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Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioning?

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Is it worth it to keep putting in more money to fix your AC unit or is it wiser to buy a new one? There are some factors that can help you to determine whether or not to get a new air conditioner or to just maintain and fix your air conditioner. Here are some of them.

1. How old is it?

One sure-fire way to know whether to replace it or not is to take the age of your air conditioner and multiply it by how much it will cost to do repairs after getting a quote from companies like Brisbane Air. If the number is over five thousand, then it’s probably better to get a newer air conditioner. You don’t want to keep wasting your money on something that will keep breaking down over and over again.

2. Is it energy efficient?

If your air conditioner is decades old, it’s probably using a tonne of voltage. Most older units are not equipped with new technology that cuts down electricity usage significantly. If you notice you keep spending too much money on your power bill, it’s time to change to a new unit preferably one with an inverter that reduces power usage. Consider changing your unit maybe after you’ve had it running for 15 years.

3. Is it leaking?

If you continue to need top ups with refrigerant, that might indicate that there is a constant leak. Fixing leaks and buying more refrigerant can add up and may cost just as much as buying a new basic air conditioning unit. It might just be worth it to get a new one that doesn’t leak.

4. Is there anything else wrong with it?

If you’ve had the same AC for years and it has never given you problems, then there is no need to replace it. Why fix or replace something that isn’t broken? Keep it running and maintain it until it’s not maintainable or not fixable or it costs too much to fix.

5. Are you going to be moving?

If you are going to live or work somewhere else and the AC unit is going to be sold along with the home or commercial building, you might not need to buy a new one for your old home or commercial building unless it’s specified in the sale papers that they need to be replaced before the sale. Just get them their regular maintenance and cleaning as usual until the sale is final. If the AC unit is not included in the sale and the unit is newer, it might be worth it to take the AC unit with you to install in your new home or commercial building. It will save you from buying another unit.

6. Can you replace it with a used unit?

If you really need to replace your AC unit but can’t afford it, you might need to think about getting a used unit that’s already proven to be energy efficient. Just make sure it works and has been maintained properly before you buy it. Check out its history and ask why it’s being sold to make sure you’re not getting a lemon.

Signs You Need a New Air Conditioning System

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Signs that you need new Air Conditioning Unit

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

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Repairman fixing air conditioner unit

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

  1. If your unit is partially outside then remove any weeds and overgrown shrubs around the unit, but retain any shade from which it benefits
  2. Make sure the unit is level, and if it isn’t then take action to make it so
  3. 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)
  4. 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
  5. 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

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home energy efficiency ratingsEnergy 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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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).

  1. 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

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air conditioningMost 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

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AC Unit FrontWhen 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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

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Ducted-ACThere 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.

Avoid Disaster with a Correctly Fixed Air Conditioning Unit

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correctly-fixed-air-conditioningThe 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.

Stay Cool and Save Money this Summer

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Summer is a great time to make the most of Brisbane’s local environment, but with it also comes the incessant heat that needs a great air conditioning installation to stay comfortable in the home. The problem is that air conditioning systems can be very expensive to run. But have you noticed how your neighbour’s bills are always lower than yours, despite his air conditioning running almost non-stop? Here are half a dozen hints on how to stay cool in summer without breaking the bank.

ducted-room-stay-cool

Bigger is not always better

When you purchase an air conditioning system in Brisbane, there may be a temptation to have the

biggest air conditioning installation possible. What’s important, though, is to buy a system which is the right size for your home and the individual rooms in it. Brisbane Air’s technicians will be able to accurately assess the size of units needed, taking into consideration the size of a room, geographical position, and number and size of windows, for example.

Buy for efficiency

Make sure that your system is as efficient as possible. The higher the energy rating, the more efficient the system and the cheaper it will be to run. It may cost a little more to buy and install, but that cost will quickly be recouped with the savings on running costs.

Have your new air conditioner supplied and installed by a reputable company

There are good tradesmen and bad tradesmen.  Similarly there are high quality air conditioners and there are low quality air conditioners.  By investing your money wisely in the first place, your new air conditioner will work beautifully this summer and also for many many summers to come.  Protect your investment in air conditioning by using a well respected company like Brisbane Air, who have access to both quality tradesmen and quality air conditioning brands.

Maintain your system regularly

By properly maintaining your air conditioning, it will run more efficiently and last longer. You should clean the filter regularly, and have the entire system serviced at least every 12 to 18 months.

Seal unwanted gaps in doors and windows

Don’t let the cold air escape! If you have draughty windows in the winter they will cost you money in the summer, too.

Only cool the rooms you need to cool

Close doors to unused rooms, and turn off lights that aren’t needed to help keep internal air temperature down. The same goes for other electrical appliances: you’ll save costs on the appliance and cost on running your air conditioning.