Why Choose a Ducted Air Conditioner For Your Brisbane Office?

December 5, 2014 by Brisbane Air

During the warm summer months, when humidity is at its highest and heat at its hottest, hot, stuffy offices lead to stressed employees. Office productivity can slide and tempers fray quickly. Open windows increase noise levels, invite insects to further increase discomfort, and reduce office security. Heat also plays havoc with office equipment: it’s not only people that work less efficiently. A ducted air conditioning Brisbane system is the air conditioner of choice for the modern office, helping to reduce or remove all the problems that Queensland’s hot summer causes.

Why ducted air conditioning is best for Brisbane offices

Split air conditioning systems work fantastically well in the home. They are compact, and can have wall-mounted units which look good outside. They can be used for heating and cooling, and work perfectly for single rooms. But for an office building, something with rather more punch is required. This is where ducted air conditioning proves invaluable in Brisbane.

A ducted air conditioner Brisbane is easily controlled to provide the optimum temperature and humidity. It is also probably the quietest of all air conditioning types. The system is controlled from a single device, enabling a constant temperature in each office within a building or across a large open office.

Benefit from a uniform environment

With all offices cooled, a ducted air conditioner provides a constant and consistent working environment. People moving from office to office will no longer go from hot to cold. Areas of work in an open office environment will all be equally cool. Spaces near a window will benefit from the same coolness as those on the other side of the office floor.

When office temperatures are correctly controlled, people work better. They become less stressed and produce more work of a higher standard; offices become more like the productive place they are designed to be and less like a gladiatorial battle ground.

Ducted air conditioners Brisbane are the ideal solution, no matter what size and style of office. They are designed for units to be positioned in ceiling recessed or under false floors. They work almost noiselessly and allow the maintenance of a constant environment. Your people will work better, feel more relaxed, and produce work of a higher quality.

Surviving Brisbane Summer Climate with Ducted Air Conditioning

November 23, 2014 by Brisbane Air

The Brisbane summer climate can become unbearable for many. Temperatures regularly reach above 35 degrees, and humidity causes almost non-stop sweating. Clothes stick to bodies, and even sitting still becomes unbearable. Air conditioning isn’t only a luxury, it’s a necessity. Many homes are served by split or multi-split systems, though ducted air conditioning is often the better solution.

The quiet way to stay cool

Ducted air conditioning pumps air around a home or office through ducts which are housed in either ceiling or floor cavities. Because the heavy duty equipment (fans and compressors) is placed elsewhere, a ducted air conditioner is quieter than a spilt system. But the advantages of a ducted air conditioning Brisbane system, don’t stop there.

Four benefits of ducted air conditioning in Brisbane

When using a ducted air conditioner, you’ll find you and your home benefit in several ways including these four:

A room is heated and cooled more quickly with ducted air conditioning, and ambient temperatures are more consistent with no hot spots (not even in front of windows)
Multiple vents allow better air control, and vents can be flush mounted for a more aesthetic look
As there is usually only one compressor, a ducted air conditioner is often more energy efficient. This is especially so when several rooms are needed to be cooled simultaneously
With temperatures controlled from a single point, all rooms can be kept at the same temperature and humidity

Getting the best from your Brisbane ducted air conditioning system

As with all air conditioning systems, a ducted air conditioner works best if kept in perfect working order. At a minimum, you should ensure efficiency by making sure that air filters are clean and all electrical contacts and switches are working properly. Ducts and units should be kept clear of debris, and fixtures checked for stability.

While some of this work can be done as part of a regular DIY inspection, it is best to have air conditioning regularly serviced by a professional.

Finally, to ensure you benefit from the best air conditioning solution most cost effectively, follow these tips on boosting the effectiveness of your air conditioning system:

Change filters regularly
Ensure there are no leaks in your system
Set your air conditioner to ‘auto’, and increase the temperature on your thermostat by a degree or two
Turn your lights off when not in a room
Close curtains to keep the sunlight out of your home

The Brisbane summer heat can be debilitating if you let it, but doesn’t have to be. Ducted air conditioning Brisbane enables you to live life comfortably, and when kept in good condition will do so not only effectively but ef

Signs You Need a New Air Conditioning System

November 17, 2014 by 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.

