Frequently Asked Questions

Please use the fields below to search for answers to frequently asked questions regarding Kelvinator products and use.

Refrigerator

What is a clean back Refrigerator?
The majority of the back of the refrigerator cabinet is sealed, with no exposed coils. This means that the refrigerator can fit neatly into kitchen space, and are as easy to clean at the back as they are in front.
Why does the freezer door pop open when I close the fridge door?
This will happen on all frost free's due to the air ducts between compartments. If the fridge is installed correctly (slightly leaning backwards) the door should close automatically after it pops open.
What should the temperatures be in my fridge/freezer?
The temperature in the fridge should average 2° C - 6° C. The temperature in the freezer should be -16° C - -20° C.
What is the best way to transport a refrigerator?
The refrigerator should be transported in an upright position.
What length of time should a refrigerator be left switched off after it has been transported?
If the refrigerator is transported in an upright position, the refrigerator should be left switched off for one hour. If the refrigerator is transported on its side, the refrigerator should be left switched off for eight hours.
What is a Frost free Refrigerator?
The refrigerator is kept frost free by a powerful fan that directs moisture-free, sub-zero air through the freezer and food compartment. That means that there is no manual defrosting required. An additional benefit is that there is faster temperature recovery, particularly useful on hot days when the door is opened repeatedly.
How do I reduce the running costs and save energy of the refrigerator?
A few things can be done to save on energy consumption. Do not operate the freezer too cold. Allow hot foods to cool to room temperature before placing into the freezer compartment. The door gasket should seal to the cabinet when the door is closed. Keep door opening times to a minimum. Locate the unit out of direct sunlight and away from any heating appliances (i.e. cookers, dishwashers). Do not block air vents, this will cause the unit to run for longer, and therefore use more energy. If the freezer compartment is filled to capacity, the food mass will help maintain freezer temperature when the doors are being opened.
In the Crisper Converta Bins in the refrigerator, should the humidity control be left open or closed?
The closed position is used for the optimum storage of vegetables. Most vegetables should be covered in plastic bags or plastic wrap to stop moisture loss, but vegetables with thicker skins don't require wrapping. The open position is used for the optimum storage of fruit and smallgoods. Fruits should also be stored in plastic, thicker skinned fruit does not require wrapping. Smallgoods are best wrapped firstly in waxed paper, then overwrapped with foil to avoid drying out.

Freezer

Why is the ice cream that is stored in the freezer soft but the frozen meat is still hard?
Ice cream needs to be at a colder temperature to freeze than meat and if its not frozen properly there could be a problem with your freezer and it may require service.
What should the temperatures be in my fridge/freezer?
The temperature in the fridge should average 2° C - 6° C. The temperature in the freezer should be -16° C - -20° C.
What is the best way to transport a freezer?

The freezer should be transported in an upright position.
After my freezer was turned off for a few days an odour has developed. What is the best way to remove the smell?
Place Nil Odour or vanilla essence in a bowl on the fridge shelf. It is important not to apply these products on the fridge liners however, only use warm soapy water.

