Commercial air conditioning has become increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits in the workplace.  Not only does it help reduce energy costs in building maintenance, but it can also create a more comfortable and inviting environment for employees and customers alike.  It is commonly referred to as commercial HVAC; commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling.

There are important factors to consider when selecting the best air conditioner for your building.  There are also many different types of air conditioning available for a business; Wall Splits, Ducted Systems, Cassettes, Package Units (PAC), Multi-Heads, Air Handling Units (AHU), VRF Systems, and Chilled Water Fan Coil Units (CWFCU), just to name a few!

Here we’ll explore some of the common questions customers and business owners have with regards to commercial HVAC.  In particular, the Why, How and What, as follows:

Why is Commercial Air Conditioning important?

Everything starts with a why.  In the HVAC industry, business owners often ask why they need air conditioning.  Is it required?  If so, why is it important?  What do I need to know?

With so many demands placed on commercial operations today, understanding the purpose of commercial HVAC allows proper assessment of it.  With this understanding, a business owner can then fully consider how it fits into their business.

Commercial Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed to support businesses in all areas.  From legal compliance, to equipment performance and lifespan, to health and wellness of all who enter the building.  These areas affect the business at all levels, from day-to-day operations all the way through to long-term success.

When considering the impact of commercial AC, it’s important to be aware of all types of people entering your business premise.  Occupants and visitors to a business include:

• Owners
• Employees
• Family Members
• Customers
• Contractors
• Suppliers
• Tradespeople
• Children
• Vulnerable populations, and,
• Anyone else who may enter the building.

The list of air conditioning benefits is extensive, with positive flow-on effects to all areas of a business.  Here we’ll outline just some of the main points when considering commercial air conditioning installation and use.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) & Comfort

Two primary goals of commercial HVAC systems are to maintain acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) and provide thermal comfort.  The different components of an HVAC system interconnect to achieve these key objectives.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Commercial air conditioners include filtration and/or ventilation to keep the air free from dust and other pollutants that can make breathing difficult.  This is especially true for those sensitive to allergies or with respiratory illnesses.  Filters within commercial aircon trap harmful airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns so you can be sure your staff and visitors are breathing clean, fresh air every day.

Regular cleaning of the filters is important for optimal performance and pollution reduction to ensure that your business cooling system is working properly and cleaning the air effectively.  If not properly maintained, the system can make people sick.

Air conditioning systems can also be used to introduce fresh air into a building, which can help maintain proper air pressure and quality.  By circulating outdoor air into the building, it helps dilute any stale indoor air and ensure that the interior atmosphere is comfortable.

HVAC can ensure good airflow by removing musty smells and odours while introducing fresh outside air indoors.  This helps keep the environment in the building healthy and clean with improved internal atmosphere.

Increase Comfort & Productivity

Creating a comfortable work environment in commercial spaces is essential for productivity and employee wellbeing.  Commercial AC plays a key role in ensuring optimal temperature and level of comfort for all occupants.

Air conditioners also help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air (humidity), reducing the icky, sticking feeling you get on high humidity days.  Humidity levels must be tightly controlled however, as low humidity levels can cause the indoor air to be too dry and increase the risk of certain health concerns.  Optimal relative humidity level for an office building is between 35-55%.

Employees work better when they are comfortable, and air conditioning helps to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the office.  Commercial AC not only makes employees more productive, but also helps customers feel more comfortable while shopping or visiting your business.  They will want to linger for longer, allowing more client interaction and spending.

Commercial HVAC can also helps improve health and happiness, both during and outside of work hours.  On hot days, air conditioning prevents overheating so employees don’t get distracted or uncomfortable.  This allows staff to concentrate and focus on getting the job done right.  There are already too many distractions and discomforts in a typical work day – Aircon can help reduce some of these!

By providing an optimal working environment with suitable heating and cooling systems, businesses can ensure their staff remain positive and motivated with the job at hand.  Some studies have shown that having adequate air-conditioning can even increase cognitive ability by 5%.

Positive Commercial Outcomes

Failure to install and maintain HVAC systems that are suitable for a building and the business within it can be disastrous.  Positive outcomes that can be achieved with commercial air conditioning include, but are not limited to;

• Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
• Decreased growth of bacteria
• Shortened survival rates of viruses (including the COVID-19-causing SARS-CoV-2)
• Minimised spread infectious diseases (including COVID-19),
• Improved health outcomes (for acute and chronic conditions)
• Higher levels of staff satisfaction
• Increased productivity
• Reduced staff sick days
• Positive customer experiences
• Likelihood of repeat business
• Growing sales
• Larger revenue and profit
• Rise in operational performance
• Strong business position resulting

Creating a comfortable work environment in commercial spaces is an important but often overlooked factor when it comes to customer experience, productivity, employee satisfaction and overall wellbeing.  Commercial air conditioning systems play a major role in creating such an environment.

With properly installed and maintained HVAC systems, employees and equipment benefit from productivity-enhancing temperature, humidity, and air quality.  Furthermore, having good aircon will help reduce dust, allergens, viruses, and bacteria, which can then reduce health problems for building occupants.  This ultimately affects customers and overall business success.  The reasons why commercial AC is important truly do stack up!

Compliance

In the construction industry, there are a whole host of laws, Acts, codes, regulations, policies, requirements, standards, best practices, and recommendations surrounding air conditioning in the built environment.  This is especially true in relation to commercial HVAC.

Achieve Compliance

Commercial air conditioning can help achieve and maintain compliance in a range of areas, include but not limited to;

• Local and National Acts
• Construction Codes
• Building Regulations
• Government Policy
• Health Recommendations
• Occupancy Conditions
• National Standards
• Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Legislation
• Lease Agreements
• Company Requirements
• Best Practice Guidelines

Commercial AC is an important part of a building, and it’s essential for businesses to ensure they comply with all necessary legal requirements.  Not only does this help ensure safety and wellbeing in the workplace but also helps to reduce energy costs and increase efficiency.  Many of the outlined requirements are there to not only help building occupants, but also support the building owner and guide best practice.

Understand Compliance

It’s one thing to be given a list of what to consider in a commercial setting, but it’s another to understand and appreciate to role that commercial aircon plays.  To fully consider the legal and moral responsibilities that lay with business owners, a more detailed understanding is required in all areas:

Local and National Acts – These Acts outline the legal requirements for air conditioning construction and usage.  It’s important to understand what is required by law when it comes to air conditioners so that all installations are up to date with relevant regulations.  Ongoing maintenance must also comply with the latest version of each Act.

