FAQ’s and Tips

FAQ’s and Tips

FAQ.

Sometimes your air conditioning system begins to show signs of a problem, but the unit is still working, so you decide to wait to call for repairs.
This is rarely a good idea.

Adelaide Air Conditioning FAQs

Simmonds Heating & Cooling provides air conditioning installation, service, repairs and maintenance across Adelaide and South Australia. Based in Edwardstown, our team works with split system air conditioning, ducted reverse cycle air conditioning, evaporative cooling, ducted gas heating and commercial air conditioning systems.

This FAQ page answers common questions Adelaide homeowners and businesses ask about choosing, installing, servicing, repairing and replacing air conditioning systems. Whether you are comparing ducted air conditioning with split systems, replacing evaporative cooling, booking a service, or deciding whether to repair or replace an old unit, these answers will help you understand your options.

Simmonds Heating & Cooling works across residential, commercial and industrial air conditioning, helping Adelaide customers with practical advice, professional installation and reliable ongoing support.

Most Common Questions.

No air conditioners FAQ page would be complete without an answer to the most elementary question. The best description of how they work is as a fridge does but backwards.

FAQ’s

The cost of ducted air conditioning in Adelaide depends on the size of your home, number of zones, system capacity, duct layout, roof access, electrical requirements and whether it is a new installation or replacement. The best way to get an accurate price is to arrange an on-site assessment so the system can be correctly sized and quoted.
Yes. Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning is well suited to Adelaide because it provides both cooling and heating from one central system. It can keep your home cool during hot South Australian summers and warm during winter, making it a strong year-round comfort solution for family homes, renovations and new builds.
The best ducted air conditioning system depends on your home size, layout, insulation, ceiling space, window direction, zoning needs and how your household uses each room. A professional assessment is important because the system needs to be designed around the property, not selected by brand or price alone.
Ducted air conditioning is often better when you want whole-home comfort. Split systems are usually better for single rooms, bedrooms, home offices or smaller areas. For larger Adelaide homes, open-plan living areas and families wanting a cleaner look with central control, ducted air conditioning is often the better long-term option.
Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning provides both heating and cooling, while evaporative cooling provides cooling only. Evaporative cooling can work well in Adelaide’s dry heat, but reverse cycle offers more precise temperature control and performs across more weather conditions. The best choice depends on your home, budget and comfort expectations.
Yes. Many Adelaide homeowners replace older evaporative cooling systems with ducted reverse cycle air conditioning. However, existing evaporative ductwork is not always suitable for reverse cycle systems, so the home, duct layout and roof space need to be assessed before the best replacement option can be recommended.
Yes. Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning can replace ducted gas heating and provide both heating and cooling from one system. This can be a good option for homeowners wanting to modernise their home comfort system or move away from separate gas heating and cooling equipment.
Many ducted air conditioning installations can be completed in one to two days, depending on the size of the home, roof space, duct layout, number of zones, access and whether an old system needs to be removed. More complex homes, larger systems or replacement projects may take longer.
Zoning is recommended for many ducted air conditioning systems, especially in larger Adelaide homes. It allows you to control different areas separately, such as bedrooms, living areas and rarely used rooms. Good zoning can improve comfort and help reduce unnecessary energy use.
The cost of split system air conditioning in Adelaide depends on the unit size, brand, room size, installation location, pipe run, electrical requirements and access. A simple back-to-back installation will usually cost less than a more complex installation requiring longer pipework or additional electrical work.
The right size split system depends on the room size, ceiling height, insulation, window size, sun exposure and how the room is used. An undersized unit may struggle to heat or cool the room, while an oversized unit may not run efficiently. A site assessment helps confirm the right capacity.
Yes. Reverse cycle split systems are popular in Adelaide because they provide efficient cooling in summer and heating in winter. They are a practical option for bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, extensions, apartments, units and areas where ducted air conditioning may not be practical.
Yes. Evaporative cooling is well suited to many Adelaide homes because it works best in hot, dry climates. It uses fresh outside air and water evaporation to cool the home. However, it may not suit every home or every weather condition, so it is worth comparing it with reverse cycle air conditioning before deciding.
The cost of ducted evaporative cooling depends on the size of the home, number of outlets, roof access, system capacity, brand, installation requirements and whether it is a new installation or replacement. A professional assessment is the best way to recommend the right evaporative cooling system and provide an accurate quote.
Evaporative cooling works best in dry heat. On humid days, it may not feel as effective because the air already contains more moisture, which reduces the cooling effect. Adelaide’s climate is often dry enough for evaporative cooling to work well, but reverse cycle air conditioning offers more precise temperature control in all conditions.
For most Adelaide homes, air conditioning should be serviced at least once a year, especially before peak summer or winter use. Commercial systems, high-use systems, rental properties and dusty environments may need more frequent servicing. Regular maintenance helps improve airflow, reduce breakdowns and extend system life.
An air conditioner may not cool properly because of dirty filters, blocked airflow, low refrigerant, thermostat issues, electrical faults, outdoor unit problems, ductwork issues or general wear and tear. If the system is running but not cooling effectively, it should be inspected by a qualified technician.
Whether you should repair or replace an old air conditioner depends on the age of the system, repair cost, efficiency, reliability, parts availability and how well it heats or cools your home. If the unit is regularly breaking down, noisy, inefficient or expensive to repair, replacement may be the better long-term option.
Ducted gas heating should be serviced regularly to help keep the system operating safely, efficiently and reliably. The right frequency depends on the age of the system, how often it is used and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Because gas heating involves gas appliances and connections, servicing should be carried out by a licensed gas fitter.
Yes. Simmonds Heating & Cooling provides commercial air conditioning servicing, repairs and preventative maintenance across Adelaide. The team works with offices, commercial buildings, schools, industrial sites, multi-residential properties and business premises. Regular commercial HVAC servicing helps improve reliability, reduce downtime and identify faults early.
Simmonds Heating & Cooling installs, services and repairs air conditioning systems across Adelaide and South Australia. Based in Edwardstown, the team works with split systems, ducted reverse cycle air conditioning, evaporative cooling, ducted gas heating and commercial air conditioning systems for domestic, commercial and industrial applications. Simmonds’ existing site already positions the business across these system types and markets.
Does it help to close in vents in rooms not being used during the day?

