Brisbane Air

Brisbane Air Conditioning Specialists

(07) 3269 8450

Can You Use Your Air Conditioner As A Heating System?

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Many people don’t realise that it IS possible to use an air conditioner  as a heating system…if you have a reverse cycle system. A reverse cycle air conditioner works by transferring heat from the outside air and then passing it over a coil that is filled with a refrigerant.

reverse-cycle-air-conditioner

Once the liquid is heated, the refrigerant goes through a compressor and into a condenser and the hot air is released into your home or office. These systems are much more energy efficient than traditional heaters and can use up to 2/3 less energy!

 

To cool your home with these air conditioning units, all you need to do is change the settings to the reverse cycle and the refrigerant will cool the air rather than heating it.

 

Advantages to Reverse Cycle Systems

 

There are a number of considerable advantages to using these air conditioning units. First, this is an extremely efficient way of heating your home. Secondly, there are no open flames, so your risk of fire is much, much lower. With reverse cycle air conditioning units you can have access to BOTH heat and cool cycles with the same unit!

 

There are several different types of reverse cycle air conditioning units, including:

 

  • Split System Air Conditioners
  • Multi-Split Air Conditioners
  • Ducted Air Conditioners
  • Inverter Air Conditioners

 

Split system AC units have a compressor that is located out of your building, while the internal fan unit is located inside. One advantage to these particular units is that they are very quiet.

 

Multi-split systems are split system air conditioners that have multiple internal units. These are excellent choices for larger buildings with lots of space.

 

Ducted systems are used for heating or cooling several rooms at once. These systems usually work best for people who like to have all of the rooms of their home or office at the same temperature.

 

Inverter reverse cycle systems are air conditioners that have a variable speed compressor. These systems are very energy efficient and usually take much less time to heat up. Since these systems adjust gradually to maintain the temperature of the room, you likely won’t be bothered by the noise.

 

If you live in the Brisbane area and are in need of air conditioner installation or repair, you should contact us today. The experts at Brisbane Air have been providing air conditioning services in the area since 1982 and have a reputation for outstanding service and value.

 

Contact us today online or call 3269 8450 to learn more about your options for heating or cooling your home!

3 Quick Ways To Improve Your Air Conditioning Efficiency

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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.

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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!

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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

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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!

Methods for Keeping Cool before Air Conditioning

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Have you ever wondered what people did to keep cool before air conditioning systems became affordable and commonplace? After all, residential air conditioners haven’t been around that long and surely people were just as uncomfortable from the heat then as they are now, those without air conditioning that is. So let’s look at some of the ways that people have used to keep cool in the past.

Cooling with the Earth

Probably the original method of dealing with heat in living environments involved living underground or living in a cave. Not only would a cave help protect you from predators, it could also maintain a temperature of about 10 degrees Celsius throughout the year. When people started moving out of caves they often built using materials and techniques that mimicked the temperature controlling characteristics of caves. Exterior walls were generally made out of stone, brick, or adobe and homes were often built into hillsides or set down into the ground, which helped to keep the house cool through its contact with the earth.

People Power

Ancient Egyptians hung wet mats and placed pots that were filled with water in areas that otherwise had warm, dry breezes. This created breezes that were more cool and moist. This particular method has been used for thousands of years by Ancient Greeks and Romans as well as by indigenous people throughout the world. Roman emperors were also known to have mountain snow brought into their gardens for cooling. Historical records from the Middle East around the 8th century indicate that slaves were used to make cool breezes by fanning air across blocks of ice. Some of the wealthiest homes had double walls that were used for packing in snow and ice. The practice of slaves creating breezes for their masters by waiving fans continued well into the 19th century in the west.

Home Design

In warm climates, people learned to build their homes in ways that would optimise the circulation of air. Features included large windows and doors, covered porches, high interior ceilings, lots of large shade trees as well as fountains and pools. It is interesting to note that the pools were primarily used to cool the air and that swimming pools did not become popular until the mid-19th century. Many homes built before residential air conditioning was invented have split-levels and have high ceilings to take advantage of rising warm air. Open stairwells were very common as well since they also allowed the warm air to rise to upper levels. Turrets or towers were often used in these homes to collect heat and disperse it outside. Shade trees and awnings were also commonly used to block the summer sun, minimise its heat and provide cool breezes. Large, covered front porches were also established as a way to stay cool. When homes were unbearably hot from gathering heat all day, people would sit on the porch to enjoy the coolness of the evening.

