Archives for May 2014

Air Conditioning troubleshooting tips

May 12, 2014 by Brisbane Air

On a hot summer’s day, there is nothing worse than finding your air conditioning system is not working properly (or at all). It can be frustrating and annoying. Even worse, you may have to wait for a technician to come out to affect a repair.

Most modern air conditioning units are very robust, and with proper maintenance and regular service visits from a qualified engineer you will enjoy years of trouble free operation. But what can you do if there is a problem?

Start with the basics

There are several things you can check and resolve in a few minutes. Start at the beginning and eliminate the most obvious causes first.

If the air conditioning unit is not working, the first thing you should check is the power. It may be something as simple as a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. This is the easiest repair to make, but if it breaks down again quickly there may be a bigger problem with the air conditioning unit itself. In such a case you will need to call a service technician.

Next on your checklist should be the thermostat settings: try reducing the temperature by 5 degrees. A thermostat set too high may result in the air conditioner running unevenly, or not at all, and inadequately cooling the room.

Finally, check the air conditioning unit is clean and free of dust and dirt. The outside unit in particular can suffer if there are weeds or bushes growing in close proximity. Make sure they are trimmed, and cut back to ensure there are no obstructions.

You’ve checked the obvious and the unit still isn’t working properly

Once you’ve checked these basics, it is best not to try and resolve any further issues by yourself. In trying to fix more complex problems, you may cause more harm. Instead, call a professional and let them diagnose the cause of your air conditioning issues.

An experienced service engineer will check refrigerant levels and search for leaks, test and check for noise and vibration, as well as checking switches and cut-outs. They will correct amperage currents of units and motors, and lubricate accessible bearings.

Prevention is better than cure

Here at Brisbane Air we have been installing, servicing and repairing air conditioning units in Brisbane for more than 30 years. We put this experience to use to bring the best service to our customers, and recommend that residential customers should have their system serviced at least every 18 months.

Even the newest, most advanced systems will benefit from a regular maintenance program. Regular servicing will save you money in the long run, and keep your air conditioning system working at peak efficiency no matter how hot the Summer.

Noise Regulations for Air Conditioning in Brisbane

May 9, 2014 by Brisbane Air

When you’re sitting in the garden, taking advantage of the sun, it’s easy to notice your neighbour’s air conditioning unit working away and disturbing the peace. You’re less likely to notice the noise your own unit is making, though, because you’ll be inside when it’s on.

Brisbane City Council has put a limit on the permitted noise level from air conditioning units, with direction notices and on-the-spot fines for breaking the rules. If your unit is too noisy, you could face a heavy penalty.

How loud is too noisy?

Brisbane City Council rules defines an unacceptable air conditioning noise level as more than 5 decibels above background during the day, and 3 decibels at night. When you consider that during the day, in a quiet residential street the normal background level is 35-45 decibels, the unacceptable level is not very loud at all.

How can you reduce the noise your air conditioner makes?

With just a few simple tips you can ensure you minimise noise levels generated by your air conditioner. These tips may even save you money on running costs:

Limit the hours you use your air conditioning – Do you really need it to be running all day and night?
Locate your outside units as far away as reasonably possible from neighbours and sensitive areas such as bedroom windows.
Erect a solid fence or barrier to absorb some of the sound, or install an acoustic enclosure.
Ensure your unit is serviced regularly, as units can become noisy over time due to constant running and lack of maintenance.

Should you decide to modify your existing unit to reduce noise, remember such modifications should only be carried out by a qualified engineer.

Of course, you can avoid the noise issue altogether by ensuring you select the correct size of air conditioning units, and the best model for your home, before initial installation.

Don’t fall foul of Brisbane City Council noise levels

If you think your air conditioning units are too noisy or you are looking to replace old units, our experienced air conditioning Brisbane technicians will be happy to advise you. All units sold by Brisbane Air are extremely quiet, and our fully qualified service technicians will advise on the optimum location for external units.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you stay within the noise laws and save money with energy efficient air conditioning units.

What Size Ducted Air Conditioning System is Suitable for Your Brisbane Home?