Energy saving tips for your ducting air conditioning Brisbane

September 25, 2014 by Brisbane Air

home energy efficiency ratings 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.

Office Air Conditioner Wars and How to Stop Them

July 2, 2014 by Brisbane Air

Office Air Conditioner Wars and How to Solve Them!

In the modern office it’s commonplace to see workers at one end shivering and at the other sweltering. People working at these two extremes see their work suffer: it’s hard to work a keyboard when wearing gloves, and just as hard to concentrate when there’s sweat pouring from your brow.

Even worse are the air conditioner wars that regularly break out between employees. One minute the thermostat is set high, the next it has been turned all the way down. In the worst cases an employee may take and hide the AC remote control.

Arguments at the water cooler are not unheard of.

What do you do to solve the office air conditioner wars?

Continually turning the air conditioner on and off or setting and resetting temperature does little more than increase individual agitation and the office energy bill. Here are five possible solutions to this age-old problem. Which is your preferred route?

Tell your workers to wear less or more as needed
Send the offenders into the naughty corner with a verbal warning
Tell the worst afflicted to have a cup of tea. That always makes things better – and while they have the kettle boiling they can make you a cup, too
Provide a bunch of expensive-to-run desk fans
Call in the experts and design a fit-for-purpose solution

Prevention is better than cure

In many offices, the short term solution is to provide everyone with a fan. The air conditioning gets switched off, and the office is full of noisy motors. Papers fly around like confetti. Yet still the temperature question is not solved.

There are several solutions that can be designed and customised for the office. An expert will be able to design the perfect office air conditioning system, taking into account the size and shape of office space, individual workstations, and number of staff working there.

The position of diffusers, air outflows, and the size and energy efficiency of your air conditioning unit will all need to be taken into account as part of your overall office air conditioning design. Just as no two workers are the same, no two offices are the same.

By taking action to prevent office temperature becoming an issue, you’ll find employees work better and take less time off work. Not only does productivity improve, but energy bills won’t shoot through the roof.

Or you could continue to rely on those expensive desk fans.

Air Conditioning Tips for Commercial Buildings in Brisbane

May 2, 2014 by 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.

The Benefits Of Using Ducted Air Conditioning In Your Office

August 15, 2013 by Brisbane Air

Having a climate-controlled office is a must, especially during Brisbane’s humid, hot months. Employees and clients will appreciate the comfort of a reasonable temperature and the quality of air provided by a sufficient air conditioning system in an office. Many options exist to provide an office building with appropriate climate control. One system to strongly consider, especially for large spaces such as commercial office buildings, is a ducted air conditioning system.

A ducted system is usually comprised of an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handling unit. These components work together, utilising an infrastructure of ducts to circulate filtered, conditioned air throughout a building. Though the initial cost of a ducted system is comparatively higher than other options, there are a number of benefits to a ducted air conditioning solution that you should consider.

There are two key reasons to choose a ducted air conditioning solution: value and aesthetics. These systems will always pay back on the initial investment, and they are much more aesthetically pleasing than the alternative.

1. Value and Efficiency

The initial cost of having a ducted system installed into your office building is not just an expense: it’s an investment. Ducted air conditioning systems are highly efficient, very reliable, and are cost-effective to operate. With such options as zoning control, you can choose to heat or cool only rooms and work areas currently occupied, thus saving energy. These climate control systems effectively and evenly distribute air throughout a building, eliminating annoying hot and cold spots. Making the investment of having a quality ducted system installed will boost the value of your building and lower annual energy consumption, both of which provide a notable return on investment.

2. Silent and Concealed

Ducted air conditioning operates in virtual silence from room to room. By centralising the compressor and air handling units, air enters each room through a concealed duct void of any noise-making machinery. Thus, a ducted system provides for peaceful work areas, waiting rooms, meeting rooms and common areas. The tranquillity of a silently operating climate control system, free also of any eye sores such as box air conditioners hanging from every window, creates a peaceful, comfortable office environment.

Weighing the features and cost of a ducted air conditioning climate control system against alternative systems, you should consider having such a system installed into your office building. The value, key benefits, and simplicity of use that a ducted system brings will more than pay back the initial investment.

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

Energy Saving Tips For Commercial Air Conditioning Systems

July 19, 2013 by 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 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!