Appropriate Air Conditioner Size and Capacity

June 25, 2014 by Brisbane Air

What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

If your air conditioning unit is too small, it just won’t be able to maintain your home at the temperature you want it to. It will work so hard to do the job that it will use way more electric than you expect, too.

However, using an oversized system won’t win any prizes, either. A unit that’s too large will constantly turn on and off, increasing strain on the compressor and your energy bill.

It’s not simply a question of energy efficiency when selecting the right size air conditioner: the choice is a little more complicated than selecting the best looking unit with the highest energy rating. Here we look at how to decide what size air conditioner you need.

Start with the size of your living space

A larger room will need more cooling capacity, and it is this that will be the main factor in determining the required size of air conditioner unit. Not only will you need to consider the size of your rooms, but also their use: the more use your rooms receive, the more air conditioning they will need.

It’s not simply a fact of measuring floor space, either – rooms with high ceilings need a different air cooling capacity to those with lower ceilings.

Shady or sunny?

Second, you’ll need to consider the aspect of your home and the room(s) you want to cool. A room which is bathed in sunlight all day will need the air conditioner to work harder, and that will mean a bigger size of air conditioner.

What type of insulation do you have?

Poorly insulated rooms may let out the heat during the winter, but they also affect internal heat in the summer too.

How many people need cooling down?

Finally, the more people there are in the air conditioned space, the larger the air conditioning unit you’ll need. People give off heat, so for every extra person that lives in your home (or works in your office, if the air conditioner is for your workplace you’ll require that little extra air conditioning power.

Making the decision

It’s perfectly possible to measure your home and estimate the size of air conditioner you need, but to ensure the size is correct you need also to factor in aspect and inhabitant numbers, as well as use and insulation..

This calculator from the Australian Institute of Refrigeration will help you to estimate the size of air conditioner needed for your home, but in order to gain an accurate calculation you should consult an expert. They will have the tools and experience required to ensure your air conditioner is the right size, giving you maximum room temperature efficiency at lowest running cost.

How To Boost Your Air Conditioners Performance

June 15, 2014 by Brisbane Air

Want to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Effectiveness?

With the tropical heat in this part of Australia, many businesses and homes are crippled by high energy bills bumped up even further by inefficient air conditioning systems. You don’t
have to turn off your air conditioning unit and struggle in the heat to cut those bills, though.

Here are 7 things you can do to make your air conditioner more effective and reduce those electricity bills without reducing your comfort level.

Have your air conditioning unit serviced regularly
An engineer will ensure that coils are cleaned and replaced if necessary. Dirty or malfunctioning coils can cost an air conditioner as much as 10% of its efficiency. A service should also concentrate on coolant levels and airflow throughout the system. You may be able to clean coils yourself using a toothbrush, but you should take care not to damage them.
Change filters regularly
Dirty filters make air conditioners work harder by restricting airflow. Changing or cleaning on a monthly basis will help your air conditioner maintain its efficiency.
Stop system leaks
By ensuring your ducts are properly insulated, either with mastic tape or sealer, and then making sure the ductwork is professionally cleaned every two to three years you’ll further enhance air conditioner efficiency.
Keep the unit clear of obstructions
Prune nearby plants and make certain that the unit has several feet of clear air space around it to increase free flow of air. Debris in the air conditioning unit is a major cause of unit inefficiency.
Raise your thermostat temperature and set your unit to ‘auto’
Each degree you increase your thermostat temperature will save you several percent on your air conditioning bill. To reduce that bill further still, set to auto and stop turning your system on and off!
Use shade to cool your rooms
Keeping sunlight out keeps your home cooler. Draw your curtains on south facing windows, and consider shaded landscaping in your garden which can also be used to protect your air conditioning unit from excessive heat (by some estimates this action alone increases air conditioner effectiveness by up to 10%).
Turn off your lights
Lights are one of those un-thought of sources of heat. Make sure that all lights which are not needed are turned off – especially when there is no one in a room (children are notorious for lighting the whole house). As you can see, there are plenty of things you can do yourself to ensure your air conditioner is working as effectively as possible. By combining all of these things with regular maintenance work undertaken by an experienced technician, you’ll make certain that your air conditioning unit is working at maximum efficiency and lowest cost throughout the year.

