Start With the Unit Details on the Name Plate
The first step is to find the name plate on the indoor unit, outdoor unit or both. This usually shows the model number, serial number, power rating and sometimes the refrigerant type. If the unit is in a tight ceiling space or high on a wall, take a clear photo rather than writing details from memory.
For common parts and accessories, the model number matters more than the size of the room. A capacitor, fan motor, control board or drain component can look similar across many units, but the fittings and ratings may differ by a small but important margin. In humid coastal areas like Clairwood, Merebank and Bluff, corrosion also changes what should be replaced together.
If the plate is faded, send us a photo of the whole unit, the plate and the fault area. A sharp picture often saves a second visit and helps us check availability before you leave home or site.
Bring the Old Part, Even if It Is Damaged
If the unit is safe to switch off and the part has already been removed, bring the old item with you. This is the best way to match terminals, blade size, shaft length, mounting holes and connector type. Broken parts still tell us a lot, even when the casing is cracked or the wiring is burnt.
For replacement parts like contactors, capacitors and fan motors, a sample part lets us compare ratings and physical fit. Do not clean off every mark, because labels, stampings and connector positions can be useful. If the part is oily or dusty, place it in a bag so the details stay readable.
- Capacitor: note microfarads and voltage rating
- Contactor: note coil voltage and pole count
- Fan motor: note RPM, shaft length and mounting style
- Drain items: note pipe size and outlet direction
Write Down the Fault Before You Leave Site
Knowing what the aircon is doing, or not doing, helps us narrow the spare. A unit that trips after a few minutes is different from one that runs but does not cool, and both are different from a unit that leaks water indoors. Mention any error codes, unusual noises, smells, ice build-up or repeated tripping at the distribution board.
For Durban call-outs, it also helps to note when the fault happens. Some units fail only in the heat of the afternoon, others during humid nights or after load-shedding returns power. That detail tells us whether the issue is electrical, refrigerant-related or a blocked drain. It also helps us advise if a deep clean or planned maintenance may be needed alongside the part.
Try to describe the fault in plain words, such as: fan not spinning, no cold air, water dripping from the front, compressor not starting, or indoor unit making a clicking sound. Short notes are fine, but be specific.
Check the Common Spare Categories Before You Travel
Many customers come in for one item and leave needing two or three. It saves time to check the common spare groups before you collect. If you are maintaining more than one unit at a house, shop or office, compare the model details for each unit separately. Do not assume the spare for one room unit will suit the next one over.
- Electrical parts: capacitors, contactors, relays and control components
- Mechanical parts: fan motors, blades, brackets and bearings
- Refrigerant items: valves, service caps, copper fittings and leak repair accessories
- Drain and cleaning items: drain hose, traps, cleaners and filters
- Remote and control items: remotes, sensors and control boards
If you are not sure which group applies, bring the old part, a photo of the installation and the unit model number. That is usually enough for us to point you in the right direction without guessing.
Know What To Ask For When You Need Gas or Leak Help
Gas and leak work should not be handled as a simple top-up. If the unit is low on refrigerant, there is usually a leak or a service issue behind it. Tell us whether the unit is cooling weakly, icing up, hissing, or losing gas after a recent repair. This helps us decide whether to do a leak check, pressure test, regas or a part replacement.
In coastal Durban, small leaks can worsen faster because salt air and moisture attack weak points. If a unit has been running with poor airflow or a blocked drain, the symptoms can look similar to a gas problem. Give us the full story so we do not send you away with the wrong item or a false fix.
For gas-related visits, be ready to confirm the unit type, the number of indoor heads if it is a multi-split system, and whether the system is still operating or completely flat. That saves time on site and helps us bring the right tools and fittings first time.
Use This Quick Collection Checklist Before You Head Out
Before you travel to collect spares from our Clairwood base, check that you have the basics with you. A small bit of preparation can save a second trip across Durban and keep your repair moving the same day.
- Photo of the name plate or model number
- Photo of the fault area and any error code
- Old part, even if damaged
- Measurements where relevant, such as pipe size, shaft length or mounting hole spacing
- Unit location details if you want a call-out arranged later
- Your contact number and email address for follow up
If you are collecting on behalf of a contractor, bring the job card or written instructions as well. That makes it easier to match the part to the right site and avoid confusion when several units are being serviced at once. A few minutes of checking now can save hours later.
