Signs You Need a New Air Conditioning System

November 17, 2014 by Barney 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 Barney 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 Barney Brisbane Air

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 Barney 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 Barney Brisbane Air

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.

How To Boost Your Air Conditioners Performance

June 15, 2014 by Barney 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.

What’s the Difference between a Standard and Inverter Split System?

November 4, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

When considering installing air conditioners in your home, you’ll need to take into account several factors, ranging from any natural ventilation your home benefits from, to floor plan, to Western sun in the afternoon and even the amount of natural shade from vegetation outside. Once you’ve decided that you need air conditioning, you should make sure you buy a system that is not only energy efficient but is sized and installed properly. Our qualified technicians and installers will be happy to help you with this work, in accordance with the provisions as laid out by Arctik and the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH).

One of the more important choices you’ll be faced with is that of whether to install a standard split system or an inverter split system, and to make the right choice you’ll need to know the difference between the two.

What is a Split System?

A split system uses two units working together: an inside unit and a ‘white box’ or compressor/ condensing unit outside. It works by expelling the hot air inside your house to the outside and replacing it with circulated cool air. Inside the system you’ll find a compressor, a fan, an evaporator coil, and refrigerant.

As well as controlling air circulation, a split system lets you control temperature, humidity, atmospheric moisture and cleanliness. An efficient system helps keep air clean by allowing you to keep your doors and windows closed – meaning you can wave goodbye to bugs and pollen indoors.

A standard split system has two speed settings on its compressor motor – that’s the part that drives the refrigerant through the whole system: full speed or off. When the room temperature reaches the desired level the motor switches off, and when it rises above that set temperature, the motor comes back on again.

An inverter split system is more efficient

An inverter split system regulates room temperature by graduating the speed of the compressor motor, a little like using the accelerator on your car to remain at a constant speed. And just like using an accelerator wisely, an inverter system uses less power than a standard system constantly coming on and off. In fact, an inverter split system uses around 30% less energy than a standard fixed speed split system.

Other benefits of inverter split systems

It’s not just the lower energy use that distinguish inverter split systems from standard split systems.

They are quieter, with the motor cruising rather than clunking in and out of action noisily.
Working less hard, the internal parts suffer less wear and tear, meaning longer life and lower servicing costs.

When making the choice between these two types of split systems, it’s easy to see why so many homeowners decide on an inverter split system.

Information About Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioners

May 24, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

Mitsubishi Electric manufactures some of the best air conditioning units that you can find anywhere. From reverse cycle split system air conditioners, to ducted air conditioning systems, you are sure to be happy with your Mitsubishi Electric air con.

Superior Technology

Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning units include eco-comfort technology, allergen filtration and are amazingly quiet. This eco-comfort technology helps these units provide you with nice cool air, without sacrificing efficiency.

Mitsubishi Electric air conditioners are also known to be some of the best when it comes to filtering out pollutants and other harmful substances. And you’ll never need to worry about a loud air conditioning unit, since the indoor models make a sound that is quieter than the human whisper!

A Wide Variety of Options

Mitsubishi Electric has had a reputation for manufacturing reliable and high quality air conditioning units for many years now. Contact one of our sales representatives to learn more about:

Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners
Split System Air Conditioners
Inverter Air Conditioners
Commercial Units
Residential Units

One of the most popular units on the market today is the Mitsubishi Electric 2.5kw reverse cycle, DC inverter Air Conditioner (Model MSZ- GE25VA).

This air conditioner is perfect for a standard sized bedroom, with an advanced DC Inverter System that gently adjusts itself to rising and falling temperatures in your home. While traditional (fixed speed) air conditioning units will simply power on or off depending on the room temperature, this machine will increase or decrease power until it has reached the right temperature. This means a much more energy efficient unit that is extremely quiet, with the indoor unit sound pressure level as low as 19dB(A) – perfect for sleeping!

Another popular model is the Mitsubishi Electric, 7.1kw reverse cycle, DC inverter Air Conditioner (Model MSZ-GE71VA).

This is another DC inverter model that is appropriate for commercial and residential use, especially for large open planned spaces. When you want a high-quality product that is guaranteed to keep you cool during the Brisbane summers, you should consider this unit.

Announcing a Limited-Time Promotion at Brisbane Air!

We’re pleased to announce a special promotion on all Mitsubishi electric inverter, reverse cycle, and split system air conditioners. For example, if you’re looking for a great deal on an outstanding unit, then you may want to consider the Mitsubishi MSZ-GE25VA.

This limited time deal (expires 31 August 2013) comes with a 2.5kw inverter /reverse cycle split system air conditioner and standard back-to-back installation for only $1,490 (inc. GST). All new installations from Brisbane Air come with a full 5-year warranty on BOTH the unit and our installation services!

Brisbane residents have been relying on the experts of Brisbane Air for maintenance and installation services since 1982. Our service technicians are the best in the business, and we guarantee that we’ll be able to help you find the right unit for your needs.

Contact Brisbane Air today to discover which air conditioning unit is the right one for your home or office!

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!