Signs You Need a New Air Conditioning System

November 17, 2014 by Brisbane Air

As we move into the Brisbane summer, we enter the season when most people will switch on their air conditioning for the first time for many months. Those people that have had their systems regularly serviced will do so with confidence. Others will switch on with fingers crossed, hoping for the best.

Often, the first switch on after winter will be no cause for alarm. There may be some signs of a repair needed – such as no cool air, poor air flow, or grating or squeaking – but hopefully no worse. These problems can be resolved by a professional air conditioning technician. But how do you know that a full air conditioning replacement system isn’t needed?

Here we look at four signs that point to the need for a new air conditioning Brisbane system.

Costly repairs are becoming the norm

Usually with age, the regularity and cost of repairs rises. Most units will last for around 8 to 14 years. As a unit is coming to the end of its life, parts break down more regularly, and small problems become large. Regular breakdowns are the number one sign that a new system is needed.

Utility bills suddenly increase

As an air conditioner reaches the end of its life, it loses efficiency. A rise in utility bills could be a sign that an air conditioning unit is having to work harder to maintain desired temperatures and humidity.

More dust around the home

Air conditioners filter air as it circulates around the home. More dust around the house is a classic sign that ductwork may need replacing or repairing or that the system itself is beginning to fail.

The system runs without cooling properly

Another sign that air conditioning needs replacing is when the system runs continuously without reducing the temperature in the home. This might not be a complete breakdown of the system, but will probably indicate either insulation or ductwork issues at the very least.

Don’t take chances

If you notice any of the above symptoms of underperformance, you should call a professional air conditioning technician to inspect your system immediately. A minor fault can be corrected easily, but if left can grow in severity quickly.

Of course, even if your system seems to be in perfect working order, an older air conditioning system may be costing more than you think. Modern systems have benefitted from large-scale technological advances, which mean that the expense of a new system can be more easily recouped through cost savings. Modern thermostats ensure 24-hour efficiency, and new systems are more easily maintained and convenient to use. If you do decide to invest in a new air conditioning system, you should engage the advice and services of a well respected Brisbane air conditioning company, such as BrisbaneAir to ensure a quality installation job and long warranty, therefore giving you great peace of mind for your new air conditioning Brisbane system.

Air Conditioner DIY Maintenance Tips To Be Ready For Summer

November 12, 2014 by Brisbane Air

You’ll want to stay cool this summer, and at home that means it’s time to switch on the air conditioning. It may be that you haven’t run your system for months. If this is the case, you might be best advised to have your unit serviced before the worst of the heat hits us. However, there are a few simple DIY maintenance tips that will help you to be ready for a hot summer.

Five things to do to get your air conditioner working at the start of summer

If your unit is partially outside then remove any weeds and overgrown shrubs around the unit, but retain any shade from which it benefits
Make sure the unit is level, and if it isn’t then take action to make it so
Expert DIY folk can clean fins and coils. Use a light brush on the fins and remove any dirt. These are delicate, so be careful not to damage them. If they are damaged, then call an air conditioning engineer to undertake a maintenance check. The coil can be cleaned with a coil cleaner (allow the unit to dry properly before switching on)
Check all coolant lines and ductwork for damage. If insulation is damaged, the efficiency will be decreased and running costs will rise. Any damaged insulation will need to be replaced in line with the manufacturer’s instructions
Check the switch panel and thermostat controls, paying attention to faulty switches

How to maintain an air conditioner during the summer months

Once the Brisbane summer is under way, it’s important to make sure your air conditioning unit is properly maintained. Doing so will help keep energy bills as low as possible and make sure you’re as cool as you want to be during a long, hot summer. Here is a check list of things to do at least once a month:

Refrigerant levels are important. If these are low, your system will not be working efficiently and there is a high risk of expensive damage
Clean fins and coils
Check the filters and clean as necessary
Maintain a clean area around outside units

If in doubt, shout!

If you are in any doubt as to the health of your air conditioning system, then you should contact an air conditioning technician and request a service. Action taken early may save an expensive repair later. Finally, never attempt any maintenance or repair work yourself that you are not certain of being able to do.

Energy saving tips for your ducting air conditioning Brisbane

September 25, 2014 by Brisbane Air

home energy efficiency ratings Energy bills never seem to fall, and according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Queensland households spend an average of $30 each week on energy used within the home. One of the most efficient methods of keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter is by using air conditioning. Even then, there are always ways to reduce your energy bill further. Here are a few energy saving tips for those with ducted air conditioning systems in Brisbane.

Five ways to save energy with a ducted air conditioner

Ensure your ducted air conditioner is properly planned

A well designed ducted air conditioning system will be based around the size and location of your rooms and your day-to-day needs. It is possible to see the same heating and cooling benefits of ducted air conditioning with smaller units, which are cheaper to run, if the system is properly planned.

