Brisbane Air

Brisbane Air Conditioning Specialists

(07) 3269 8450

Do You Need a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner Or One That Just Cools?

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When it comes to your home or business, having the appropriate air conditioning and heating solutions are essential. There are a wide variety of heating and cooling solutions available to Brisbane residents, which is one reason why it’s important to work with the right company. Here at Brisbane Air, we have over 30 years of experience helping customers like you!

 

One of the most common questions we receive is, which is better: a reverse cycle air conditioner or one that simply cools?

 

In order to answer that question, you should first know some facts about reverse cycle air conditioners. Reverse cycle units have a refrigeration cycle that can be reversed, resulting in a heating cycle. This means that you can both cool and heat your home or office with the same unit. In almost all cases, these AC/heating units are more energy efficient than electric heaters.

 

With a reverse cycle air conditioning unit, you can heat your home in no time with a simple switch. Of course, you will need to choose the right unit for your particular space, but our knowledgeable sales staff at Brisbane Air can help you do this.

 

If you already own a heater that runs well and you are merely looking for a cooling solution to help you manage the sweltering summer heat here in Brisbane, you may want to choose a unit that just cools. This is probably the most cost effective solution if you do not want to replace the heater you currently use.

 

Keep in mind, however, that you must factor in the cost of maintaining both an AC unit and heater when you have two different units. A reverse cycle air conditioner can save you money in maintenance and repairs.

 

Ultimately, the right residential air conditioning unit depends on your situation. If you are looking for an all-in-one energy efficient solution for your home, then you may want to choose a reverse cycle unit. If your heater is operating well and you just need a cooling solution for your home or business, then you should probably choose a traditional air conditioner.

Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioning

 

Brisbane Air is a locally owned business that is dedicated to providing Brisbane residents with the absolute best in heating and cooling solutions. We take pride in our reputation for excellent customer service and the best service technicians in the industry.

 

For a FREE quote or to learn more about your heating and cooling options, call 3269 8450 today!

How Important Is Air Conditioning Maintenance?

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As homeowners, we’re all well aware of the constant maintenance that goes into keeping our homes in good condition. However, something that’s often overlooked in the maintenance department is air conditioners.We usually don’t even notice them until they’re not working! However, with proper maintenance, your air conditioning system will continue to keep you and your family comfortable for many years.

Here in Brisbane, the best time of the year for an air conditioning checkup is when the days start getting warmer from September through November. Don’t wait for the first scorcher of a day in December to switch on your unit and discover that it’s not working.

What Maintenance Can You Do Yourself?

Changing and cleaning air conditioning filters is an easy do-it-yourself project that you should do every few months. Dirty filters create problems. They reduce efficiency by restricting airflow, often causing a buildup of ice on the unit’s evaporator. Replace all dirty disposable fiberglass filters ASAP. Electronic and electrostatic filters need to be washed frequently for best operation.

Another easy air conditioning maintenance job the homeowner can take responsibility for is making sure the outside condensing unit is clutter free. The condenser needs to draw air into the system to cool and circulate through your home. Make sure you don’t stack bags of lawn clippings, patio furniture or anything else against the condenser during the off season, essentially cutting off the air supply.

What Maintenance Is Best Done By An Expert?

Other than routine cleaning, it’s best to call in a professional air conditioning service company to do your air conditioning maintenance. Professional checkups of central air conditioning systems should be done annually every spring before the start of the cooling season.

A professional checkup is the best way to make sure your air conditioning unit will run well and keep you cool all summer. In addition, it may also disclose any small problems that could end up being expensive problems in the future. A checkup will is the best way to make sure your unit is running at peak efficiency.

Here are some air conditioning maintenance requirements best left to the experts:

  • Oiling of motors if needed.
  • Calibration of the thermostat.
  • Cleaning of air ducts and vents.
  • Cleaning of condenser and evaporator coils.
  • Checking for correct Freon (refrigerant) levels.
  • Checking of all electrical workings and controls.

Also, if your residential air conditioner or commercial air conditioner is more than ten years old, your local service person can show you how you can save money on utility bills with a more up-to-date, energy efficient unit.

Modern air conditioners are fairly complex. But if you do simple maintenance tasks yourself and schedule a professional service call at least once a year, you should be able to enjoy cost-effective and trouble-free performance for the lifetime of your unit.

Five Ways to Tell If Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

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Here are five telltale signs that your home’s air conditioning unit isn’t working as well as it should be.

1. Strange Sounds
If your air conditioning unit starts making any unusual sounds, like squealing, grinding, grating or clunking, it’s time to call a qualified technician. Strange noises suggest there’s a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Don’t wait for your unit to stop working on it’s own. Turn it off immediately and call for service.

2. Strange Odours
Foul smells from air conditioners can be caused by many different reasons. A smoky or burnt smell, for example, could mean your unit has a wiring malfunction. A musty smell may indicate your unit has mold that needs to be cleaned out. And a really foul odour might be coming from an animal that became trapped and died in the unit.

Of course, the smell could also simply be the result of a dirty filter that needs replacement. So try putting in a new filter first. If the strange odour persists, call a service person as soon as possible.

3. Temperature Variations
Another obvious sign of needed air conditioning repair is when one room seems to be much cooler than another or when the rooms are not getting anywhere as cool as you expect them to be.

Variations in temperature are sometimes caused by a failing compressor. If that’s the case, you want to have it looked at right way. However temperature variations can also be the result of a faulty thermostat. Either way, you need to contact a qualified professional air conditioning repair technician.

4. Leaks and Water Damage
Always pay attention to any leaks around or near your air conditioning unit. Water pools usually indicate a broken or clogged drain tube, which is an easy fix for a professional and should be done immediately.

However, if you discover frost or ice accumulating on the coils, you probably have refrigerant leaking out of your unit. That is a more complex repair, but again is easily handled by a professional.

5. Higher Than Average Utility Bills
Keep an eye on your energy bill and take note if it is considerably higher than usual during the hot summer months. If you haven’t had a recent rate increase and are experiencing normal summer temperatures outside, a much higher energy bill could mean you’re having a problem with your air conditioner’s performance. A professional technician can help make sure your unit is working at full capacity.

The Importance of Annual Checkups
Some air conditioning maintenance, such as changing filters on a regular basis, is a simple do-it-yourself project. But most air conditioning repair demands the expertise of a trained HVAC professional.

The best way for homeowners to keep their residential air conditioning energy and repair costs under control is to have an annual inspection done once a year.

An annual checkup won’t prevent a breakdown, but it will often catch problems before they get too serious and too costly. Regular service by an air conditioning professional can help boost your unit’s efficiency and reduce your energy costs over time.