A Modern Marvel

In the 19th century, engineers and inventors continued to experiment with different ways of blowing air across a cold substance, such as wet cloth or ice. After nearly 100 years of experimenting, the predecessor of modern air conditioning was born at the turn of the 20th century. Of course it took many decades of refinement to establish a design that was simple enough and affordable enough for the masses.

Today air conditioning has gone from a luxury item to a necessity, especially when living in a sub-tropical climate like we have here in Australia. Aside from the incredible comfort that air conditioners bring, there are also many health benefits such as cleaner air, less mould and better rest. So with summer right around the corner, perhaps it’s time to move out of the dark ages and into a happier and healthier way of life.

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!

6 Reasons to Choose BrisbaneAir As Your Air Conditioning Service Provider

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With so many air conditioning installation and service companies in the Brisbane area, how do you know which one will do the best job? You deserve the best when it comes to your home or business and that’s why we’ve provided you with 6 reasons why BrisbaneAir is the right choice.

 1.  We have been servicing the Brisbane area since 1982.

Experience goes a long way in our industry and we have been in the business for over 30 years! This simply means that we can develop a customized solution for your cooling needs based on decades of successful work in other homes in your area.

 2.  We are a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Dealer.

Choosing the right air conditioner for your home is essential for ensuring proper cooling. As a certified Diamond Dealer, we are fully qualified to help you choose the most appropriate solution for your unique air conditioning needs. At BrisbaneAir, we specialize in split system and ducted air conditioning installation and service, along with other types of cooling solutions.

 3.   We can provide you with an interest-free payment plan.

Take advantage of our payment plans and enjoy clean, cool air today! We can spread your payment out for up to 30 months—with NO INTEREST! With a 25% deposit and an easy-to-follow contract, there’s no need to worry about whether you can afford your AC. Don’t go another day in the sweltering Brisbane summer heat without the right air conditioning unit!

4.   We can recommend excellent energy efficient and environmentally friendly air conditioning solutions.

We have extensive experience recommending, installing and maintaining energy efficient commercial and residential air conditioners. That’s just one way BrisbaneAir can help you SAVE on your utility bills while you stay cool.

Environmentally friendly air conditioning units are another specialty of hours. To learn more about our custom green solutions, contact one of our specialists at 3269 8450 today.

5.   We hold a National Refrigerant Trading Authorisation License, BSA License and Electrical Contractor License.

The Refrigerant Trading license is a special licence that allows us to acquire, possess and dispose of refrigerants. This license helps ensure that your appliances will be handled and serviced by fully qualified technicians.  The BSA License and Electrical Contractor License ensure that we are a full licensed Brisbane air conditioning company.

6.   We provide you with a FREE quote before we start.

Why not secure the peace of mind that you deserve? BrisbaneAir provides 100% FREE quotes on all new installation work to help you make an informed decision about your new air conditioning installation.

If you have a question about:

 

…then all you need to do is contact us and we will be able to help you!

 

For the best in BrisbaneAir conditioning service, call BrisbaneAir at 3269 8450. We are here to keep you cool!

Ducted Air Conditioning In New Home Construction

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If you’re building a new home, you already know that it’s a huge investment of both time and energy. And, when you’re putting so much into it, you want to make sure that your home is designed and built to provide you with many years of comfortable living.

Most homeowners understand the value of investing in a high quality HVAC unit for comfort, reliability and energy cost savings.

Poorly planned or installed air ducts can cancel any energy savings you’re counting on in your new home. So if you want to get the most out of your investment and stay cool and comfortable when the temperature here in Brisbane soars, it’s a good idea to consult with a qualified HVAC design professional before starting your HVAC installation in your new home.

Important Things to Consider When Installing a Ducted Air Conditioning System

Here are a few of the main factors you should review with an air conditioning professionalbefore installing air ducts in your new home.