Locate your air conditioning units for best advantage

Units should be placed in places where there is air access and clear from obstructions. Outdoor units should ideally be in shade, with adequate ventilation.

Use an energy saving temperature setting

Setting your thermostat at the optimum temperature will save hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars over the lifetime of a unit. By finding the best balance between efficiency and comfort, you’ll increase those energy savings even further.

Set your thermostat cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer: every degree will save money by requiring your ducted air conditioner to work a little less hard.

Maintain your ducted air conditioning system regularly

A well maintained ducted air conditioning unit works more efficiently. Check filters at least once every 2-3 months, replace batteries in the remote control once a year, and check outdoor units are free from debris. Have your ducted air conditioning system in Brisbane, serviced regularly by a professional, and you’ll ensure not only that it runs to maximum efficiency, saving energy all the while, but also lasts longer (saving on replacement cost).

Consider your home’s natural energy saving ability

In the winter, thick curtains will help keep heat in, while using curtains and awnings in the summer will help to keep rooms cool. Also think about how you use your home: when leaving a room for any length of time, close the door and turn the air conditioning off. Use windows wisely – open windows mean air conditioning units work harder.

The bottom line

Be energy wise in the winter and the summer. Follow these few energy saving tips, and instead of seeing your bills rise you’ll have a few more dollars in your pocket for more enjoyable pastimes.

Looking for a summer and winter air conditioner

September 17, 2014 by Brisbane Air

Most people think of air conditioning as a system that cools in the height of summer. Yet a unit also set up as a winter air conditioner has a number of benefits. These include reducing the spread of germs and producing an atmosphere ideal for those that suffer with air-based allergies. Clean air and an ambient temperature will make those indoor days more comfortable, and help the festivities flow during a fabulous family Christmas. Here we look at how you will benefit with a winter air conditioner, also commonly known as reverse cycle air conditioners.

What is a winter air conditioner?

You might think of a summer air conditioner as one which pumps ice cold air into your home or office, though one of its main benefits is the way it removes moisture to dehumidify – dry air means less sweat. A winter air conditioner helps to maintain a comfortable temperature while humidifying the space it serves; in other words, it does the opposite to a summer air conditioner and helps you feel warm rather than cold.

Contrary to popular belief, a winter air conditioner is one of the most efficient ways of keeping your home warm (Ausgrid, 2011). And when combined with a summer air conditioner in the same unit, no longer will there be a need for two separate systems to keep your home or office at the most comfortable ambient temperature. That’s going to save on maintenance costs, too.

The benefits of a winter air conditioner

Though it may be a little more expensive to install than conventional winter heating systems, the running costs of a winter air conditioner will surprise most home owners. A winter air conditioner keeps you warm at half the cost of a gas heater and a third that of electric convection heaters. Apart from the money saved, here are some other benefits of installing a winter air conditioner:

The air filtration system keeps internal atmosphere free from dust and other pollutants, making staying indoors comfortable for those with allergies and helping to prevent germs spreading.
The ideal room temperature is reached rapidly, with control at the touch of a button.
A winter air conditioner is a quiet way of keeping your home at the perfect temperature, and when installed in a conservatory will increase the space in your home (a great addition for Christmas).

Stay warm in winter and save money

The benefits of a winter air conditioner will be obvious from its first operation, and the cost quickly repaid by reducing energy bills. With a number of winter air conditioning solutions available, there will be a system to suit your home and budget. Our experts will be happy to help you choose the best unit for your home, so that you can begin to take advantage of all the benefits a winter air conditioner offers.

5 tips for making the right choice for air conditioning performance

September 11, 2014 by Brisbane Air

AC Unit Front When used effectively, air conditioning not only increases comfort in the home and office all year round, but also saves on energy and reduces utility bills. The many benefits of air conditioning are seen fully by planning ahead, but with so many different types of air conditioning available the choice can be mind boggling. Here are five tips to make the right choice for air conditioning installation and performance for your individual needs.

Think about your space

The first consideration when selecting your air conditioning is that of the space it is going to serve. If in a home, you’ll need to think about the size and layout of rooms, and which rooms will be used most often. If you are installing office air conditioning, then you may need to cater for an open plan office as well as consider future zoning needs.

Choose the right type of air conditioning

There are several types of air conditioning available, including ducted air conditioning and split system air conditioners, the suitability of which will depend upon the required use. Ducted systems are generally best for whole of house and single storey buildings, while split systems are more commonly used in specific areas of homes and office buildings.

Be energy efficient

The more energy efficient your air conditioning unit, the more cost effective it will be. Here in Australia, air conditioning units are rated on the Energy Star System. This rating combines the energy efficiency ratio and coefficient of performance with the type of refrigerant gas used. This produces a star rating between 1 and 10 (10 being the most efficient). Higher efficiency equals lower running costs.

