Air Conditioning Tips Archives - Page 3 of 4

Air Conditioning Tips for Commercial Buildings in Brisbane

May 2, 2014 by Barney 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 Barney 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 Barney 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.

How To Make My Air Conditioner Last Longer

October 23, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

For most people in Brisbane, air conditioning is an important part of everyday life. So it’s important to know that when you need it, it’s going to work and work well. We’ve all heard horror stories of air conditioning units not functioning properly when they are most needed, and a breakdown always seems to happen to everyone at the same time with the result of technician being in short supply.

Fortunately there are a few things you can do that will not only ensure your air conditioning unit is in tip-top condition when you most need it, but also mean it will last longer. You will have a more efficient, and therefore cheaper, system throughout its longer life.

1) Regular Maintenance

The number one tip for keeping your air conditioner in perfect condition longer is to give it a regular check up with a qualified air conditioning technician. Brisbane Air has a number of maintenance programs that will suit your system and your pocket. The best time for this maintenance work is prior to Spring, and before the weather starts to heat up and the system is made ready to go through maximum strain and workload.

2) Keep the condenser clean

Over the winter it’s possible that debris will have blown into the condensing unit. A simple five minute check once every week will help you spot any offending material, which can then be easily removed. Be careful when cleaning, though, and don’t use water: the unit is powered by electricity, and the last thing you want is an electric shock.

3) Shade your outside unit

If it’s at all possible, you should give your outside unit some shade. Natural trees and shrubs are great for this, but be careful that they are an absolute minimum of one foot away from the unit. Not only is this going to help prolong the life of your unit, but it will also cut down on bills.

4) Take care with your pipes

All duct pipe should be properly sealed, creating an airtight passage. Using a good quality sealing tape will prevent peeling.

5) Clean and check your filter regularly

Filters can get clogged quite quickly, especially in dusty environments and therefore regular cleaning is essential to allow the unit to work properly. When filters get worn out, or damaged, they should be replaced. These simple acts are going to make your air conditioner more energy efficient, and with the added benefit of ensuring pollen and dust is not circulated in the home. A Brisbane Air technician will be able to advise how long to leave between filter cleans.

The bottom line

By taking these five simple preventative measures, you’ll ensure your unit lasts longer, gives a better performance when you need it most, and save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars throughout its lifetime.

Our fully qualified technician will be happy to discuss these and other money saving and unit life-prolonging tips with you as part of the Brisbane Air service.

Energy Saving Tips For Commercial Air Conditioning Systems

July 19, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

When running a business in a subtropical climate, having adequate commercial air conditioning is a must. However, you need to find a balance between cost and comfort.

In order to keep cooling costs down, while maximising the benefits of your commercial air conditioning, you should have a specialist, work out the cooling load for your business so you are able to purchase the most energy efficient system for your needs.

Having a qualified technician do the installation is a must. A qualified technician will make sure that all wiring is done safely and correctly and will also assess the areas that need to be cooled. They will find the most energy efficient space in which to install the air conditioning system as well as to direct air flow away from obstructions for the most economical cooling possible.

For every 1°C of cooling that you don’t use, you save money. Instead of setting the air conditioner for 23°C set it for 24°C or higher. The most energy efficient temperature setting for your air conditioning is generally considered to be around 24 – 25°C in summer and 19 – 21°C in winter.

If your commercial air conditioning has a recycle function, you should use it, since recycling and cooling indoor air takes much less electricity than pulling hot air from outside to cool. Every fortnight, clean the air filter on your air conditioner and schedule required maintenance with a qualified technician to keep your commercial air conditioner running efficiently, see our article on how to clean your filter.

Program the commercial air conditioning system to cool the building, only when it is going to be occupied so you’re not cooling empty space. However, if you’re in the middle of a heat wave you might consider keeping the building at a moderate temperature when unoccupied in order to protect delicate electronics or materials. Never exceed the manufacturers’ recommended settings for your air conditioning unit.

Shade your windows by adding outdoor awnings as well as indoor curtains or shutters. If possible upgrade to double paned, energy efficient windows to reduce heat absorption by 80% or more in summer as well as retain heat better in winter.

Monitor all sources of heat, making sure lights and appliances are turned off when not needed and any storage rooms that don’t need cooling are kept shut. You may want to install self closing doors. These steps will ensure you business receives maximum cooling for minimal cost.

