Water-Cooled Package Units

A water-cooled package unit is a self-contained air conditioning system commonly found in high-rise apartments, offices, and mixed-use buildings. Instead of using outdoor air to remove heat, it connects to the building’s condenser water loop, which circulates water to and from a central cooling tower. This design makes it highly efficient in dense city environments where space for outdoor units is limited. Each apartment or office has its own unit, allowing for individual temperature control while still relying on a shared building system.

For most buildings, a full service once per year (ideally before summer) is the minimum recommendation. However, in high-demand buildings, or where water quality and treatment aren’t closely managed, servicing every six months is strongly advised. Regular servicing helps prevent scaling, corrosion, and poor water flow, all of which can quickly reduce performance and increase running costs. Routine maintenance also allows early detection of leaks or component wear before they cause major breakdowns.

Frequent tripping or shutdowns usually indicate an underlying water flow or heat exchange issue. Common causes include:

• Insufficient or inconsistent water flow from the cooling tower
• Dirty or scaled heat exchangers restricting heat transfer
• Blocked air filters or obstructed airflow
• Electrical or sensor faults within the control board

When this happens, the system may trigger high-pressure alarms or compressor lockouts to protect itself. A qualified technician can check water temperature differentials, pressure levels, and electrical readings to pinpoint the exact cause and prevent recurrence.

There are a few tell-tale signs that your unit may be nearing the end of its life. Common indicators include:

• Frequent tripping or compressor lockouts
• Reduced cooling output even after servicing
• Water leaks, corrosion, or unusual noise from the cabinet
• Rising energy bills or poor efficiency
• Difficulty sourcing replacement parts or discontinued model numbers

If your apartment or office is more than 15 years old, there’s a good chance it still runs on one of the superseded Temperzone models commonly installed in Melbourne’s high-rises. These systems may be replaced with a modern Temperzone unit. Speak to Ideal Air Melbourne for a free changeover quote, so we can find out how to best fit a new system into your existing space, and connecting to your same water loop.

A full service from Ideal Air Melbourne covers every part of your water-cooled package unit to ensure efficient, trouble-free operation. Our technicians will:

• Check and balance condenser water flow
• Check and record fault code history
• Clean and inspect air filter
• Verify refrigerant charge and operating pressures
• Inspect electrical connections and control systems
• Check drain operation and cabinet condition
• Confirm stable operation through a full run test

This comprehensive service keeps your unit performing at its best and helps extend its lifespan, reducing the risk of mid-season breakdowns.

Yes. Ideal Air Melbourne offers tailored maintenance programs for strata properties, commercial facilities, and body corporates managing multiple units or shared water-loop systems. Our contracts include scheduled servicing, priority breakdown response, and detailed service reporting for compliance and record keeping. We work closely with building managers and facilities teams to plan maintenance that minimises disruption to tenants.

With consistent servicing and proper water treatment, most water-cooled package units last 15 to 20 years, and sometimes longer. However, many older Temperzone models installed over the past two decades are now reaching the end of their operational life. If your system is one of these, it may be listed on our superseded models list. Ideal Air Melbourne provides a free changeover quote for a modern replacement that offers better efficiency, quieter performance, and full compatibility with your existing water loop.