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.

Stay Comfortable in Queensland Hot Weather

March 6, 2014 by Brisbane Air

We all know how hot it can get here in Queensland, but that heat does occasionally go off the scale. Brisbane can sometimes bask in temperatures of 39°C, while in western Queensland temperatures can reach nearly 50°C. That sort of heat can prove unbearable in many schools and debilitating in the home and office.

People who usually work or play outside, will find doing so energy sapping. Roads will melt, steering wheels become untouchable, and the beach will be foot burning. The simple solution, of course, is to stay indoors.

How to remain cool in the midday sun

Streets are likely to be deserted as people seek the comfort of home air conditioning to stay cool in the summer. Here are five things you can do to ensure your home stays cool without breaking the bank and putting extra strain on your home air conditioning units:

1. Keep the thermostat at a constant level

Find a comfortable temperature for you, and stick to it. Setting your thermostat to a super cold setting won’t help your home get cooler more quickly, but it will make your air conditioning units work harder and will consume more electrical power.

2. Keep the curtains drawn and let heat escape at night

Especially when no one is in a room, keeping the curtains drawn will help keep the heat out: sunlight burning through glass quickly heats up a room. If your room is cooler to start with, then your home air conditioning will have to work only half as hard to maintain your ideal temperature.

While the rule is to keep curtains drawn during the day, when the sun goes down then opening curtains, drapes and windows will help any residual heat to escape. That will help your home start from a lower temperature in the morning, and place less strain on your air conditioning,

3. Use a dehumidifier

If you’ve ever sweltered in the summer heat, the discomfort is because of the accompanying humidity. Using a dehumidifier will help reduce humidity in the home and you’ll be able to escape the sun in comfort.

4. Keep your home air conditioning unit out of the sun

Whilst the new compressor and condenser units are largely weather proofed, it is ideal that your outside unit should be away from the full western sun or at least partly shaded. Use landscaping techniques to add a flourish to your garden and a cool finish to your air conditioning unit.

5. Time your chores

Though it’s difficult to time cooking for the coolest times, other heat producing chores like washing and drying clothes can be set for night time when the house is cooler. You should also try to do labour intensive chores – such as cleaning, dusting, and washing up – for when its cooler in the house: late at night or early morning, perhaps.

Avoid overheating in the home

If you want a stay cool summer, then following these five tips will help you do so. You can keep cool and comfortable in your own home without the worry of receiving an inflated energy bill in the post.

If you’re unsure of the best way to stay cool in the summer, or would like to ensure your home air conditioning is ready to run at peak performance, then call us now. Brisbane Air is here to help, as we have been for air conditioning services in Brisbane for over 30 years.

Hot Classrooms and Poor Education Levels

February 27, 2014 by Brisbane Air

Have you ever noticed yourself, or others, losing concentration when it’s hot? Perhaps an over eager temper, as the beads of sweat rolling down your back cause you increasing discomfort? Now consider the effect that poor classroom air conditioning has, on children at school.

28 Degrees of losing classroom concentration

According to Professor Michael Nagel, who specialises in brain development and education, a poor classroom air conditioner is the root cause of many educational failings. Professor Nagel, after a number of studies and extensive research, has been able to identify the exact temperature at which reading comprehension begins to slide away – 28 degrees.

Yet, many schools in Queensland, and particularly along the Sunshine Coast, have no classroom air conditioning. This is a state of affairs which the Government doesn’t appear to want to legislate against, despite evidence showing the damaging effects of hot classrooms, especially in the hottest months of November through to February.

How children are affected by poor classroom air conditioners

It’s not only the schools with no classroom air conditioning that risk their pupils’ education. Those schools which have poorly serviced classroom air conditioners, will find the effects on children in the heat, devastating to their educational advancement. Hot classrooms affect children in several ways, including:

Reducing the ability to concentrate
Cutting cognitive ability, which cuts retention of information
Increasing aggressive behaviour, especially in children with ADHD

And yet, despite the evidence, the State government doesn’t even stipulate a maximum temperature at which children would have to be sent home. It can get as hot as it wants, with learning ability reducing to zero; and poorly air conditioned schools don’t have to do a thing about it!