Contact Brisbane Air today to discover which commercial air conditioning unit is the right one for your business!

How Should I Clean My Air Conditioning Filter?

May 17, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

This is a very common question that we receive from our customers here at Brisbane Air. Your air conditioning filter keeps your air from circulating dust particles and other contaminants. If you want to extend the life of your air conditioner and ensure that your home or office stays cool, then you’ll want to be sure to clean your filter regularly.

Air Conditioning Filter Cleaning Instructions

Cleaning your air conditioning filter is usually a pretty straightforward process. Follow these steps and you’ll be able to keep your filter in good shape.

First, remove your filter from its housing. This may take a screwdriver, depending on the particular unit that you own. In some cases, all it takes is rotating a fastening clamp or two until you can pop the filter out.

Next, manually remove excess dust and grime that’s built up over time. The best way to take care of this is to use a vacuum cleaner for this process. After you’ve thoroughly removed all the large pieces of debris with a vacuum cleaner, you’ll want to wash your filter with water.

Many people prefer to take the air filter outside and simply spray it down with the garden hose. You can also use a large tube or basin full of water for this purpose.

If you want to be sure that there aren’t any harmful bacteria built up in your filter, you can soak it in a basin that has a combination of water and vinegar. It’s usually best to allow the filter to soak for about an hour.

After you’ve finished washing your air conditioning filter, you’ll want to let it dry thoroughly. Make sure that you place the filter in an area where it will dry completely, as you don’t want any mildew to accumulate.

It’s always important to clean your air conditioning filter regularly, but eventually there comes a time when you may need to replace it.

When you need your air conditioning unit serviced, make sure you contact a qualified air conditioning company. The experts at Brisbane Air have been providing air conditioning services to Brisbane residents since 1982. We have the experience and the knowledge to take care of your maintenance and installation needs.

Our service technicians are friendly and fast and our customer service is second to none. Contact us today and discover why we’re Brisbane’s #1 air conditioning company!

3 Quick Ways To Improve Your Air Conditioning Efficiency

May 2, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

Cooling your home during the hot Australian summertime can be quite expensive, but essential! However, many people don’t realise that it is possible to improve the efficiency of your air conditioning. Follow these key tips and you’ll save money on your next utility bill!

Search for Blockages

If there are any objects blocking the path of air in your air conditioning unit, then it can cause your air conditioning to run much less efficiently. Also, be sure to trim back any vegetation that is growing around your air conditioning unit to prevent future obstructions.

Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced by a Professional

This is probably the most effective way to ensure that your air conditioner runs smoothly. Professional air-conditioning service technicians are able to perform a thorough check of your refrigerants, proper flow of air, cleanliness of your air conditioner coils and more. Remember, it’s always best to enlist the services of a qualified technician, so that you can be absolutely sure that your air conditioner will run efficiently and effectively.

Clean Your Air Filter

When your air filter becomes clogged with debris and dust, it forces your air conditioner to work harder. This means that your unit will require more energy to function properly.

We advise our customers to clean their filters every month or two during summer. Doing so will help keep your air conditioner from using too much energy.

There is no reason to spend more money on your energy costs then necessary. Many times all it takes is a few adjustments and your air con will be running smoothly again.

If you live in the Brisbane area and your air conditioner has not been operating as efficiently as it should, then you should call Brisbane Air today. Our service technicians are some of the best in the business and we take pride in our reputation for having top-notch customer service.

Whether you have a commercial air-conditioner, or a residential ducted air conditioner, or a split system air conditioner or a multi head reverse cycle air conditioner, you can be sure that our service techs will be able to help.
Our experts have been providing excellent AC maintenance and installation services for Brisbane residents since 1982. If you want superior service at an outstanding price, then Brisbane Air is the best choice. We guarantee our installation work 100% and can offer payment plans to qualifying customers! Call us at 3269 8450 or contact us online for more information.

WARNING: Your Air Conditioner May Be The Reason Why You Are Sick!

April 8, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

Have you been ill lately and unsure of the cause? If so, you may want to take a close look at your air conditioner. Without the proper maintenance, air conditioners can trap and circulate allergens, fungi, bacteria and other contaminates throughout your home or office!

