Hi guys,

I've got a Millenniumair split unit 3.5kw install in my home office - it's on 24/7 as there are a number of computer in the room and it needs to be cool. I'd originally installed it as a DIY job (from reading these forums, seems that wasn't the best choice). Anyway, it went wrong (LED error codes) and the guys who supplied it sent an engineer to repace both the indoor and outdoor units. However, about 18 months later, and after this hot summer, the compressor is making a groaning/asthmatic sort of noise when it's working. The noise comes and goes as the compressor cuts in and out.

I'm not interested in attempting a DIY fix - I'm looking for a professional to have a look at it. I'm hoping that it's (a) lost gas, (b) isn't damaged, and (c) can simply be topped up. I don't know much about this sort of stuff.

Can anybody recommend an engineer local to the area who might be interested?

I've also got a split unit in my loft conversion - sourced from the same people who supplied the one above - which was installed by an engineer recommended by the guys who did the loft conversion. Work fine for 8-10 months, then stopped blowing out cold air. Compressor can still be heard, one of the coolant pipes is cool (ie: not ice cold). I'm guessing that the bl**dy builders put a nail through a pipe, as the pipe is buried through a stud wall. I'd like an engineer to pressure-test that, to see if the pipe is a problem, and, if not, to fix that as per (a), (b) and (c) above. If it's a punctured pipe, I'd look to buy the copper pipe from that engineer, self install the pipework (through wall, under floor, etc) and then get him back to connect up both ends and gas it up. Again, recommendations please.

Guess we're all allowed to make mistakes with this self-install-and-save-money idea, but I think I'll stick to computers and stuff from now on. Any recommendations would be gratefully received.

Cheers,
Paul
paul@bluenowhere.co.uk