Air Conditioners

What are some of the factors to consider when buying and installing air conditioners?
Unit capacity, insulation of your house, regular maintenance, type of wall, size of the window, type of Air Conditioner, and location where the unit is going to be installed.
What are some factors that we need to consider when sizing the air conditioner?
The orientation of your house, the material it is made of such as brick veneer, double brick. The location and size of windows and the covering on these windows and whether the house is insulated have a large bearing on the sizing; the region you live in can vary the air conditioning requirements. Your licenced installer would be abel to assist you.
How big or what size of the Air Conditioner should I buy?
To be exact, your licenced installer will be able to calculate that heat-load and size for you. Alternatively, please refer to our sizing chart which could give you a approximately size that you can work on.
Isn't it better if I choose the Air Conditioner as large as possible?
This is known as Over-sized: it will cause problem like the unit not cycling on and off correctly when it reaches the set temperature; and is less effective and wastes energy. Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from the air (in cooling mode). If the unit is too large, it will cool the room quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. This leaves the room with a damp, clammy feeling.
Is it OK that I choose a smaller Air Conditioner?
This is known as Under-sized: air conditioners will have to work harder, wasting energy, and not giving satisfactory result.
What is a Sizing Chart?
Sizing Chart: it is a guide to assist you in determining the right size of Air Conditioner to cool or heat your room correctly.
Can a large capacity Air Conditioner be used to cool and heat the whole house or multiple rooms?
NO: All Kelvinator Air Conditioners are designed as a Room Air Conditioner; which means that regardless if it is a Split system or Window Wall unit, it is designed to use only for a single room application, and it can not cool or heat multiple rooms or the whole house.
If the wrong sized Air Conditioner was installed, can I get it replaced with a correct sized one?
NO Replacement under warranty: an Under-sized or Over-sized Air Conditioner is not cover by warranty, as the unit is working as it is.
Who can assist me to get the correct size Air Conditioner to cool or heat my room?
Your dealer or licensed installer are there to provide this service for you; alternatively, please refer to our Sizing Chart.
What is a window wall Air Conditioner?
Window wall: a self-contained packaged air conditioner. All components are housed within the unit. It is relatively easy to install through a wall and no inter-piping connection is required. However, the unit might be slightly noisier compare to a split system, as the compressor is mounted within the unit.
What is a Split AirCon system?
Split system: contains 2 parts - the outdoor unit (Condenser) and indoor unit (Evaporator). They are joined together by copper pipe filled with refrigerant. A Split system is more efficient in terms of energy, and quieter when operating; it is available as Reverse Cycle or Cooling only.
What is Inverter system?
Inverter system: such an air conditioner is equipped with a variable frequency drive that incorporates an adjustable electrical circuitry to control the speed of the motor and thus the compressor and the output. The result is a controllable and energy efficient system that is not only cheaper to run, but also uses a smaller power supply.
What is Fix speed system?
Fix speed: these air conditioners regulate the temperature by using a compressor that is periodically either working at maximum capacity or switched off entirely.
What does the Star rating actually mean?
The Star Rating system assigns a number of stars to the air conditioner and this is displayed on the energy label. It gives an indication of how energy efficient an appliance is compared to other similar appliances. Currently, the range of stars is between one and maximum of six, shown in half star intervals. A product with more stars on the rating label has a higher energy efficiency than the product with less stars.
What does DRED mean
It stands for Demand Response Enabled Device: this means it can be interfaced with your electricity supplier to utilise the function if available; there are 3 possible modes available according to the situation. Note: a separate arrangement needs to be made for this. Contact your energy supplier to determine if there is an Air Conditioning Demand Response program in your area
Are there filters that need to be cleaned regularly?
Yes, inspect the air filters in your air conditioner regularly to see if cleaning is necessary. Trapped particles in the filter can build up and block the airflow; which reduces the air conditioner's capacity.
Can Kelvinator recommend an installer?
No, the dealer would be able to recommend qualified / licenced installer for you.
Who can install my Air Conditioners?
Do not attempt to install an air conditioner by yourself; by law the product has to be installed by an Air Conditioner licensed installer.
Who can service, repair my Air Conditioners?
Do not attempt to repair an air conditioner by yourself; by law the product has to be serviced by an Air Conditioner licensed service profession.
What can I do if I have a problem with my Air Conditioner?
To contact you local Service Repairer who is authorised by Kelvinator to service you Air Conditioner, please contact our Customer Care Centre on 1300363640 or 131349 to make a booking.
Choosing the correct location for the indoor and outdoor unit
Things you need to consider: Air flow, clearance around the indoor and outdoor unit, direct sun light, noise reflection, weather and ease of access, etc.... The licensed installer would inspect the place and make recommendation accordingly.
What are the typical installation costs of a Split System Air Conditioner?
Installation costs of split system air conditioners can vary a lot due to electrical wiring requirements and positioning of outdoor units. Your licensed installer would give you a quotation
I have an old Air-Conditioner at the moment, can I replace it with a current type?
Before choosing a replacement unit, conduct a heat load calculation of the relevant area. If you choose a split system you will also have to consider, power supply, refrigerant and drainage issues; refer to your licenced installer or our sizing chart
How long does it take to install a new Air Conditioner?
Factors you need to consider: pipe work, electrical wiring, distance in between the indoor and outdoor, is the outdoor unit going to be installed on the ground or up high. Your licensed installer would be able to advise you upon site inspection.
What can I do to run the Air Conditioner more efficiently on a hot day?
When a hot day is expected, turn on the air conditioner early rather than wait until the building becomes hot (it operates more efficiently when the outside air temperature is cooler).
What can I do to save energy when using an Air Conditioner?
Keep curtains, windows and doors closed. If the machine has adjustable louvers, adjust them towards the ceiling when in cooling mode, and towards the floor when in heating mode; as cool air falls, hot air rises.
How long is the warranty period?
For a domestic application: all Kelvinator Air conditioners come with two years full manufacturer's warranty, and an extra three years if the unit is installed by a licensed installer.
Can Kelvinator Air Conditioner provide warranty for commercial application?
For a commercial application: all Kelvinator Air conditioner carries only three months warranty.

