Ducted Systems Air Conditioning Archives

How Much Does Ducted Air Conditioning Cost to Run?

May 1, 2015 by Barney Brisbane Air

One of the questions our customers ask most often is “how much does ducted air conditioning cost to run?” Sometimes this is asked after the exact air conditioning components have been selected, when it is relatively easy to calculate running costs. Other times a customer will ask without knowing the make, model, size, and other specifics of their air conditioning needs. That’s a little like asking what it costs to run a new Toyota car: without knowing the size of engine, the driving conditions, and the cost of fuel there is no way to accurately assess running costs.

How to calculate ducted air conditioning running costs

The first thing to do when calculating the cost of running air conditioning is to select your air conditioning units. You’ll need to consider the space you need cooled (or heated) and then size your unit requirements from this. You should also consider the energy rating of different units: the higher the rating, the more energy efficient the unit is. With your units selected, you can now do some simple calculations to accurately estimate the running costs. Here’s how:

Step 1: From a recent electricity bill find the cost per kWh in cents.

Step 2: From the air conditioning manufacturer’s brochure, or the printed label on the side of your unit, find the electrical consumption (Total Input, kw) at its rated capacity.

Step 3: Multiply the cost per kWh by the unit’s electrical consumption at its full rated capacity.

Step 4: The answer is the cost per hour in cents.

Step 5: Calculate your daily cost to run ducted air conditioning by figuring out how long it will run and at what capacity. For example, if your electricity costs 20 cents per kWh and your unit has a Total Input of 3kw per KWh at full rated capacity, the cost per hour would be 60 cents p/h. If you intend to run the unit for 8 hours at 50% capacity, then the cost per hour would be:

20 x (3 x 50%) = 20 x 1.5 = 30 cents p/h

And the cost for 8 hours would be 30 x 8 = $2.40.

And that’s all there is to it! Don’t forget, though, that you might have different rates charged for your electricity at different times of the day. If this is the case, you will need to make more than one calculation.

When your ducted air conditioning is up and running, it will benefit from regular servicing to keep it in tip top condition – and so will your running costs.

Why Choose a Ducted Air Conditioner For Your Brisbane Office?

December 5, 2014 by Barney 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 Barney 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

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.

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.

What Size Ducted Air Conditioning System is Suitable for Your Brisbane Home?

May 5, 2014 by Barney Brisbane Air

There is nothing more frustrating than finding the ducted air conditioning system you spent thousands on isn’t up to the job.

Correct size units will be more effective, more efficient, and economical. Buying a ducted air conditioning unit that is the wrong size for your home, will result in thousands wasted on initial cost, and even more in its running. Worse still, it will be inefficient – too hot in summer, too cold in winter.

But how do you know what is the right size for your property? What considerations do you need to take into account?

What should you consider when sizing for ducted air conditioning in Brisbane?

Many factors will affect the unit size required for your home:

Your home’s location and aspect will affect the amount of work a ducted air conditioner has to do to maintain a comfortable environment. Included here will be size of rooms, and size and type of windows (including benefits of shade).
Your home’s construction, materials used, and insulation will impact air conditioning system efficiency; as will the attributes of the air conditioner itself.
How your home is used, how many people live in it, and what times of day it is occupied will – what rooms are used and when – will also impact your air conditioning needs. Zoning is particularly important.
Most generic sizing guides assume a number of watts per square metre of floor area, but this standard calculation does not take into account the above factors. There may also be other considerations – such as the number of people using a space or equipment within that space, and computers in a home office may generate additional heat.

If the residential ducted air conditioning system you buy is too small, you will find it working overtime to reach the desired temperature. With this stress, it is likely to become noisy and need replacing sooner. Meanwhile, your living space will suffer in the comfort stakes.

You’ll encounter similar problems with a residential ducted air conditioning system which is too large. You will waste hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars buying the larger unit. When installed it will work inefficiently and consume more electricity than necessary.

Let the ducted air conditioning Brisbane experts advise you

The best way to obtain a definitive answer is to ask an expert and have a Brisbane Air representative survey your home. At Brisbane Air we have a fully qualified team who can advise you on the right size ducted air conditioning system for your home and individual circumstances, including anticipated use.

Contact us today, and benefit from our experience in helping clients select the right ducted air conditioning system for their Brisbane homes.

How Often Should I Service My Ducted Air Conditioning Unit?

December 26, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

Your ducted air conditioning is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home. It is there at the flick of a switch, helping you to maintain the correct temperature in both summer and winter. Sometimes we forget how much we rely on air conditioning in the home and office, only to realise exactly what it means should it break down. Neglecting your ducted air conditioning may not cause it to break down straight away, but it will increase the cost of running it and will reduce its overall longevity.

What could go wrong with your ducted air conditioner?

Here are four of the more common problems experienced with ducted air conditioners:

Air leakage

Poorly sealed pipes and ducts mean cold/ hot air leaks before reaching where it should. It is estimated that leaking pipes and ducts can cause air conditioning units to work up to 40% harder to maintain the temperature you want: and that directly impacts on the cost of your air conditioned environment.

Plastic Fittings

Plastic fittings can warp, crack, break, and melt. All of these cause air leakages and inconsistent performance of air conditioning, leading to extra running expense.

Poor air balance

Sometimes the air flow balance falls out of synch, causing room temperatures to do likewise. This isn’t just a drain on cash, but a drain on you as you constantly try to manually maintain control, turning air conditioning on and off room by room. This could be caused by too much back pressure, which will put strain on pipes and fittings, decreasing the life of your air conditioning system.