Hazardous Particles

The bacteria in your air conditioner can spread several types of harmful contaminates throughout your living space. These can result in pneumonia, the common cold, sinus infections and many more unpleasant illnesses. Needless to say, this can be a serious health concern for you and your family.

This is a particularly serious concern for Brisbane residents during the hot summer months, when air conditioners may be running more often. You and your family may spend more time indoors, and if your air conditioner is not properly maintained this increases your risk of exposure to illness-causing contaminants.

Here are just a few of the signs that your air conditioner may be putting you at risk:

Allergic reactions when you are indoors
Stale air that does not seem to circulate well
Mildew or mold smell throughout the building
Visible mold throughout the building
Air conditioner not operating correctly

Whilst we are on the topic of faulty air conditioners, I’ll let you in on a simple guide: Five Ways to Tell if your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

A properly functioning air conditioner is quite important during the warmer seasons here in Brisbane. To ensure that the air quality is clean and pure, you should schedule regular service maintenance. If you really want to know how important maintenance is, check out our latest blog post: How Important Is Air Conditioning Maintenance. Our technicians will be able to repair and replace any faulty components of your air conditioning units and clean or replace existing filters.

Additional Steps to Keep Your Air Clean

To help make sure the quality of air in your home or office is maintained, you may want to consider a few additional steps:

Keep surfaces dust-free by dusting at least once per week.
Vacuum the floors regularly and make sure that your vacuum filter is working properly.
Use a mop on tile surfaces.
Avoid smoking indoors.
Consider installing an air purifier.
Clean your bedding regularly.

Our company, Brisbane Air, is a locally owned business that specializes in excellent air conditioning and refrigeration services. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we take pride in our top-notch service and competitive prices.

Based at Bridgeman Downs, our company was originally founded by the Lindner family in 1982 and Barney Lindner currently serves as part owner and chief technical services provider. We have a long-standing tradition of providing superior A/C service solutions for the local community.

If you suspect that your air conditioning unit has been making you or your family ill lately, contact us at 3269 8450. We are happy to provide affordable service solutions and can even provide you with an interest free payment plan for up to 2.5 years!

Property Managers: How Air Conditioning Installation Can Improve Value and Attract Prospective Renters

April 1, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

When it comes to attracting renters to your properties, having the right appliances are critical. Without the right cooling systems you can be turning away a massive amount of business, especially in this Brisbane heat! Read on to learn how installing the right air conditioning units can make a huge difference for your properties.

Older Units Can’t Keep Up

First, it’s important to realize that up-to-date AC units are critical for Brisbane properties. In our experience, older units simply can’t keep up with the hot summer months. Out-of-date AC units can be a deal-breaker for prospective renters in Brisbane.

Plus, keeping older units in your building can cost you thousands in maintenance. Older units are in constant need of repair and this affects your bottom line. With so many cost-effective solutions available, all it takes is a modest investment to attract potential residents to your property. Have a read of our recent article on Five Ways to Tell If Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair.

Air Conditioners Help You Market Your Property

Secondly, air conditioners are a key component of your property marketing strategy. Residents want to know that they will be comfortable in their new living spaces without needing to call the manager because they can’t stay cool. That’s why most prospective customers look for proper residential air conditioning when they are shopping around for a new apartment or condo.

Health and Safety

Another reason why you should consider AC installation for your property is for the health and safety of your residents. Older air conditioning units may not filter the air properly and this can lead to poor air circulation and an accumulation of fungi, bacteria and other illness-causing contaminants. If a resident believes that the AC in a building might lead to sinus infections or colds, they may end up choosing a different property altogether!

Installing new air conditioning units in your property can make sure your units stay rented and reduce your stress as a property manager substantially. The peace of mind that comes with new air conditioning units can be priceless.

Contact Brisbane Air to Learn More

If you are looking for air conditioning solutions for your property, you should consider contacting our company, Brisbane Air. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we guarantee that we can help you find the right solution for your property.

Our locally owned cooling and refrigeration business has a reputation for providing the best customer service in the area and we take pride in knowing that our customers recommend our services to their friends and family. Quite simply, your satisfaction and providing top-notch service are our priorities.

Whether you are considering standard, energy efficient or environmentally friendly units, you can be confident that Brisbane Air can help you choose the right cooling solution.

For more information or to receive a FREE quote, call us at 3269 8450 today!