Construction Codes – Construction codes provide further information on regulations concerning installation permits, construction standards, and technical specifications that must be met during the process of constructing any kind of building, including the HVAC contained within it.

Building Regulations – Building regulations offer guidance on how energy efficient new buildings must be as well as outlining details on thermal insulation performance and ventilation requirements.

Government Policy – Government policies can vary depending on the region so business owners should make sure they look into their local government bodies for specific rules around air conditioning.

Health Recommendations – It’s important for companies to follow health recommendations when it comes to air quality as this can have a huge impact on employee health, both in the short and long-term.

Occupancy Conditions – Understanding occupancy conditions can help owners decide which types of AC units would best suit each space or building type.  This takes into account the number of occupants, how the commercial space is used, heat load, etc.

National Standards – Adhering to National Standards ensures quality control across all areas of manufacturing.  The HVAC&R industry also has specific standards in most countries, such as AIRAH’s Design Application (DA) manuals providing Australian Standards for all thing air conditioning-related.

Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) Legislation – WHS legislation helps protect employees from any potential risks related to climate and temperature extremes in the workplaces.

Lease Agreements – Business owners should make sure they review any lease agreements in place prior to AC installation as these often contain clauses regarding acceptable use of equipment or noise levels associated with running machinery such as air conditioners or heat pumps.

Company Requirements – Fulfilling company requirements when it comes to comfort cooling systems ensures a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness for staff in each office space or venue type.

Best Practice Guidelines – When it comes to air conditioning it’s important to not only keep spaces comfortable but also ensure businesses are able fulfill responsible operating protocols that benefit everyone, from staff through to customers and visitors alike.

Positive Commercial Outcomes

Understanding the key areas of compliance outlined will ensure that businesses meet all relevant legal obligations when it comes commercial air conditioning.  At the same time, such consideration ensures workplace safety, productivity, continuity, and energy efficiency.

Failure to comply in any area can lead to a range of negative outcomes including, but certainly not limited to:

• Minor issues such as excessive energy consumption and increased power bills.
• Moderate issues such as decreased productivity and rise in absenteeism.
• Serious issues such as permanent harm to human health and/or business shut down.

It’s important for a business owner to ensure they adhere to all commercial requirements, for everybody’s sake.  Failure to do so can lead to a range of negative consequences, as highlighted.  With some careful planning, commercial businesses can enjoy both maximum safety and purposeful effectiveness while minimising additional costs and unforeseen risks. 

Environment Preservation

Commercial air conditioning systems are a key component of the built environment.  Commercial AC helps to preserve structures and surfaces, support equipment performance, and save money on energy costs.

Built Environment Protection

Commercial HVAC keeps temperature and humidity levels within range for optimal human comfort and building maintenance.  Air conditioners help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air by cooling the air and removing excess water vapour.  High levels of humidity can cause mould and mildew to grow.  This then creates an unhealthy environment that is detrimental to building structures and internal surfaces.

By controlling humidity levels within buildings, businesses can ensure safe conditions for not only staff but also the building itself.  Humidity can cause damage to buildings in a variety of ways.  With too much moisture, surfaces are prone to staining, wood and other organic material can rot, and mould and mildew may form.  This can cause physical damage to walls, furniture, and other items in the building.

Commercial AC systems also help maintain the temperature of machinery and equipment, ensuring that it is operating at peak performance and efficiency.  Investing in a reliable commercial AC system can save money in the long run by reducing expensive repairs and downtime.

Commercial aircon certainly helps business operations and reduce risk.  While the presence of suitable equipment is important, maintenance of such equipment is just as important.  This will in turn help to preserve your built environment.

Improved Efficiency & Energy-Savings

With commercial HVAC, businesses can significantly reduce energy costs by using energy-efficient air conditioning equipment.  Many systems have sensors that detect when people are in the building and automatically adjust the temperature accordingly to maximize efficiency.

Some AC units have built-in thermostats that ensure temperatures remain constant, reducing energy waste.  This helps to save natural resources as well as reducing carbon emissions.

Air conditioning can also have a positive impact on efficiency in the workplace by reducing strain on equipment and improving operational efficiency.  By keeping the air temperature at an optimal level, air conditioners reduce stress on electronic equipment, as well as the people operating it.  This results in less downtime and more output.

Smart AC systems also lead to reduced energy usage due to increased efficiency.  As most office cooling systems are not running on full-power all the time, they require less energy to keep a space cool.

Positive Commercial Outcomes

Commercial air conditioning has become a financially viable investment for many businesses looking to stay competitive in today’s market.

Air conditioning can have an unappreciated impact on the built environment, including but not limited to:

• Increased building preservation
• Increased efficiency of operational and electronic equipment
• Increased reliability of equipment due to reduced workload
• Increased building and equipment lifespan
• Decreased equipment and employee downtime
• Decreased building maintenance costs
• Decreased equipment replacement costs
• Decreased power usage and wastage
• Decreased operational costs
• Increased staff satisfaction
• Increased productivity and output
• Increased sales as more time enabled for sales activities
• Decreased risk to business operations

With commercial aircon, businesses can ensure equipment and staff work efficiently while also saving money on electricity bills and reducing subsequent impact on the natural environment.  Win-Win-Win!

In order to ensure that your commercial space is comfortable for customers and employees alike, it is important to invest in a high-quality HVAC system that is suitable for how the business operates.  Then it is arguably even more critical to keep the AC equipment properly maintained.

Taking these steps will help create a healthier, happier commercial environment for everyone.  With its energy saving features and pollutant reduction capabilities, it’s no wonder why so many companies are now choosing commercial air conditioning over other heating and cooling methods.

How to choose the Best Commercial Air Conditioning for a business?

Deciding on the right air conditioning system for your business can be overwhelming.  There are so many options available, from water-cooled Central AC with chillers and cooling towers to Direct Expansion (DX) wall-mounted splits and ducted systems.  It’s important to weigh up all options before making a decision.

Business Needs

The first step in choosing a commercial AC system is understanding specific business needs.  Consider factors such as the size of the area/s, how the space/s will be used (including heat load), climate control requirements, efficiency, and budget.