The answer to this question is very site specific and dependent on several factors such as: heating, ventilating and air conditioning system design, the location of the thermostat, house design and obviously the climate. In the right situation, closing vents and/or doors to certain rooms that are not being used during the day (or even during a whole season) may reduce your heating and cooling bills. However when you close vents/doors you could also throw off the balance of the system; change the way air is distributed or cause the thermostat to detect temperatures which make the rest of the house uncomfortable. Simmonds Refrigeration & Air Conditioning can assist you with a site inspection at your home, during the yearly service of your air conditioner to offer advice and tips on how you could benefit from doing the above. Discuss with your SRA air conditioning expert which doors/vents you would be most likely to close and why. We will be able to help you decide whether these doors or vents can be closed to improve efficiency of your air conditioner (keeping your power bills down) and ultimately keeping your house cooler or warmer- what ever the season. Call Simmonds Refrigeration & Air Conditioning on 8377 5888 to get a technicians advice on your air conditioning unit TODAY!

Where should the thermostat on your airconditioner be located in your house? Can it be near cold air intake? Is it worth having the thermostat moved if it’s in a bad position?
What temperature should I set my air conditioner during the summer and winter?
How does a air conditioner work?
Why is it important to wash my filter?
Why is it important to wash my filter?
My air conditioner is leaking?
My air conditioner is not blowing cold air?
Why does my air conditioner smell bad?

it’s time to

Get Comfortable.

Simmonds Heating and Cooling are the Adelaide Air Conditioning experts and stock all the leading brands. We service and install all types of air-conditioning, including Split, Ducted and Evaporative systems for domestic, commercial and industrial applications.