Troubleshooting - Actron

ActronAir Troubleshooting – Frazer Air

Use the guide below to check common issues with your ActronAir ducted system before calling a technician. Click a symptom to expand it.

What to check
  • The system has an inbuilt 5-minute safety timer — wait at least 5 minutes after a restart before pressing ON/OFF again.
  • Check the thermostat set point — it needs to be low enough for cooling or high enough for heating to actually trigger the system.
  • Make sure the main circuit breaker for the unit hasn't tripped — reset it if needed and try again.
  • If the unit was switched off at the circuit breaker for more than 8 hours, wait a minimum of 2 hours after restoring power before turning it on from the wall controller.
  • Check the timer isn't active on the wall controller — if a timer is set, the unit won't respond to manual ON/OFF until it's cleared.
What to check
  • Check the return air filter — a clogged filter is the most common cause of poor cooling. Clean it if dusty.
  • Make sure the air inlet and outlet on the outdoor unit are clear — plants, debris, or stored items can block airflow.
  • Close all doors, windows, and curtains — open doors and direct sunlight significantly reduce cooling capacity.
  • Check that occupied zones are switched on and unoccupied zones are off — this concentrates cooling where it's needed.
  • On very hot days, performance may naturally reduce — this is normal if outside temperatures exceed design conditions.
  • Reduce heat sources in the room where possible (electronics, appliances, direct sun).
  • The recommended summer set point is 22°C — each 1°C rise saves approximately 10% in running costs.
💡 If none of the above apply, the system may have low refrigerant. Contact us — this requires a licensed technician.
What to check
  • Keep all doors and windows closed — cold draughts dramatically reduce heating effectiveness.
  • Check the return air filter is clean — a blocked filter reduces airflow and heating output.
  • On very cold days (around 7°C or below), the system may struggle — consider supplementary heating to assist.
  • Try starting from a slightly lower set point and gradually increasing — this helps the system warm the space more efficiently from cold.
  • If the unit was off overnight in cold weather, it may take longer than usual to reach temperature — this is normal.
  • The recommended winter set point is 22°C — each 1°C drop saves approximately 10% in running costs.
💡 Persistent poor heating with a clean filter and closed doors may indicate low refrigerant — contact us.
What to check
  • Check that your zones are switched on — if all zones are closed, no air can flow.
  • In heating mode, there is a normal 15-second delay after startup before airflow begins — this prevents cold drafts while the heat exchanger warms up.
  • During a defrost cycle in heating mode, airflow pauses briefly — it will resume automatically once defrost completes.
  • Check the return air filter isn't completely blocked — a severely clogged filter can reduce airflow to near zero.
Usually normal
  • Low hissing during operation — refrigerant gas flowing through the indoor and outdoor units.
  • Hissing when the unit starts, stops, or enters defrost — refrigerant changing direction.
  • Outdoor unit louder than usual for a few seconds on startup — compressor reaching operating pressure.
  • Different sounds in cooling vs heating vs defrost modes — normal variation.
Not normal — turn off and call us
  • Loud banging, grinding, or rattling at any point during operation.
  • A burning or electrical smell accompanying any noise.
What to check
  • The unit can absorb odours from the environment (cooking, cigarettes, furniture) and recirculate them — ventilate the room and the smell should clear.
  • Check the return air filter — a mouldy or very dirty filter is a common cause of persistent odours. Clean or replace it.
  • If the system hasn't been used for a while, the indoor drain line P-trap may have dried out causing sewer odours — running the unit for a period should refill it.
⚠ A burning smell is not normal — turn the unit off immediately and contact us.
What to check
  • This is completely normal when the unit restarts in heating mode after a defrost cycle — moisture evaporating from the outdoor unit creates the mist, and it will clear quickly.
  • The outdoor fan may also stop temporarily during defrost — this is expected and will resume automatically.
What to check
  • If the room has reached the set temperature, the system will reduce or stop fan operation — this is normal and energy-efficient.
  • During a defrost cycle, the outdoor fan stops temporarily — it will restart automatically once defrost is complete.
  • If the unit appears to be actively cooling or heating but the fan is still not running, contact us.
What to check
  • If the unit has been off for an extended period, accumulated dust may be blown out when it first starts up — this is normal and will clear after a few minutes.
  • Clean the return air filter to prevent this happening regularly.
  • Dust off the outlet vents and return air grille regularly to stop build-up.
What to do
  • This is a routine reminder — not a fault. The system tracks run hours and alerts you when it's time to check the filter.
  • Turn the unit off from the wall controller, open the return air grille, and slide out the filter.
  • Clean with a soft brush or rinse with water. Let it dry fully before reinstalling.
  • Once the filter is back in, press the ON/OFF button on the wall controller to reset and clear the filter light.
  • Filters should be cleaned every 12 weeks under normal conditions — more often in dusty environments.
  • Filter material should be replaced annually — we can do this during a scheduled service visit.
What to do
  • Note down the error code displayed (e.g. E03) — you'll need this when you call us.
  • Some error codes allow the unit to keep running safely — check if it's still conditioning the air.
  • Wait approximately 10 minutes — some errors clear themselves once the condition resolves.
  • If the error persists, turn the unit off at the circuit breaker, wait one minute, then restore power and try again.
  • If the error returns after a power cycle, leave the unit off and contact us. Please have your outdoor unit model number and serial number ready.
What to check
  • Check the return air filter is clean — restricted airflow can cause the system to cycle on and off to protect itself.
  • Make sure the outdoor unit has clear airflow around it — a blocked inlet or outlet causes the same issue.
  • Check that the zones aren't all closed off — too many closed zones can restrict airflow and trigger safety shutdowns.
💡 If the above checks don't resolve it, frequent cycling can indicate a refrigerant or voltage issue — both require a licensed technician. Contact us.

⚠ Turn the unit off immediately and call us if you notice:

  • A burning smell coming from any part of the system
  • Loud banging, grinding, or abnormal sounds
  • The circuit breaker trips every time the unit runs
  • Water or objects have fallen into the unit
  • The unit has been exposed to flooding
📞

Still having issues? Call Frazer Air on (03) 9465 3533 — we're your first point of contact for all ActronAir service and support. Please have your outdoor unit model number and serial number ready when you call.

Service & Warranty

Contact Frazer Air on 9465 3533 for all your servicing needs