Ducted or ductless air conditioning is a common consideration.  Once you have an idea of what you need, compare this to the different types of air conditioning systems available.

When designing HVAC systems, various parameters need to be taken into account such as comfort, building architecture, regulations, controls, redundancy, and flexibility.  System integration, energy efficiency and whole of life costs must also be considered when selecting a commercial air conditioning system, with focus on its purpose (e.g. comfort and reliability) over other parameters (e.g. energy efficiency).

Learn More

Once you’ve identified what type of AC system will work best for your business, it’s time to do some research.  Be sure to consider factors such as price, ongoing HVAC maintenance obligations, installation times, warranty coverage, and more, before making a decision.

It’s also important to seek reviews from other businesses who have used the same type of air conditioning system.  This can give you an idea of what kind of experience others have had with the product.

After doing some research on different types of systems, compare prices and features among multiple brands and models to determine which one will offer you the most value for money.  Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric are two popular options.

Consider how much energy each type uses and its overall efficiency rating.  This will help ensure that you get a product that works efficiently while saving money in the long run.

Ask An Expert

When selecting a commercial air conditioner for your business, it is always wise to contact an air conditioning contractor who can provide more information and advice on which unit/s would be best suited to your needs.

A reputable HVAC contractor can help answer any questions or concerns you might have about installation.   They can also discuss ongoing running costs, which can add up to more than the cost of the new system itself.  Such a discussion can help ensure you make an informed decision about which air conditioner is right for you.

Select Quality Install

Ensuring proper installation is key when installing any type of air conditioning system.  AC installation not only affects performance but also safety levels within the commercial space.  Furthermore, the initial install can positively or negatively impact energy efficiency over time.

A professional aircon installer should be able to correctly install all parts according to manufacturer specifications.  They can also advise on any additional components required to ensure optimal performance throughout the AC lifespan.

Taking Care of the AC

Once an air conditioner is installed, the next step is to take care of it.  Routine maintenance of HVAC equipment is arguably even more important than selecting the best system for your building and commercial activities.

Proper maintenance and upkeep of commercial air conditioning units is essential for businesses to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance.  Not only do properly serviced AC units keep preserve buildings, equipment, and product, but they can also improve health, productivity, and sales.  Failing to stay up to date with air conditioner maintenance may lead to unnecessary repairs, excessive energy consumption, and a range of negative business outcomes.

What are the Different Types of Commercial Air Conditioning available?

Finding the right AC system for your business is vital.  Depending on the size and type of facility, there are several different types of commercial air conditioning out there that can provide the heating and cooling capacity you need.

Air Conditioning Method

Firstly, it’s important to understanding exactly what air conditioning is.  Air conditioners work using the refrigeration cycle.  This involves heat in the air being captured and transferred between indoor and outdoor using refrigerant.

When cooling, heat is removed from the indoor air and released outdoors.  In the case of reverse cycle air conditioning, heat is transferred from the outdoor unit to the indoors.

In relation to cooling, the method of heat exchange with refrigerant can be conducted in two different ways:

1. Centrally – Central AC Systems exchange heat with refrigerant in a central location (i.e. away from the area being cooled).
2. Locally – Direct Expansion (DX) Systems exchanges heat with refrigerant at the point of air supply (i.e. in the area being cooled).

The decision between Central Air Conditioning and Decentralized DX Units is complex, involving various factors such as types, configuration, heat rejection options, applications, usage patterns, zoning, exposures, capacity control, environmental control, and temperature control.

Additionally, efficiency factors like fresh air ventilation control and energy monitoring need to be considered when comparing the two cooling methods.  It is recommended to consult an experienced commercial or industrial HVAC contractor when examining central plant compared to DX units.

Central Air Conditioning

Central HVAC is an efficient, effective way to condition large spaces and many structures like high-rise offices, airports, schools, etc.  It is often used when individual units in each room may not be cost-effective.

As outlined, central air conditioning refers to the source of cooling coming from a central location instead of near the air supply.  Central AC systems serve multiple spaces from one base in a building.  Cooling is typically distributed to fan coil units (FCU) via chilled water pipes.

The central air conditioning system consists of three subsystems: the chilled water plant, condenser water system/heat rejection system and air-delivery system.  Heat is often removed from water using a chiller, which utilises the refrigeration cycle within it.

The evaporator components remove heat and condenser components transfer that heat to the condenser water (water-cooled chiller) or outside air (air-cooled chiller).  Water-cooled chillers can use cooling towers in the condenser water portion.  The chilled air resulting from the central AC system is typically delivered to room/s using chilled water fan coil units (CWFCU).

Direct Expansion (DX) Air Conditioning

These are typically used for single-level complexes, homes, and small buildings.  There is a practical limitation to the length of refrigeration pipework, hence the use in smaller scale commercial buildings.

As outlined, direct expansion units cool air directly at the boundary of, or adjacent to, the room being conditioned.  Refrigerant passes through a local cooling coil within the unit serving the area directly or via ducts.

DX units are best suited for air conditioning individual thermal zones.  A thermal zone is a single area or group of areas within a structure that require similar indoor conditions.  Thermal zones should be controlled individually to ensure optimal comfort and performance.

Each thermal zone typically requires its own dedicated DX air conditioning unit.  This could apply to electronics-filled rooms with more heat loads than the rest of the office, meeting rooms with different occupancy levels throughout the week, treatment rooms in hospitals that require different conditions, and restaurant dining areas needing more moderate conditions compared to other areas.

Commercial AC Systems

Once the importance of air conditioning is appreciated, the individual business needs considered, and the method of cooling is assessed, the next step is to review the different types of commercial AC available.

Here are some of the popular commercial air conditioning system types:

Split System Air Conditioners

Split system air conditioners are ideal for businesses looking to keep a single room or area cool.  They consist of two units which work together; one unit sits outside while the other is placed inside the building.  Heat is transferred from one unit to the other using refrigerant, helping to reduce energy costs.

Indoor units typically sit on the wall (wall split systems), on the floor (floor-standing systems), on the ceiling (cassette type systems), in the ceiling (split ducted systems), or in a bulk-head (bulk-head units).  Alternatively, a combination of these locations may apply to the one system as part of a multi-head system.