Filter clogging

Filters become clogged with debris and cease to work properly. Not only does this mean your unit has to work harder, but also that the air pumped into your home is not as fresh as it should be.

What you can do

Routine maintenance such as filter cleaning and changing can be done by most owners, and you should certainly brush out dirt and other obstructions from units at regular intervals.

The more adept of owners may be able to check for duct leakage and make seals good. But replacing parts and undertaking a full service should only ever be undertaken by a qualified air conditioning technician.

If your system is producing less cold air than it should, then there may be a problem with refrigerant or airflow. That would be time to call a technician to conduct emergency repairs.

The best way to ensure your ducted air conditioner is working at peak performance – and least cost – is to ensure it is serviced at regular intervals. Experience shows that the best time to conduct such services is when the requirement for your air conditioning changes: that will be at the end of the summer and the end of the winter.

Ducted Air Conditioner Tips During the Summer

December 19, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

With over 30 years continuous experience in the Brisbane area, Brisbane Air’s technicians and staff have built their reputation on their helpfulness as well as their expertise. At this time of year, one of the recurring themes is our customers’ desire to know how to get the best from their ducted air conditioner during the long hot months. So we’ve put together this simple guide answering the questions we get asked the most about ducted air conditioners.

First, ducted air conditioners do not give instant heat or cold. It takes time to cool a home, especially if it has been closed up for any period of time. Walls, floors, and ceilings will retain heat that needs to be expelled before your home can become cool. The hotter the house, the longer this process will take and the harder the ducted air conditioner will have to work.

A ducted air conditioner produces condensation in the summer months, which drains away through a condensate line.

Tip 1

Fit your system with a Safety Condensate Tray, which will prevent ceiling damage.

At Brisbane Air, this is a standard part of the installation process for all new ducted installation jobs.

Tip 2

If you notice a constant drip from the safety drain outlet, call a technician immediately: your main drain may be blocked and will need to be cleared.

Don’t expect your ducted air conditioner to perform miracles. In extreme conditions it will run harder and faster, trying to balance the indoor temperature with the temperature you’ve set. Ducted air conditioners do require regular servicing.

Tip 3

The ideal cooling temperature is between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius. Setting your thermostat to this level will ensure maximum efficiency and comfort throughout the summer.

A ducted air conditioner system is controlled by motorised controllers. These take a few minutes to ‘warm up’.

Tip 3

Always leave the system for 3 to 5 minutes before restarting after it has been switched off. This will help avoid blowing fuses and damaging the compressor.

Sudden and large changes in thermostat settings may result in blown fuses or system damage, including expensive compressor damage.

Tip 4

Never move the thermostat control by more than 2 degrees Celsius while in Auto operation mode. Doing so may mean a sudden change from heating to cooling and vice versa, with the effect being somewhat similar to crunching a car into reverse from second gear.

If you buy a quality ducted air conditioning system and have it professionally installed by a well respected and experienced company like Brisbane Air, and then look after the system properly, including regular service and maintenance, it will perform better and should last much longer.

Tip 5

Always ensure your filter is clean, especially just before and after the summer period. Also, keep your outside unit free from overgrowing trees and shrubs.

The filter helps to keep the air in your home clean and fresh, and is a major element in ducted air conditioner systems.

Of course, the most important thing is to always maintain your system. The technicians at Brisbane Air are here to help. If you have any problems with your ducted air conditioning system in Brisbane, then we are here to help. Before you call, though, here are a few things you should check:

Have any fuses blown?
Is the filter clean?
Has the main switch been turned off?
Is the thermostat set correctly?

There you have it: five simple do’s and don’ts that will help you get the best out of your ducted air conditioner system throughout a long hot summer.

How Ducted Air Conditioners Work

August 22, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

When you’re suffering in heat waves, the last thing you want to do is sit in front of a wall air conditioner and wait for your room to cool. It’s much better to come home from work and be greeted with a uniformly cooled and dehumidified house. Ducted air conditioners generate cool air from a compressor/ condensing unit that sits outside of your home, connected to an indoor fan coil unit, located within the roof cavity of the house. Ductwork runs through the house and outputs the cool air via a series of vents (diffuser outlets) in each room. Nowadays, most ducted air conditioners, called reverse-cycled ducted units, also heat your home during the winter months.

If you feel that centralised ducted air conditioners are not as efficient as other cooling options, you can opt for a zoned ducted air conditioning system that allows you to control the amount of cooling in each zone of the house. You can keep the areas you’re using cool, while keeping the cooling system off in other areas of the home. Another advantage of this air conditioning system is the sound output is low. You certainly don’t have to worry about the overpowering sound of the old style box air conditioners or “window rattlers”.

You need professional installation for this type of air conditioning system. Not many houses have pre-installed duct work necessary to connect into the ducted system, so the installers put the duct work in and the compressor/ condensing unit/ indoor fan coil unit and test that everything is working. They design the system to work perfectly with your house setup, so you can designate zoned cooling around the house. Professional installers also choose a ducted system that’s powerful enough to cool your home, with zoning often a main consideration. It is a customised ducted system that takes many factors into consideration, with the experienced staff providing you a detailed written recommendation and quotation after they’ve assessed your house setup.

Should you want to find out more information about our ducted air conditioning installation please email or contact us today at (07) 3269 8450.