The science behind the reality

Here’s the science bit:

Studies have shown that while at 28 degrees brain power begins to wilt, at 30 degrees it almost switches off. Though it’s still possible to function, the real energy the brain uses is spent on surviving the heat. It’s like a reflex action that flicks the switch from thinking, learning, and remembering, to merely trying to stay cool.

That why school children get tired and tetchy in the heat.

High temperatures cause the brain to overproduce serotonin: and when this hormone gets out of balance, one of the main effects is to reduce the recognition of pain (whether physical or mental). This directly increases aggressive behaviour.

How to increase academic results in schools

Great teachers and engaged pupils make for great educational results. With so much evidence proving excessive classroom heat disengages children from lessons, and instead engages them in anti-social behaviour, better classroom air conditioning is clearly a major weapon in the battle to improve educational standards.

Ask yourself this question: do you think politicians would be happy to spend a day in a school with no classroom air conditioner?

If the answer to that is ‘no’, then it’s time to ensure that your school has great classroom air conditioning that is in top working order. Call (07) 3269 8450 now to find out how Brisbane Air can help you with commercial air conditioning for schools.

Avoid Disaster with a Correctly Fixed Air Conditioning Unit

February 14, 2014 by Brisbane Air

The thing about accidents is that they are generally avoidable. Think about accidents in the home – such as a pot boiling over on the hob, or falling downstairs, fire and flood, broken cups… the list goes on. Most of these types of accidents would never happen if a little extra care were taken.

Fortunately, very few accidents in the home result in disasters, although the majority of disasters begin with an accident.

It’s the same at places of work and play, of course. A slippery shop floor could end with a slight fall, or perhaps a far worse accident. Such an event will often lead to a loss of good faith, or perhaps even a loss of custom because of bad publicity, as well as the likelihood of being sued by the victim.

There is generally no excuse for negligence.

Accident prone air conditioning

Despite some very high profile cases, commercial air conditioning continues to be the cause of several accidents annually that could easily have been avoided. Poorly installed units and those not regularly serviced by a qualified air conditioning mechanic are the main causes of these accidents.

High profile accidents involving commercial air conditioning units

Fortunately, the injuries sustained by a woman in London in 2008, when struck by a falling air conditioning unit, were not fatal. But severe head, arm and leg injuries did warrant a stay in hospital. All she was doing was waiting for a bus.

Fatalities caused by falling air conditioners are few and far between, with serious injuries being more common. Death by commercial air conditioning is usually encountered before or during installation – such as the worker killed when a commercial air conditioning unit slid off a truck in New York in 2012.

However, a pedestrian was killed in 1988 by a long time commercial air conditioning unit when it fell from an office window in New York.

Only last week, a truck cab was crushed when an air conditioning unit fell on it Thankfully, no one was hurt – though this outcome owed everything to luck.

It is not just falling commercial air conditioning units that cause accidents

Poorly installed air conditioning units are also to blame for injury and death. In the UK, a metropolitan council was fined £400,000 (around $600,000) when found guilty of negligence after an electrical contractor was killed while examining a faulty commercial air conditioning unit.

In Southampton, UK, in September last year, 62 shoppers fell ill when a poorly maintained air conditioning unit leaked refrigerant. Two large superstores were closed, emergency services mobilised, and the local hospital inundated with emergency cases.

Avoid air conditioning accidents

Clearly, commercial air conditioning can be dangerous, before, during, and after installation, which is why Brisbane Air recommends using only well qualified air conditioning technicians throughout the process.

Knowing how to handle commercial air conditioning units on initial installation, how to securely fix them and then make certain there are no leaks is essential for any installation job. A regular air conditioning service and maintenance regime is also important.

For more information on commercial air conditioning safety installation, plus commercial air conditioning servicing and how to avoid the sort of accident that could cripple your business, contact us here at Brisbane Air now.