Package Units

Packaged air conditioner units take up much less space than split systems as they contain all key components within a single unit.  This makes them well suited for buildings that have limited space, such as high rises or apartments complexes.  They make use of ducts and vents throughout the establishment to evenly distribute cool air.

VRF System Air Conditioners

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and flexibility in cooling areas of various sizes.  These systems use an outdoor heat exchanger and multiple indoor units which each control temperature in separate zones.  This makes them ideal for large multi-room facilities like office buildings or warehouses that require separate temperature settings in each zone.

Regardless of what type of commercial facility you own, it’s important to understand the different types of commercial air conditioning available.  This helps enable an informed decision when reviewing AC units for your business.

Commercial air conditioning can be a great way to keep a business premises comfortable, productive, and energy efficient.  Commercial AC usually more critical than residential units and provides climate control for multiple rooms or areas with larger capacity in general.  Commercial systems are typically custom designed to suit the size and usage of the building, making sure each room has the correct temperature, humidity, and airflow.

Investing in an energy-efficient air conditioner can help reduce energy costs and carbon emissions from a commercial building, as well as providing employees with a healthy work environment.  Commercial AC is certainly a worthwhile investment to enhance customer satisfaction, productivity, equipment performance, profits, and overall business success.

The key points to remember with commercial air conditioning can be abbreviate as ICE BLAST AC:

Why is Commercial Air Conditioning important?

• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) & Comfort
• Compliance
• Environment Preservation

How to choose the Best Commercial Air Conditioning for a business?

• Business Needs
• Learn More
• Ask An Expert
• Select Quality Install
• Taking Care of the AC

What are the Different Types of Commercial Air Conditioning available?

• Air Conditioning Method
• Commercial AC Systems

When considering the most suitable HVAC system for your business, just remember contact ICE BLAST AC today.

The benefits of servicing your commercial air conditioning systems cannot be overemphasized. Most business owners have had to spend more on energy bills and repair costs because of not servicing their commercial air conditioners regularly. But how often should you service your commercial air conditioning? Why do you need to service and maintain your commercial air conditioning? Find answers to these questions and more as you read on!

How often should you service your commercial air conditioner?

The average life expectancy of commercial air conditioners is about fifteen to twenty years. However, your commercial AC may not reach its maximum age if you do not service it regularly. Air conditioning systems used for most businesses should be serviced multiple times per year. The timeframe for servicing commercial air conditioning systems depends on several factors.

One of the primary factors that may determine how often you should service your commercial air conditioner is the operating environment of your business. If you run a manufacturing industry business, your air conditioning system may need to be serviced three to six time a year (every two to three months).

If your business is close to an area with lots of construction activities, or it is located in a place prone to pollution, you may have to service your air conditioner every one to two months. It would be best if you also cleaned or possibly even changed your commercial air conditioner filters every few services (e.g. if they are disposable).

Why you should service your commercial air conditioning systems

Your commercial AC has several components that work together to make your business environment comfortable. Hence it is critical to service the air conditioner system for optimal performance. Here are other reasons why you should service your commercial air conditioner:

• Reduced Energy Bills

Servicing your commercial air conditioner will help improve its efficiency and performance. It means you get a maximum cooling effect at a reduced runtime which helps to save energy bills.

• Lower Cost of Operation

Since you spend less on energy bills, it would translate to reduced operating costs. An optimally efficient air conditioner would need less energy to operate, which is great for your budget.

• Better Air Quality

The air outside your business environment is probably less polluted than the air inside your business space. A properly functional commercial air conditioner may help improve air quality inside your business. Routine maintenance on your air conditioner system may help reduce indoor air pollution.

• Fewer Repairs

One of the perks of routine maintenance on your commercial AC unit is that you may be able to address small issues that may become expensive to repair if left unchecked. It is advisable to contact an experienced Air conditioner technician to carry out professional maintenance service on your commercial air conditioning system.

Let the experts maintain your commercial air conditioner

Are you looking for professional AC technicians? Look no further. We provide effective repair and servicing of your commercial air conditioner units. Our AC technicians have vast experience installing, servicing and repairing different commercial air conditioning systems. Contact us today!

For an HVAC system to operate optimally, it has to be well maintained and serviced. The efficiency of your air conditioner may reduce as the ac unit ages. It may also develop faults that, if not repaired, could cause a total breakdown of the air conditioning unit. To keep your HVAC unit smoothly and deliver a great cooling effect, you may require the services of an HVAC technician.

HVAC technicians play a critical role in ensuring your AC runs optimally. But what do HVAC technicians do, and why are they so important? Let’s find out!

What are the duties of an HVAC technician?

Professional HVAC technicians perform key roles in ensuring your air conditioning unit operates optimally. Here are some of the responsibilities of an HVAC technician:

• An HVAC technician installs, maintains and repairs your HVAC system

If you want to install an HVAC unit, maintain an existing ac unit or repair faulty components in your HVAC system, you need the services of an experienced HVAC technician.

• HVAC technicians identify any potential risk to your HVAC unit

Your HVAC system may be working well, but some potential risks may cause it to malfunction or shut down if not identified and dealt with.

• They perform warranty services, including system repair, adjusting, and cleaning

Some HVAC technicians also carry out warranty services by helping you to maintain and clean your HVAC unit for a specified period.

• HVAC technicians are trained to perform emergency repairs on your HVAC system

Sometimes your HVAC unit may require emergency repair to prevent a bigger problem. You can contact an experienced HVAC technician to help deal with the issue immediately.

• HVAC technicians comply with service standards to meet customer requirements

HVAC technicians must show compliance with technical standards and work instructions while meeting customer requirements. They must ensure strict compliance with the occupational health and safety act in carrying out their duties.

Why are HVAC Technicians Important?

Here are some of the reasons why hiring an HVAC technician is very important:

• To avoid future HVAC unit repairs

HVAC technicians can help avoid unnecessary future repairs to your HVAC system by detecting minor issues that may cause major malfunctions if unaddressed.

• Improved HVAC efficiency

One of the primary importance of HVAC technicians is that they can help improve your HVAC systems’ efficiency. If your HVAC unit operates at maximum efficiency, your energy bills can be reduced, and you get better cooling and ventilating effect. To improve HVAC efficiency, professional HVAC technicians can help clean drain lines, insulate ductwork, vacuum the vents and clean the condenser unit.

