minutes to ensure consistent temperature drop. Switch to heating mode (if it is a reverse cycle system) and confirm warm air flows within a few minutes. Test fan speeds from low to high to check for unusual vibrations. Identify any issues whilst the installation details are fresh in your mind.
Documentation and Photography
Locate and photograph important details. Take clear photos of the outdoor unit model number and serial number data plate. Photograph the indoor unit specifications. Capture images of the electrical connections and refrigerant line routing. These photos prove invaluable for future service calls or warranty claims, acting as a "birth certificate" for the installation condition.
Establishing Baseline Performance
Note how long the system takes to cool the space from 28°C to 22°C. Record the noise level during operation - it should be a consistent hum, not a rattle. Observe airflow strength at vents or indoor units. These baselines help identify performance changes years down the track that might signal maintenance needs.
Perth's summer heat tests new systems immediately. Installing in November or December means the system faces 38°C days within weeks. This benefits homeowners, as any minor tuning issues become apparent whilst warranty support remains fresh.
Understanding Your New System
Split systems and ducted air conditioning systems operate differently. A thorough new AC system walkthrough helps distinguish between the two, preventing misuse that damages components or wastes energy.
Split System Characteristics
Wall-mounted indoor units connect to a single outdoor compressor. Each unit controls the temperature for one room or open area. Systems ranging from 2.5kW to 8.0kW suit spaces from small bedrooms to large living areas. Inverter technology adjusts compressor speed continuously rather than switching on and off, maintaining steady temperatures efficiently.
Running a 5.0kW split system installation costs approximately $0.60 to $0.90 per hour during a Perth summer, depending on the energy rating and Synergy electricity rates. High-efficiency 6-star models can reduce these costs significantly compared to older technology.
Ducted System Characteristics
Central units installed in the roof space distribute cooled air through ductwork to multiple rooms. Capacity generally ranges from 10kW to 18kW for homes between 150m² and 250m². Zoning allows independent temperature control for different areas - the living zone runs during afternoon heat whilst bedroom zones activate at night.
Ducted air conditioning systems cost more to run than split systems but provide whole-home comfort. Using zoning reduces costs by 40-50% by cooling only occupied areas, a key strategy for managing electricity bills.
Remote Control and Thermostat Basics
Incorrect control settings account for a significant portion of service calls in the first month. Understanding temperature management prevents unnecessary adjustments that work against system efficiency.
Set Realistic Temperatures
Air conditioners work most efficiently when set to 23-25°C during summer. Setting the system to 18°C does not cool the home faster; it simply forces the compressor to run at maximum capacity for longer, increasing costs. The goal is comfort, not refrigeration.
Strategic Fan Speed and Modes
High fan speed moves more air but creates noise and uses more power. Medium speed suits most situations, while low speed is ideal for sleeping. The "Auto" fan setting adjusts based on the difference between the current room temperature and the target setting.
Understand your modes: "Cool" runs the compressor; "Fan" circulates air without cooling; "Dry" removes humidity. Avoid constant adjustment. Set the desired temperature and leave the controls alone for at least 30 minutes to allow the system to stabilise.
Filter Access and Initial Inspection
Filters trap dust, pollen, and particles that would otherwise circulate through living spaces or clog system components. Knowing filter locations and inspection procedures prevents the most common maintenance failure.
Split System Filters
Filters in wall-mounted units sit behind the front panel. Gently lifting the panel reveals mesh filters that slide out for cleaning. Some units also include a small pre-filter for larger particles.
Ducted System Filters
Ducted air conditioning system filters typically install in return air grilles, often found in hallways, or within the central unit in the roof space. Return air grille filters are easily accessible for homeowners to maintain regularly without professional assistance.
Inspect filters one week after installation. New systems in recently renovated homes collect construction dust rapidly. Builders completing final touches generate plaster dust and sawdust that clog filters within days. Clean filters maintain airflow and system efficiency; blocked filters increase energy consumption by 15-30% and can cause coils to freeze.
Outdoor Unit Care and Wall Bracket Safety
The outdoor compressor works hardest during Perth's extreme heat. Proper clearance and protection ensure reliable operation when temperatures exceed 40°C.
