When installing a new air conditioning system, it can be tempting to choose the cheapest quote. It’s only natural when you’re comparing two or three installers to gravitate toward the lowest price. On the surface, it might seem like a smart way to save money. But in the air conditioning industry, the cheapest installation often comes with hidden costs. Poor workmanship, incorrect sizing, and shortcuts during installation can lead to big problems down the line.
Our team here at Air Conditioning Doctor is regularly called out to fix installations completed by other companies, and we’ve noticed a concerning pattern. Based on our service data, around 50% of manufacturer warranty call-outs aren’t product faults at all – they’re installation faults. That means customers get charged to fix problems that should never have occurred in the first place.
Whether you’re thinking about evaporative cooling or a ducted reverse cycle system, we want to save you from having to fork out more to fix bad workmanship. Let’s take a look at the most common installation mistakes we see and show you how to choose a qualified specialist from the start.
Cheap Installations Often Cut Corners
There’s no two ways around it: if you see a quote that’s too good to be true, it probably is. When an installer’s quote is significantly cheaper than others, something usually has to give. That might mean reduced labour time, lower-quality materials, or even deliberately undersizing units just to win the job.
These shortcuts may not be obvious immediately, but they often show up later as performance problems or complete system failure. Unfortunately, many customers only realise this when they need to call in a specialist to repair the installation.
Incorrect Unit Sizing
One of the most common issues we come across is incorrect unit sizing. Air conditioning systems must be properly sized for the space they are cooling, which means looking at:
- The size and layout of your home
- Ceiling height
- Insulation
- Window placement and sun exposure
- Airflow requirements
When installers rush quotes or aim to keep costs low, they may recommend a smaller unit than required. An undersized system will struggle to cool a space properly and chew up your power bill in the process. Over time, this places extra strain on components within your system, leading to premature failure and leaving you to pick up the bill.
Incorrect Unit Placement
Where a system is installed is just as important as the system itself, since all systems need enough room for proper airflow and maintenance access. We see it all the time where indoor or outdoor units have been placed in areas that compromise airflow or make servicing extremely difficult. If your unit can’t be easily accessed for maintenance and repairs, it might need to be completely removed just to access components, making the job much more expensive.
Another issue we see is units being installed out of level. It might seem like a small detail, but if air conditioning units aren’t level, you can run into a few problems:
- Condensate water cannot drain properly
- Internal components may operate incorrectly
- Excess vibration and noise can develop
Over time, this can lead to water leaks inside the home or premature wear on internal parts. Correct installation requires carefully considering the right placement, as well as using the right mounting and proper support brackets to keep the units level.
Poor Refrigeration Pipework
Another major problem is poor refrigeration pipework workmanship. The pipework that carries refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units must be installed correctly, insulated properly, and sealed to prevent leaks.
If the workmanship is poor, refrigerant can escape slowly over time. What starts as reduced performance from a small leak can quickly turn into compressor damage and complete system shutdown.
Refrigerant leaks are one of the most common reasons customers believe their system has failed, when the real issue is simply poor installation.
Drainage Problems That Cause Water Damage
There are a few problems that could explain water leaking from your air conditioner, but one of the most common comes down to poorly installed condensate drains.
Water needs to be able to flow freely away from the unit. If drain pipes run uphill or are poorly supported, water can back up into the unit and eventually leak into your ceilings or walls. You’ll be lucky to catch it early, but often leaks don’t manifest until the damage is well and truly done. You could be facing expensive plastering repairs and mould cleaning, all because of something that should have been a straightforward installation.
Incorrect Ductwork Installation
Ducted air conditioning systems rely heavily on properly designed and installed ductwork. A cheap installation could result in anything from poorly sealed joins to completely disconnected ducts.
When ductwork is not installed correctly, airflow becomes restricted or leaks into the roof space rather than reaching the rooms it was designed to cool.
This results in:
- Uneven temperatures throughout the home
- Reduced cooling capacity
- Higher energy bills
Electrical Safety Issues
Air conditioning systems require specialised electrical connections that must comply with Australian standards. Unfortunately, we still come across non-compliant electrical work, including:
- Incorrect isolator switches
- Improper wiring connections
- Electrical work performed by unlicensed tradespeople
These issues aren’t just inconvenient – they can be dangerous. Incorrect electrical installation can lead to system failure, safety hazards, and potential insurance complications if faults occur.
When Installation Mistakes Void Your Warranty
One of the most frustrating consequences of poor installation is loss of manufacturer warranty. Many homeowners assume that if their system fails within the warranty period, the manufacturer will fix it free of charge.
However, manufacturers only honour warranties when systems are installed correctly. That means if faults occur due to non-compliant installation or incorrect servicing, the warranty may be rejected.
That means you’ll have to pay for repairs that happened through no fault of your own, and which could have been avoided entirely.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioning Specialist
Unfortunately, these issues aren’t rare. They’re common problems seen across the industry when installations are rushed or handled by inexperienced technicians. A properly installed system starts with qualified technicians who take pride in their work.
When you’re deciding which air conditioning company to choose, price shouldn’t be the only consideration. Look for a company that:
- Specialises in the type of system you want installed: We’ve specialised in evaporative cooling in Adelaide since 2007, with extensive experience designing systems that suit our hot, dry climate.
- Uses licensed and qualified technicians: Our technicians are ARCtick-certified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics with the required electrical licensing to legally install and service systems in compliance with Australian standards.
- Takes the time to properly assess your home: Rather than rushing to provide quotes, our team measures factors like airflow, duct design, and water flow to ensure your system is correctly configured for your home’s layout.
- Provides transparent advice on sizing and installation requirements: We focus on honest recommendations and clear quotes, helping customers choose the right system for their home and budget instead of simply quoting to win the job.
- Stands behind their workmanship: With more than 20 years of industry experience, authorised service partnerships with major brands, and a lifetime residential installation warranty, we want to be the team you rely on for long-term performance.
If you’re looking for evaporative cooling expertise, working with specialists can make a significant difference in long-term system performance.
Choose the Experts For Your Installation
When it comes to air conditioning, the real cost of cheap installations is often far higher than the original quote. Poor workmanship can leave you with a system that runs poorly, drains your energy bills, and breaks down frequently. That’s all before the possibility of losing your warranty and having to get the system replaced entirely.
By choosing an experienced and reputable installer from the beginning, you can avoid these problems and enjoy reliable, efficient cooling for years to come.
The Air Conditioning Doctor team is here to answer all your questions, so give us a call and ask for your free installation quote today.
Stephen Maitland is the Director of Air Conditioning Doctor and has over 20 years of experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. He founded the company in 2007 to be Adelaide’s leading air conditioning repair, replacement and installation specialist.
As a certified Refrigeration Mechanic with a full unrestricted ARC license, his technical knowledge and years of experience allow him to diagnose problems quickly and offer practical and efficient solutions for his customers.