System Sizing

The sizing of your ducted air conditioning unit is vital to the overall success of your HVAC system. Using a complex set of calculations, we’ll take into account the size of your home, the type of insulation used, the number of windows (and their efficiency) and the amount of direct sunlight your house will get.

Units that are sized too small will not be able to keep your house cool and may even freeze up on really hot days. Systems that are too large for the space will not run efficiently and will constantly cycle off and on, creating extra wear and tear on the unit.

Design and Layout

Ductwork that is undersized or poorly designed for your home can severely limit airflow and may increase energy costs. Have you ever experienced a cold spot in a room? That’s due to incorrectly sized or badly placed ducts. If not done correctly, ducts will deliver too much air to some rooms and not enough to others. That leads to an uncomfortable living space.

It’s important to work with your HVAC installer when designing the ducting system. That way, ducts can be placed where they’ll be the least noticeable and the most efficient.

Sealing Ductwork

Air leakage is the greatest cause of air conditioning problems. It’s vital that your ductwork, both on the supply side and the exhaust side, is properly installed, sealed and insulated to prevent leakage. This will greatly enhance the performance of your new home’s cooling system. Properly sealed ducts prevent loss of energy through air leaks and can improve your overall system’s efficiency by up to 20 percent.

For many of us, designing and building a new home is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make sure you get it done right by consulting with professionals before getting started. Your family and your checkbook will thank you! For more information on air conditioning for new home builds click here.

Air Conditioners and Energy Efficiency – What You Need to Know

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Residential air conditioning systems have come a long way in recent times and are much more energy efficient than their predecessors. This can be attributed to technological advances as well as consumer demand and more stringent government regulations. Let’s take a look at what this means to you as an individual and what it means to us as a nation.

It’s All in the Stars

The current star rating applied to air conditioning systems was established when the energy labelling standards went into effect on April 1st, 2010. The rating is determined by the Annual Energy Efficiency Ratio (AEER) applicable for cooling and the Annual Coefficient of Performance (ACOP) which is applicable to heating. The AEER and ACOP are annual operating energy outputs which are divided by the sum of annual operating and non-operating energy inputs. Non-operating energy input is determined by the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3823.2:2009. This Star Rating Index is actually calculated using tested values for energy and capacity instead of just going by the specs or rated values provided by the manufacturer. One star relates to an ACOP or AEER of 2.75 and every increase of 0.50 above that results in an additional star.

What Does It Mean?

AEERs and ACOPs are typically in the range of 2.75 to 4.5. This means that the heating or cooling output is 2.75 to 4.5 times greater than the electricity input. That equates to an efficiency of 275% to 450%. This incredible efficiency is achieved through the use of refrigeration heat pumps that collect heat inside the home and move it outside when cooling, or collect ambient heat from outside the home and move it inside when heating. This efficiency in heat pumps is due to the fact that they can move a lot more energy in the form of heat than what they require in the form of electricity.

What a GEM

More recently, the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012 just came into effect on October 1st, 2012. This legislation changes the way that the energy efficiency of various equipment in Australia is regulated. Improvements in the energy efficiency of residential, commercial and industrial appliances are greatly beneficial to Australia and New Zealand, both economically and environmentally. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as well as the reduction in energy demand will help consumers and businesses save on operating costs for the life of the appliance.

Government Regulations

Mandatory Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and Energy Rating Labels (ERLs) are the primary policy tools that will be used to achieve the target reductions. Most of us are familiar with ERLs (star labels) as they have been used to rate various electrical goods for twenty-five years.  A new collaborative initiative, the Equipment Energy Efficiency Program (E3), will implement the policies. It includes representatives from all jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand.

Manufacturers of any product that falls under the jurisdiction of E3 must register their products with an E3 regulator before it can be lawfully sold in Australia or New Zealand. The registration process is a formal declaration by the manufacturer that the product is in full compliance with all relevant regulatory MEPS or ERL requirements.

It is projected that by the year 2024, the economic benefit of the E3 Program to the Australian economy will reach AUD$22.4 billion. In addition to the economic and environmental benefits, it is expected to generate significant savings for Australian households and businesses.