Maintain Clearance Requirements
Outdoor units need 30cm clearance on sides and 100cm clearance in front for adequate airflow. Plants, storage items, or debris that encroach on this space reduce efficiency and can cause overheating. The unit draws air across condenser coils - blocked airflow forces the compressor to work harder.
Checking Mounting Integrity
For units mounted off the ground, wall bracket installation safety is paramount. While the installation team ensures everything is secure upon departure, homeowners should visually inspect brackets periodically. Look for any signs of movement or loose bolts after the first few weeks of operation. A secure bracket ensures the heavy compressor does not vibrate excessively, which can damage copper piping.
Protect from Environment
Keep surroundings clean. Leaves, grass clippings, and spider webs accumulate around outdoor units. Monthly visual inspection identifies blockages before they impact performance. For homes near the coast, occasional gentle hosing (when the unit is off) removes salt buildup that can corrode components.
Energy Usage Expectations
Understanding normal energy consumption prevents bill shock and helps identify system problems early.
Typical Running Costs
A 5.0kW split system with a high star rating costs approximately $0.60-$0.80 per hour during summer. A larger ducted air conditioning system might cost $1.50-$2.00 per hour. These figures assume standard Synergy residential rates. Actual costs vary based on insulation and usage patterns.
Managing Costs
Close curtains and blinds during peak heat hours to reduce cooling load. Ensure windows remain closed whilst the system operates. Using ceiling fans allows you to set the thermostat 2°C higher whilst maintaining the same comfort level, reducing costs by 20%.
For families concerned about the initial investment and ongoing costs, exploring finance options can help spread the expense, ensuring you get an efficient system that costs less to run over time.
When to Contact Advanced Air WA
Most questions resolve through the provided documentation and initial demonstration. However, certain situations require professional attention.
Immediate Contact Triggers
Contact the team immediately if the system fails to start, ice forms on the indoor unit, water leaks significantly inside, or unusual grinding noises develop. If the outdoor unit runs constantly without cycling off, it may indicate a sensor or capacity issue.
Non-Urgent Queries
If remote control functions are unclear, or filter access proves difficult, these can often be resolved with a phone call. Our customer care commitment ensures rapid resolution of installation-related issues through our 72-hour response guarantee.
Preparing for Annual Maintenance
Professional maintenance prevents 90% of system failures and extends equipment life by five to eight years. Understanding what annual servicing involves helps homeowners prepare.
Scope of Professional Service
Annual maintenance goes beyond filter cleaning. It includes condenser coil cleaning, refrigerant pressure testing, electrical connection tightening, and drain line clearing. This deep clean restores efficiency that degrades over a long summer.
Timing and Cost
Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance in September or October, before peak summer demand. This ensures the system operates at maximum efficiency when Perth temperatures soar. The cost of maintenance is a fraction of the cost of replacing a compressor or a heat exchanger due to neglect.
Building Long-Term System Care Habits
The first month establishes patterns that determine system longevity. Inspect filters on the first day of each month. Check outdoor unit surroundings for debris. Test system operation in both cooling and heating modes seasonally.
Part of your monthly routine should include a quick check of wall bracket installation safety. Ensure the unit remains level and secure on its mounts. This simple visual check, combined with regular filter cleaning, forms the backbone of good system ownership.
Advanced Air WA provides comprehensive support beyond installation day, ensuring Perth homeowners understand their systems and maintain peak performance throughout the system's lifespan.
Conclusion
The first steps after installation determine whether a new air conditioning system delivers 15 years of reliable comfort or struggles after five. A thorough new AC system walkthrough, testing functions, understanding controls, and maintaining filters, establishes patterns that prevent 80% of common failures.
Advanced Air WA provides comprehensive documentation, system demonstrations, and ongoing support to ensure your system handles Perth's 42°C days without strain. By taking these proactive steps, you protect your warranty, reduce energy costs, and ensure dependable comfort for your family. For questions about system operation or to schedule your first service, speak with our after-care specialists on (08) 6150 5804.