Hot water systems

Is a Solar system the right choice for my home?
Solar systems require good roof space. Most systems use 2 collectors (Flat panel or Evacuated tube) but larger systems can use up to 3 collectors. You will require at least 4m2 for a 2 panel installation (Either flat panel or Evacuated tube). For optimum performance the panels should be installed on an unshaded north- facing roof but with the efficient design of the Evacuated tube system the direction of the panels is not as critical.
How long does it take to install a Solar System ?
This can be dependant on few things. Do you have a single or 2 storey dwelling, the location of panels & tank and what type of boost system you require ( Electric or Gas). In most situations the install can be completed in half a day.
How long does it take to install a Heat Pump System?
In most cases a couple of hours when the unit is replacing the original Electric stoage tank. It may take a while longer if new plumbing and wiring is required. Please consult with your local installer on your requirements and a quote.
What is the most economical or efficient Hot Water systems?
Different units suit different situations and are dependant on Location, availability of Natural Gas or LP Gas also access to Off-peak tariff electricity. The most efficient unit is the Solar Gas boosted evacuated tube unit.
What is a simple alternative to replace my old electric storage unit if Solar is not an option?
The EcoKnight Heat Pumps is the simplest replacement for an electric water heater. They have a storage tank similar to an electric water heater. Installation in most cases can be carried out quickly by a licensed plumber as they use similar plumbing and electrical connections as a standard electric storage water heater.
I have an old Gas storage unit at the moment can I replace it with a Gas continuous unit?
Things you need to consider. How many in the household and how many bathrooms in the home. Gas storage units have 15mm gas connection and Gas continuous units require 20mm connection. Speak with your local plumber about what you will require and they can give you a quote.
I have Off-peak power in my home can I install a Solar or Heat pump system?
Both systems can run on Off-peak power but we recommend installing them to Off-peak 2 supply . Your electricity provider can organise the change for you to Off Peak 2.
I want to replace my electric storage tank with a Solar unit can I have the tank installed inside or in our laundry?
The tank of your Solar unit can be installed internally but be careful with this as most new hot water systems are much larger than the existing system. You will need to check the dimensions of the tank if it is in a tight spot e.g. corner of laundry.
I live in a frost prone area what system would suit my application?
The Evacuated tube system is the ideal you unit for you application. Also a Heat Pump unit could be suitable as the EcoKnight Heat Pump can operate to down to temperatures of -7 degrees C
I am looking at purchasing a Heat pump can I install the unit inside?
The tank maybe installed inside, however the Heatpump unit must be installed outside but no further than 5 meters away from the tank.
Who should I get to install my system?
All units must be installed by an authorised installer.