How do I prepare for an air conditioning service or installation?

Move beds, desks, TVs and anything fragile from under and around the indoor unit, and clear a path to it. Outside, move pot plants, bins and firewood away from the outdoor unit, cut back any plants growing into it and unlock the side gate.

For a new installation, think about where you'd like both units and where the pipes might run between them, and keep those walls clear. If you've already picked a spot, we'll check it against airflow, drainage, noise for neighbours and the cable route to the switchboard.

Ducted servicing and repairs usually mean time in the roof space, where the indoor unit and ducts sit. Clear the hallway or cupboard under the manhole and leave room for a ladder. Don't go up to check anything yourself. Just tell us if the roof is low-pitched, cramped or has no light, because it changes how long the job takes.

Brand and model, from the label on the side of the indoor unit or the outdoor unit, if you can read it standing on the ground. Never climb or remove covers to get it. Add the rough age, when it was last serviced and any error code showing on the unit or controller.

Then describe how it's been behaving: weak airflow, water dripping, ice on the pipes, a musty smell at start-up, short cycling on a hot northerly afternoon, or one bedroom that never warms up on a cold July night. For a replacement, list the rooms it needs to cover and what didn't work well with the old system.

If the system is leaking, tripping the power or smells of burning, turn it off and leave it off. Otherwise, leave it as it is, so we can see and hear what you've described. There's no need to clean the filters first; we check them as part of the visit.