• HVAC technicians ensure the safe operation of the HVAC unit

HVAC technicians can carry out required safety checks and put measures in place to ensure your family is safe while using your HVAC system. A professional HVAC technician checks for any exposed wiring and ensures the air filters are changed for better air quality.

Contact a professional HVAC technician today

Do you need the services of a professional HVAC technician? We have experienced and well-trained HVAC technicians to ensure your HVAC unit operates optimally.

Keeping the warehouse of your business well-ventilated is paramount. The correct temperature in this place helps you to take care of your products, as well as maintain high levels of productivity and the health of your workers. Some studies show an average relationship of 2% decrement in work performance per degree °C when the temperature is above 25°C. 

In some industries, having control of temperature is critical. An example is the pharmaceutical industry, this sector loses approximately $35 billion annually due to products being stored and shipped at inappropriate temperatures. This effect is similar in businesses in the food and beverage, cosmetic or chemical industries.

For this reason, air conditioning is one of the key projects every property owner should keep into consideration. Taking advantage of the air conditioning warehouse sales is a great investment if you want to maintain a healthy airflow in the available space. Let’s review what you should consider when buying an air conditioner warehouse and which are the best options.

Which commercial air conditioner is best for a warehouse?

A commercial air conditioner can be used in commercial properties such as large office buildings or malls to small businesses such as coffee shops or convenience stores. The market offers you even more options for air conditioner systems.

You need to know the needs of your business to choose the correct aircon system. For example, it is important to know what is the maximum size that your aircon warehouse can have and in which part you would install it.

Rooftop air conditioning systems

Rooftop air conditioning systems for warehouses are often preferred. By placing their HVAC systems on the roof, businesses not only take advantage of unused space but also make it easy for HVAC technicians to conduct system maintenance without disrupting business operations.

The expert team of Ice Blast is qualified in the installation and repair of commercial refrigeration systems. We are highly experienced when it comes to finding innovative solutions for your business. Learn more here and enquire.

Improve the Indoor Air Quality

Places such as warehouses don’t have fresh air intakes. In addition, the industry generates a lot of heat and humidity, so they have to be kept on a reasonable scale.

Adding fresh air to a heating or cooling system accomplishes two primary Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) which controls building pressures and secondly, it increases IAQ by diluting polluted or stale indoor air.

If this topic is of interest to you, you can choose an air conditioner warehouse with an IAQ system. Usually, these systems have outside air enter through a roof or sidewall vent inlet that collects air from a clean outside location. The air is pulled into the system through a filter, into a duct connected to the return plenum.

If you want to know more about product specs, characteristics and main functionalities, you can read our article What type of air conditioner do you need for a warehouse?

Multi-Split System

A Multi-Split Air Conditioning System has the capability to connect many indoor units to one outdoor unit. Thanks to this, it is not necessary to purchase many air conditioners to serve different spaces in your warehouse.

Find here some options of Multi-Split Air Conditioning available in our e-commerce.

What is the best month to buy an air conditioner for a warehouse?

Many warehouse managers pay attention to their HVAC systems when the temperature rises and summer begins. This can cause them to find themselves with higher prices or the best units sold out.

According to a Forbes study, especially for central air conditioning sales that require installation by HVAC professionals, the best time to make the call is during fall through spring. You’re more likely to save money with off-season air conditioner sales and by taking advantage of seasonal sales and deals during the off-season.

In any case, air conditioning costs depend on the type of unit, the size of the space to be cooled, and the existing ductwork. There are also less expensive options like water coolers, window units, or mini-splits.

Don’t worry! Regardless of the time of year, at Ice Blast you can find the best wrecks and expert installation service. We install industrial and commercial air conditioning systems for a wide range of business locations. We offer commercial refrigeration solutions and work with the top brands in the industry. Click here and contact an expert today!

The importance of air conditioners in commercial properties like offices, cafes, shops, etc., cannot be overemphasized. Air conditioners create a conducive working environment for employees to function effectively. It also ensures the smooth running of heat-generating electronic devices like computers, printers, scanners, etc.

There are different air-conditioning systems that you can use in your offices. Each AC system has its unique healing and cooling properties. We shall highlight the various air conditioners that may be suitable for use in your office. Would you like to find out what they are? Then read on!

What air conditioner type is best for my office?

Your choice of air conditioner in your office depends on the size of your office, budget, quality, maintenance, etc. Here are the various types of air conditioners you can use in your office

Split Air Conditioning System

The cheapest Air-conditioning type suitable for use in the office is the single split. It is ideal for use in small office spaces. Split ACs can heat and cools specific areas in your office. They are also very convenient to install, making them a cost-effective heating or cooling solution for your offices.

Single split air-conditioning systems are energy efficient and may help reduce electricity consumption. Individual split systems are self-contained, which means that if one unit breaks down, it won’t affect the functionality of other units. The drawback of this AC system is that more external space is needed for installation. You will need to connect one indoor unit to an outdoor unit.

Multi-split AC

The multi-split AC system has some similarities with the single split system. It uses less external space, which allows you to connect up to nine indoor units using a single outdoor unit.

Its ability to save outdoor space makes it preferable for use in offices, shops, restaurants, etc. Multi-split systems do not limit you to having a particular indoor unit type. With multi-split systems, you can have both wall and ceiling mounted indoor units.

Cassette AC system

Cassette AC system is also a space saver when used in your office. Their cassette-like shapes make them ideal for installing on your office ceiling. They come with beautiful panels that can blend with different office decors.

Apart from their stylish appearance, they also have high performance. They do not require ducting and can be used for large and small office spaces. Cassette AC systems provide cool air to accommodate about ten to fifteen persons in an office.

Ducted AC system

With Ducted Air Conditioning, the heat pump system has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor AC unit usually doesn’t vary very much between different types of Air Conditioning Systems. However indoor units can have many different forms, and in this case it has a connection to ducts.

Normally these ducts get hidden behind a suspended ceiling as it may look ugly if they are not hidden. However, it is also not uncommon to find the ducts exposed and showing out in the open as a decorative part of certain eateries and kitchens going for an industrial look.

Ducted Air Conditioners perform very well and can have high energy efficiency. They work with a single indoor unit, so it is not necessary to install multiple units in different rooms. It is aesthetically pleasing to many when it is installed up out of the way in the ceiling and it doesn’t take up space on the wall.

Contact us today for professional AC installation, maintenance, and repair in your offices, homes, and other public or private spaces.

