Residential Air Conditioning Archives

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

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.

Can You Use Your Air Conditioner As A Heating System?

May 9, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

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.

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.

WARNING: Your Air Conditioner May Be The Reason Why You Are Sick!

April 8, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

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!

Methods for Keeping Cool before Air Conditioning

March 25, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

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.

Ducted Air Conditioning In New Home Construction

February 25, 2013 by Barney Brisbane Air

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

November 7, 2012 by Barney Brisbane Air

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.

A Guide to Split System Residential Air Conditioning Units

October 31, 2012 by Barney Brisbane Air

The standard split system residential air conditioning process involves an indoor air handling unit, or units, and an outdoor compressor unit. They are connected via copper piping through which refrigerant flows and by which heat is moved from the indoor to the outdoor unit for release. Reverse cycle split systems can be used for heating as well as for cooling. The heating mode of these types of air conditioner units is generally regarded as one of the most cost efficient forms of heating available today.

Wall Mounted Split Systems

The most common and simplest type of split system air conditioner involves a single indoor unit and it is often referred to as a “wall mounted split system”. This type of residential air conditioning is perfect for single rooms and cost efficient solutions, where the outdoor unit can be positioned nearby.

Multi Head Split Systems:

A reasonably new air conditioning technology, multi-head split systems allow you to have a number of individually controlled indoor units all running off of one outdoor compressor unit. However, they are typically not the most cost effective air conditioning option since they require an individual indoor unit for each room and additional engineering for the outdoor compressor unit is typically required. Nevertheless, they can be a great air conditioning solution when there is limited space for outdoor units or where there is insufficient roof space for a ducted system. This is often the case in town houses.

Inverters

Split system air conditioners that include an inverter allow you to alter their speed based upon cooling demand. Inverters use a microprocessor-based intelligent sensor that monitors changing conditions. This information is then relayed to an “intelligent” compressor that can vary its rpm to match the changing conditions. Instead of shutting off like non-inverter systems do, it simply reduces its output. Inverters provide the following benefits:

Energy consumption is reduced by as much as 30%.
Temperature fluctuations are minimised.
The time it takes to reach optimum temperature is reduced by as much as 1/3.
Voltage peaks are eliminated since the compressor is not constantly turning off and on.
You experience a quieter operation since it is generally operating at lower RPMs.

Unit Selection

Choosing the right type and size of air conditioning system for your home is a very important decision as it directly impacts the comfort level for the whole family and it can add considerable re-sale value to your property. There are many variables that come into play when sizing and selecting the best split system air conditioning solution for your home. A qualified professional will take into account your room sizes and dimensions, types and locations of windows, type of insulation in your home, solar orientation and other variables to ensure that you end up with the most efficient and cost effective solution.

Brands

There are many brands of excellent and affordable split air conditioning systems in Australia today. Some of the most highly regarded are Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Daikin and Midea. Mistsubishi Electric’s split air conditioners are known for their reliability, quietness, energy efficiency and proven performance in the tough Australian environment.

So regardless of which type of residential split system air conditioner you select, you can’t go wrong when it comes to investing in the comfort and health of your family. After all, summer is right around the corner.