Size your units correctly

Air conditioning units that are too big or too small for the space and location will be less efficient. For maximum air conditioning performance, size really does matter. You’ll need to consider the size of rooms, their locations, and what types of use they will receive when selecting the optimum size for your air conditioning units. This article will help you answer the all-important size question.

Don’t forget maintenance

Even the highest rated energy efficient air conditioning units will require regular maintenance to keep them performing at their peak. Think about where the air conditioning units will be placed, not only for air conditioning performance but also for ease of access. A well maintained air conditioner will give up to 60% better energy
consumption – make sure your air conditioning is easily maintained and serviced regularly.

These five tips will help you make the best choice for peak air conditioning performance. If you require further help, then contact us now to arrange an onsite consultation with one of our air conditioning experts.

Office Air Conditioner Wars and How to Stop Them

July 2, 2014 by Brisbane Air

Office Air Conditioner Wars and How to Solve Them!

In the modern office it’s commonplace to see workers at one end shivering and at the other sweltering. People working at these two extremes see their work suffer: it’s hard to work a keyboard when wearing gloves, and just as hard to concentrate when there’s sweat pouring from your brow.

Even worse are the air conditioner wars that regularly break out between employees. One minute the thermostat is set high, the next it has been turned all the way down. In the worst cases an employee may take and hide the AC remote control.

Arguments at the water cooler are not unheard of.

What do you do to solve the office air conditioner wars?

Continually turning the air conditioner on and off or setting and resetting temperature does little more than increase individual agitation and the office energy bill. Here are five possible solutions to this age-old problem. Which is your preferred route?

Tell your workers to wear less or more as needed
Send the offenders into the naughty corner with a verbal warning
Tell the worst afflicted to have a cup of tea. That always makes things better – and while they have the kettle boiling they can make you a cup, too
Provide a bunch of expensive-to-run desk fans
Call in the experts and design a fit-for-purpose solution

Prevention is better than cure

In many offices, the short term solution is to provide everyone with a fan. The air conditioning gets switched off, and the office is full of noisy motors. Papers fly around like confetti. Yet still the temperature question is not solved.

There are several solutions that can be designed and customised for the office. An expert will be able to design the perfect office air conditioning system, taking into account the size and shape of office space, individual workstations, and number of staff working there.

The position of diffusers, air outflows, and the size and energy efficiency of your air conditioning unit will all need to be taken into account as part of your overall office air conditioning design. Just as no two workers are the same, no two offices are the same.

By taking action to prevent office temperature becoming an issue, you’ll find employees work better and take less time off work. Not only does productivity improve, but energy bills won’t shoot through the roof.

Or you could continue to rely on those expensive desk fans.

Air Conditioning System Efficiency

June 25, 2014 by Brisbane Air

What’s the Most Efficient Air Conditioner?

One of the most common questions that our technicians are asked by customers is to name the most efficient air conditioner. However, in exactly the same way that different people find different cars are best for them so, too, will customers find that the most efficient air conditioner for them may not be the same as that owned by their neighbour.

A better question to ask is, “How do I choose the best air conditioner?”

The functions of an air conditioner

The first thing to consider is the use your air conditioner will be put to. In general, the air conditioning unit that sits outside your home will be required to do three things:

Cool (or heat) your home
Regulate room temperature
Purify the air and remove condensation

Determining the best air conditioner for your circumstances requires consideration of how the air conditioning unit will best achieve these objectives.

With air conditioning units, size really does matter

If your air conditioning unit is too small, it won’t be able to work hard enough to keep your room cool or remove air moisture. A common mistake is to buy a unit that is not man enough to do the job in efforts to reduce energy consumption.

On the other hand, a unit that is too big could add hundreds of wasted dollars to your annual electricity bill.

How much energy will your unit use?

Similar size units can compare entirely differently in the amount of energy they use. To help compare energy efficiency, here in Australia we use a star ratings system with the most
efficient unit rated at 10 stars. This rating will also help you estimate how much electricity the unit will use over a year, helping you to budget accordingly.

Don’t forget how the unit looks

The size and energy rating of your unit is only part of the story. It will also need to be designed well enough to withstand both summer and winter weather, as well as running smoothly and quietly: the last thing you’ll want is a unit that disturbs either you or your neighbours during your downtime.

Your unit will need maintaining

Finally, your unit will need regular maintenance to ensure it carries on doing the job intended. A poorly maintained unit will cost more to run and need replacing before its time. Easily maintained units will help you keep on top of any servicing required.

How to choose the best air conditioning unit

In the Brisbane climate, air conditioning is not simply a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s a necessity. Combining the above factors will ensure you get the best air conditioning unit for your circumstance. Our technicians will take into consideration not only how you want your unit to look, but also the other factors which need to be considered to make the right choice:

Your home’s square meterage
How many people live in your home
The insulation you have
Your home’s orientation to the sun

Only by fully considering all of these questions will you be sure you benefit from the most efficient air conditioner for your home.

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.