Work productivity remains an utmost concern for several business owners. Many employees are required to be productive regardless of the working conditions.

However, research has shown that a worker’s productivity reflects the kind of working conditions they are subjected to.

While there are several ways to enhance work performance, having a good air conditioning system offers a good way to enhance workers’ productivity. A comfortable working environment is crucial to employee performance, and proper air conditioning helps provide such comfort.

The following are some of the ways air conditioning can improve work performance;

1. Enhances worker’s health

An employee can only be productive when they’re healthy. A functioning air conditioning system has several health benefits that enhance employee productivity. They include:

• Improves respiratory conditions: Airborne particles are common in the workplace and may likely cause respiratory illnesses. Similarly, gases and fumes from the outer surrounding may also enter the office apartment. A good air conditioning system helps circulate clean and fresh air by removing stale and heavy particle air.
• Faster metabolism: An air conditioning system helps reduce the office’s temperature to a level that promotes faster metabolism in employees.
• Reduces the pressure on the immune system: Germs spread faster in poorly air-conditioned rooms. An air condition unit provides the right temperature that mitigates the spread of germs.

2. Enhances worker’s comfortability

Several factors play a significant role in workers’ productivity. However, comfort in the workplace has remained an integral aspect of performance.

Research has shown that workers are more excited to work when comfortable. While there are numerous ways to improve employees’ comfort in the workplace, installing a functional air conditioning unit is very crucial.

Office temperatures have a strong connection to workers’ mood and productivity. For example, there is a difference between an office with a comfortable temperature of 74 Celsius to a stuffy 80 degrees.

A proper air conditioning unit goes a long way in enhancing employee comfortability and improving productivity.

3. Stable office temperature

An office environment with a stable temperature helps to maximize performance. Workers love a stable office temperature.

Coming to work each day to meet varying temperature levels can be quite unsettling. While there is a debate on the ideal work temperature, studies have shown that a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius is best for workers’ productivity.

An office apartment would need a good air conditioning system to keep temperature levels stable at the workplace.

4. Ideal humid temperatures

Aside from heat, humidity is another factor that unsettles many employees. Air conditioning systems with inbuilt humidifiers allow for humidity control.

Research shows that the ideal relative humidity of the workplace should be between 40-60%. Low humidity may cause itchy or dry skin and increase workers’ vulnerability to cold and infection, resulting in low work performance.

Workers perform best when they are relaxed, healthy, and stable. One of the best ways to enhance workers’ productivity is to ensure they are comfortable in their workplace.

With a proper air conditioning system, business owners and executives can improve the health and comfort of their workers, which helps to promote productivity.

Your air-conditioning system operates at a much higher capacity than during moderate or cold weather during hot weather. Hot weather increases your air conditioner’s workload and may affect its performance over time. It may also lead to increased energy consumption, so you may have to pay more about how hot weather may impact your air-conditioning.

Here are some of the impacts of hot weather on your air-conditioning system:

Additional strain on your air conditioner

As mentioned earlier, your air-conditioning system works more during hot weather. Since you may need a cooler indoor temperature during summer, it could cause your air conditioner to deteriorate faster. Over time, it may become more challenging for your AC to move the hot air inside your home to your outdoor surrounding.

Your air conditioner operates as a warm air exchanger by absorbing heat from inside your home and discharging the heat outside your home. The heat flow is from a high heat region to a low heat region.

It is expected that the hot air will flow outside, but it may be difficult for the hot air to be discharged outside during hot weather. Your AC will have to work harder to be able to remove the hot air outside as the outdoor temperature increases. However, the issue may be resolved if you have a good AC maintenance plan.

It is advisable to contact a professional air conditioner repair and maintenance expert to keep your AC in perfect condition to deal with the additional workload during summer.

Problems with your AC components

Like every other piece of equipment, continuous operation of your air conditioner at maximum capacity over time may affect the components inside the air conditioning system. It may be difficult for some of your air conditioner components to withstand the high workload during extremely hot temperatures.

The components responsible for providing the required voltage to your air conditioner’s engine may be the most affected. During extreme temperatures, your AC capacitor may wear out, and this may affect the functionality of your air conditioning system.

You can diagnose a faulty AC capacitor if you hear a clicking noise within the AC compartment. You should not hesitate to contact an AC repair technician if you notice this unusual clicking sound.

High Energy Bills

While hot weather may affect the efficiency of your AC over time, it may add a strain to your finances due to increased repair and maintenance costs. That’s not all. Since your AC is operating at a much higher capacity due to increased workload, it may have a toll on your energy consumption.

A higher energy consumption translates to an increase in energy bills. However, you may reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by ensuring your AC is properly maintained so less strain will be on the AC’s components when operating at optimal capacity.

Let the Experts Maintain and Repair your AC today.

Are you having issues with your air conditioning system? Let us offer you our impeccable AC repair and maintenance services today.

You may feel that having an air conditioning system for your business may be unnecessary due to the cost of purchasing, installation, and maintenance. But is that true? In this post, you shall find various reasons why an air conditioner in your business shouldn’t be viewed as a luxury but a necessity because of its immense benefits.

Here are five reasons why you need air conditioning in your business:

Improved employee health

Air conditioning helps to improve air quality around your business environment by removing pathogens and dust particles. Inhaling contaminated air may cause your employees to report sick. When that happens, it may hurt your business productivity. Why not have an air conditioner installed in your business today to keep your employees’ healthy and ready for work?

Increased comfort for customers

Imagine trying to negotiate a deal with your customer in a stuffy or hot office. The outcome may not go as expected. But how about ensuring the customer is comfortable and enjoying the cooling effect from your air conditioner? There is a higher chance of getting a favourable deal from your customer. Great business deals are stuck where both parties are comfortable.

Comfort in this sense isn’t just about the contract terms but also about how conducive and comfortable is the business environment.

It enhances focus and increases employee productivity.

A business place where employees are constantly excusing themselves to get fresh air outside may cause them to lose focus on their tasks. Distractions caused by an unconducive working environment may hamper employee productivity. Contrary to the misconception that when employees are comfortable, they may feel sleepy and end up being unproductive.

In reality, employees perform better if they are comfortable with their job details and the working environment. You can improve employee productivity today by installing air conditioning in your business place.