May 5, 2014 by Brisbane Air

There is nothing more frustrating than finding the ducted air conditioning system you spent thousands on isn’t up to the job.

Correct size units will be more effective, more efficient, and economical. Buying a ducted air conditioning unit that is the wrong size for your home, will result in thousands wasted on initial cost, and even more in its running. Worse still, it will be inefficient – too hot in summer, too cold in winter.

But how do you know what is the right size for your property? What considerations do you need to take into account?

What should you consider when sizing for ducted air conditioning in Brisbane?

Many factors will affect the unit size required for your home:

Your home’s location and aspect will affect the amount of work a ducted air conditioner has to do to maintain a comfortable environment. Included here will be size of rooms, and size and type of windows (including benefits of shade).
Your home’s construction, materials used, and insulation will impact air conditioning system efficiency; as will the attributes of the air conditioner itself.
How your home is used, how many people live in it, and what times of day it is occupied will – what rooms are used and when – will also impact your air conditioning needs. Zoning is particularly important.
Most generic sizing guides assume a number of watts per square metre of floor area, but this standard calculation does not take into account the above factors. There may also be other considerations – such as the number of people using a space or equipment within that space, and computers in a home office may generate additional heat.

If the residential ducted air conditioning system you buy is too small, you will find it working overtime to reach the desired temperature. With this stress, it is likely to become noisy and need replacing sooner. Meanwhile, your living space will suffer in the comfort stakes.

You’ll encounter similar problems with a residential ducted air conditioning system which is too large. You will waste hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars buying the larger unit. When installed it will work inefficiently and consume more electricity than necessary.

Let the ducted air conditioning Brisbane experts advise you

The best way to obtain a definitive answer is to ask an expert and have a Brisbane Air representative survey your home. At Brisbane Air we have a fully qualified team who can advise you on the right size ducted air conditioning system for your home and individual circumstances, including anticipated use.

Contact us today, and benefit from our experience in helping clients select the right ducted air conditioning system for their Brisbane homes.

Air Conditioning Tips for Commercial Buildings in Brisbane

May 2, 2014 by Brisbane Air

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, accounts for a significant percentage of business facility running costs in Brisbane. In fact, according to some Government figures, as much as 25-50% of total facility costs.

Yet air conditioning is an essential component of a pleasant work environment. Commercial air conditioning helps with the provision of a safe and comfortable setting, which can increase work performance as well as improving client, customer and visitor relations.

With all this in mind, it makes sense to ensure you are getting the most out of your commercial air conditioning system in Brisbane and making sure it is as efficient and cost effective as possible.

4 Steps to getting the most from your commercial air conditioning Brisbane system

By following a few simple guidelines you will make fantastic savings on your energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

1. Use the commercial air conditioning system only when needed

Many cost savings can be made by turning off your air conditioning when not needed. Make sure you turn off your air conditioning systems overnight, at weekends, and holidays when the building is empty. If you need air conditioning to run constantly in server rooms, ensure that it is the only space being cooled.

2. Adjust temperature for the season

Adjusting your temperature setting by as little as 1 degree will have a significant impact on your energy bill. Also, consider the temperature range required for different seasons: there is a tendency to set your air conditioning system too high in winter and too low in summer.

3. Educate your staff

Your employees have a vested interest in the success of your business, but they can only help to reduce costs if they are included in your energy planning and understand the actions which help save energy and reduce costs. Explain how opening windows and doors may adversely affect air conditioning system efficiency and workplace temperature.

You could also section off used areas which do not need to be maintained.

4. Maintenance

By instigating a regular service regime, you will prolong the life of your commercial air conditioning system and reduce your energy bill.

Long-term savings

These tips are the quick wins possible by utilising your existing commercial air conditioning system, and can be implemented immediately. For further savings, look at long term solutions through the implementation of an energy saving plan combined with efficient air conditioning system design.

Brisbane Air provides affordable, quality air co nditioning services for commercial properties. This includes advice, design services, installation, and maintenance, providing a comprehensive end-to-end service for all your air conditioning needs.