A few signs point to an upgrade being worthwhile. Rising power bills often mean an ageing unit is working harder than it should, because efficiency drops as systems get older. Frequent breakdowns, uneven temperatures between rooms, unusual noise, or parts that are hard to source are all common triggers. As a rough guide, many systems start to show their age past ten to fifteen years, and a modern inverter unit will usually run more quietly and use noticeably less power. Mouritz can assess your existing setup and tell you honestly whether a repair or a full upgrade makes more sense.
System upgrade
Upgrade your air conditioner
Upgrade or replace your existing system for improved year-round comfort.
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Mouritz - bringing your system back to life
With a history going back to 1977, the experienced team at Mouritz knows more about air conditioning than just about anyone else. We design and install tailored solutions for every type of air conditioning system. Mouritz is also the preferred supplier when it comes to air conditioning upgrades.
Like any appliance, even with regular servicing, over time your air conditioning system may also require significant upgrades and eventually replacement. Mouritz can determine exactly what is needed to restore your system to optimum performance, or we can install a new system designed to suit your exact requirements.
Importantly, with advancements in technology newer air conditioning systems offer better performance and are far more cost-efficient to run, meaning your investment in an upgrade can be offset by long-term energy savings. If you have an existing ducted reverse cycle system that is no longer working effectively, we can often retain parts of the existing installation to reduce your upgrade costs.
If you’re considering an upgrade the first step is to have a Mouritz technician examine your system to diagnose any performance issues. Please contact us if you would like to schedule an appointment.
When to consider an upgrade
If you have an existing air conditioning system that is not working at all or it continues to perform poorly then it should be checked to see if the problem can be resolved.
Signs that your air conditioner is not working effectively include:
- Strange noises
- Unusual smells
- Reduced airflow
- Excessive water leakage
- Presence of mould
While some of these issues may potentially be resolved by a service call it could also be an indicator that your system is nearing the end of its working life. We recommended booking a service call from Mouritz if you experience any warning signs that your air conditioner is not working correctly.
Switch from evaporative to reverse cycle with Mouritz
A question often asked is can you upgrade from an evaporative system to a ducted reverse cycle system? The short answer is yes, and Mouritz has the experience to provide the solution that best meets your needs.
One of the main advantages of a reverse cycle system is that as well as more effective cooling, the heating function will keep you warm in winter delivering year-round comfort.
Unlike evaporative air conditioning a ducted reverse cycle system also means you can control the delivery of air through zone control. Zones can be set up to include several rooms for example, ‘living areas’ or for individual rooms such as a ‘bedroom’. The temperature in each room is regulated using built-in thermostats. This means everyone can be kept comfortable as different temperatures can be set for each zone. This also helps you save on your power bill by only heating or cooling the areas you select.
While in principle there are similarities between the two system types, for example, they both have ducts in your ceiling space, the components used are quite different meaning that basically everything needs to be replaced.
However, in many cases it will cost less to upgrade to reverse cycle from evaporative compared to purchasing and installing a system from scratch. Mouritz may also offer a trade-in for your old evaporative system. To find out more about upgrading please book an appointment.
Next step
Ready to upgrade your air conditioning?
Start with a quote and the Mouritz team can help confirm what suits your home.
Common questions
Common questions about upgrading your system
Yes, and it is one of the most common upgrades we do. Evaporative cooling works well in dry heat but only cools, relies on open windows, and struggles on humid days. Reverse cycle both heats and cools from the one system, works with the house closed up, and gives you room by room control. Some of the existing roof space and duct routes can occasionally be reused, though reverse cycle air conditioning needs properly sealed and insulated ducting, so parts are often replaced to do the job right. Mouritz specialises in these evaporative upgrades and will scope exactly what can carry over.
Sometimes, but it depends on its age and condition. Ducting designed for evaporative cooling or an old ducted system is not always suited to modern reverse cycle air conditioning, which needs well sealed and insulated ducts to run efficiently and avoid losses in the roof space. Where existing ducting is in good order and correctly sized it may be reused, which can reduce the cost. Our installer inspects it as part of the quote, so you get a clear answer rather than a surprise on install day.
The biggest gains are comfort and running costs. A current inverter system adjusts its output to hold a steady temperature rather than switching hard on and off, which is more efficient and much quieter. Newer systems also offer proper zoning, so you only heat or cool the rooms in use, along with better air filtration and smart controls you can run from your phone. If you are moving from an older or evaporative setup, gaining reliable heating for Perth winters is often the deciding factor.
The cost depends on the type of system, the size of your home, the number of rooms or zones, and whether any ducting or wiring needs replacing. A like for like split system swap sits at the lower end, while a full ducted reverse cycle upgrade for a larger home costs more. Mouritz provides a fixed quote after inspecting your home so there are no surprises, and finance options are available if you would rather spread the cost than pay it all upfront.
Most straightforward upgrades are finished in a day, while a larger ducted changeover or an evaporative to reverse cycle conversion can take a little longer, sometimes two days. We plan the work to keep disruption to a minimum, remove the old equipment, and tidy up before we leave. Our licensed technicians handle the electrical and, where needed, the roof work, and we walk you through the new controls once the system is running.