Reduced Energy Cost

Do you know that using an air conditioner in your workplace can help you save energy costs? If you opt for fans or heaters, you may have to purchase and install several units to achieve a similar effect as an air conditioner. You may enjoy cooler or warmer air based on the temperature you desire with an air conditioner.

A single air conditioning system may effectively cool a wider business area than fans and heater. If you are thinking of saving energy costs in your business place, installing air conditioning may be a great way to achieve that.

Protecting your business equipment

Most equipment carrying out daily business operations requires cooler temperatures to operate effectively. Your computer systems, printers, photocopiers, servers, and other equipment produce heat while working. With proper air conditioning, this office equipment can function effectively. Air conditioning also reduces maintenance costs and the overall performance of your office equipment.

Contact us today for the installation, maintenance, and repair of your air conditioning system.

Are you considering installing air conditioning in your workplace, home, or business place? We offer professional air conditioning installation to our customers. Make your business place comfortable for your employees and customers by installing efficient air conditioning.

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) is a significant cost to any home or business.  This is especially true when it comes to commercial buildings and offices, where HVAC systems account for up to 50% of the energy usage and costs!  

In today’s business-world, owners are trying to (and managers are expected to) do far more with far less.  That is, less money, less time, and less resources.  Business concepts like Return On Investment (ROI) and Value for Money (VFM) are more important now than ever before.

With such high costs involved and such a demand for cost-savings, how can we get smart with the HVAC&R systems in our businesses?  There are 2 key ways; Routine HVAC&R Maintenance and Steril-Aire Installation.

Commercial Maintenance

There are many options available to a business when it comes to saving money with a heating and cooling system.  However, it’s important to be aware that not all available options are equal, nor is there a one-size-fits-all solution.

It is a common misconception that a business will save money by reducing the frequency of their commercial HVAC services.  For example, reducing from monthly servicing as per Australian Standards down to say quarterly or less.  The short-term savings of decreased HVAC maintenance are far outweighed by the long-term implications and expenses, including but not limited to:

• Decreased efficiency of the heating and cooling equipment,
• Increased running cost of such equipment,
• Decreased compliance with acceptable Building Standards,
• Decreased compliance with tenancy agreement (where applicable),
• Decreased efficiency of other business equipment if not cooled correctly (e.g. IT equipment),
• Increased running costs of other business and mechanical equipment,
• Decreased lifespan of all equipment due to wearing out prematurely,
• Increased equipment replacement costs,
• Increased down time due to damaged or underperforming equipment,
• Decreased worker satisfaction and team morale due to such issues,
• Decreased productivity from people and equipment,
• Decreased HVAC system-related indoor air quality,
• Increased viral and bacterial spread in the workplace,
• Decreased compliance with health regulations,
• Increased number of sick days taken,
• Decreased health of employees in general, including poorer health outcomes,
• Increased incidence of chronic disease,
• Decreased compliance with Workplace Health and Safety requirements,
• Decreased customer satisfaction and repeat business,
• Decreased sales due to customer dissatisfaction and reduced productivity, and,
• Increased business risk due to all points listed above.

One of the most powerful solutions is to engage a commercial HVAC&R specialist to perform routine maintenance of all relevant equipment onsite.  This way, the maintenance is set-and-forget; you can rest easy knowing that one major area of your business is under control without requiring constant attention.

UVC Sterilizer

Another powerful solution to ensure commercial HVAC&R systems are clean and healthy is UVC light installation.  Again, the options available are certainly not all created equally.

The most powerful, effective, high quality, and evidence-supported UVC lamp on the market is Steril-Aire.  Steril-Aire was founded in 1994 and is a global leader in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) improvement and energy savings when it comes to HVAC&R systems.

This cleaning and maintenance solution could save you thousands, with return on investment (ROI) typically seen within 2 years (often within just 1 year!).  The use of ultra-violet C (UVC) sterilisation in the Cairns Regional Council heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is a prime example.

Steri-Aire is a single-ended, very high output germicidal ultraviolet-C (UVC) light emitter that can be installed in new and existing HVAC&R systems.  It is designed to improve business operations and profits in countless ways, including but not limited to:

• Improved energy efficiency,
• Improved system operations,
• Improved indoor air quality,
• Improved human productivity,
• Improved mechanical productivity,
• Decreased energy costs by up to 15%,
• Decreased water usage,
• Decreased maintenance costs,
• Decreased need for AC chemical cleaning, and,
• Decreased sick-leave and down-time costs.

There are many UVC products on the market, but only Steri-Aire devices are engineered to work within HVAC systems in the presence of cold, moving air.  It has also been independently tested to deliver up to 6 times greater output compared to other ultraviolet devices.

As a UVC sterilizer suitable for use in food and refrigeration settings, Steri-Aire can help manage mould and bacterial growth with major implications.  This application improves the bottom line of such businesses in many ways, including but not limited to:

• Improved food safety,
• Improved quality,
• Increased production yields,
• Increased shelf-life,
• Decreased wastage, and,
• Decreased incidence of food poisoning.

How does Steril-Aire Work?

The C wavelength on the UV light spectrum attacks microbial DNA, destroys their cells, and prevents replication.  By preventing reproduction, the microorganisms are inactivated and become harmless.  The resulting matter simply washes away with the condensate (water) produced within the system.

Steri-Aire UVC light energy breaks down and inactivates biofilm, which otherwise causes significant HVAC&R operational issues and indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns.  Biofilm is a slimy, sticky matrix of microorganisms and matter that builds up on coils, drain trays, and anywhere else where moisture is present.

Biofilm can be made up of many different forms of bacteria (often antibiotic-resistant), mould, fungi, and debris.  It’s no wonder why it’s a major cause of health and operational issues in most HVAC&R systems.

The UVC emitter germicidal lamps also destroy viruses and bacteria that pass through an HVAC indoor unit.  If not destroyed, these recirculate and spread throughout the indoor environment.

The high energy output of the Steril-Aire UVC devices, combined with the recirculating air in a typical HVAC system, facilitates the deactivation of large volumes of airborne microorganisms.  This makes it an extremely powerful method of improving the health of both the HVAC system and people being exposed to it.

Where can you use Steril-Aire?

For these reasons, and many more, Steril-Aire UVC lamps are most suitable for use in, but not limited to, the following commercial and residential settings:

• Food processing,
• Agricultural product storage,
• Manufacturing warehouses,
• Research laboratories,
• Pharmaceutical production,
• Medical storage,
• Medical centres,
• Hospitals,
• Aged care facilities,
• Childcare centres,
• Schools and educational buildings,
• Airports,
• Shopping centres,
• Government facilities,
• Office blocks,
• Dirty work environments,
• Sites serviced infrequently and/or in an ad hoc fashion,
• Sites where access to unit, coil, and/or drainage is limited,
• Sites containing sick and/or vulnerable populations,
• Sites containing allergy suffers, including asthma, and,
• Any home or business where improved IAQ is desired.

As you can see, Steril-Aire is suitable in a wide range of settings for a wide range of applications in both homes and businesses.  It’s high output, specifically engineered UVC lamps enable significant improvements in health and cost savings.

Return on investment and value for money are 2 key concepts that every smart business owner understands and seeks out in the current commercial climate.  Routine HVAC&R maintenance and Steril-Aire represent investments that tick just about every box.

For a quote on commercial AC servicing and/or Sterile-Aire supply and installation, it is recommended to contact a commercial HVAC&R specialist.  Ice Blast is a wholesale provider of Steril-Aire devices that can work with you to find the most suitable solutions for your needs.

Would you be surprised to learn that aircon servicing can actually save you more money than you spend?  Well, read on to find out more.

Cost can vary significantly from one company to the next, one service type to the next, and is dependent on the number and type of air conditioning system/s you have.  There are many other factors involved that determine the cost of servicing air conditioning that we will explore here.

By paying more, are you getting a better service?  Not necessarily.  It’s more about finding the commercial air conditioning servicing arrangement that best suits your business requirements.

We’ll explore the cost of servicing commercial air conditioning in this article.  Hopefully this will help you weigh up the array of service options available and find the best solution for you.

Is AC servicing necessary?

Air conditioning servicing is designed to support heating and cooling systems in place and ensure they are operating correctly, now and into the future.  It is designed to help extend the functional life of the air conditioning units.  In turn, fully operational and well-maintained AC systems are designed to provide comfortable conditions for occupants within the building.

Maintenance is particularly important for commercial air conditioning.  Commercial AC is typically designed to function as a larger Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system.  HVAC systems support business operations, systems, equipment, and heavily impacts the health and wellness of all occupants.  Such occupants can include:

• Staff,
• Contractors,
• Visitors,
• Suppliers,
• Customers,
• Family members,
• Children,
• Vulnerable populations, and,
• Anyone who enters the indoor environment.

Adequate air conditioning servicing is required to help reduce the spread of germs in the workplace.  Furthermore, AC units can actually be a source of disease themselves if not properly maintained.

Condensate (moisture) within an air conditioner is a normal part of air conditioner operations.  Dust and matter also enter the unit as part of the standard flow of air.  This dark, moist, nutrient-rich environment within the AC creates the perfect home for bacteria, mould, fungi, and other organic matter to thrive.

Filters are designed to help filter out dust and other particles that otherwise serve as fuel for microorganisms and reduce matter build up on the internal heat exchanger coil.  However, regular internal maintenance is also required to effectively manage the air conditioning system.  Air blown out of an air conditioner is only as healthy as the internal environment of the unit.

HVAC systems impact the health of building occupants in many ways, including but not limited to:

• Temperature management,
• Humidity regulation,
• Moisture control,
• Air filtration,
• Fresh air provision/intake,
• Exhaust ventilation,
• Air purification,
• Pollutant removal,
• Ozone removal, and,
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) improvement.

What is done in AC Servicing?

It is a requirement of Australian Standards (3666.2.2011, 1851.6.1997, 2467.13.1997, HB32:1995) and the Workplace Health and Safety Act that commercial air conditioning equipment and plant be inspected on a monthly basis to maintain an acceptable commercial environment.

Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) also calls for monthly maintenance of commercial heating and cooling equipment.  Some aircon servicing tasks are recommended monthly (e,g. checking/clearing drains, checking/adjusting major components, etc), while a combination of other service tasks are prescribed at three, six, and 12 month intervals.

Some of the checks on an annual level service visit include but are not limited to:

• Full inspection of the AC equipment,
• Remove, clean and re-install filters where required,
• Check/clear condensate drain,
• Check/clear drain tray,
• Check/clear safety drain where required.
• Flush drains where required,
• Place condensate tablet/s in tray of main drain,
• Check for signs of oil or refrigerant leaks,
• Check refrigerant charge where required,
• Check for signs of animal/vermin damage,
• Check condition of evaporator coil,
• Check condition of condenser coil,
• Check belts,
• Tighten/realign belts where required,
• Check bearings,
• Check motors and mechanical components,
• Check pipework for damage to insulation,
• Check operation of reversing valve where required,
• Check electrical terminals,
• Tighten/adjust terminals where required,
• Check air flow,
• Check air temperatures,
• Check for fault codes,
• Check thermostat/sensors,
• Adjust/calibrate sensors where required,
• Check voltage reading,
• Check full load amps reading,
• Check general operation and condition of unit,
• Make minor adjustments where required,
• Report on and/or rectify any issues found, and,
• Complete life cycle assessment on equipment.

How much does AC service cost?

Commercial air conditioning service costs are often worked out by calculating the number of hours required over the year, times by the hourly labour rate, then divide it by the service frequency.

For Example:

• 36 hours of servicing required over the year,
• x $100 per hour,
• = $3,600,
• ÷ by 12 months of the year,
• = $300 per month.

To calculate the hours of servicing required, a good AC company will use Australian Standards to work out all the tasks required for all equipment over the year.  The hours and subsequent cost of servicing depends will depend on many factors, including but not limited to:

• Complexity of components,
• Access to equipment,
• Type of equipment,
• Size of units (physically and capacity),
• Nature of controls system,
• Skill level of technician/s required, and,
• Frequency of visits.

In a direct sense, commercial air conditioning servicing may be more expensive compared to home air conditioner servicing over the course of a year.  However, the indirect costs (or rather cost savings) make commercial AC servicing an overall positive return on investment (ROI)

What happens if AC has no service?

There are many benefits of air conditioning, IF the systems are maintained correctly.  If not, the list of possible issues is endless.

Failure to implement adequate commercial HVAC maintenance has a range of negative outcomes.  For example, lack of routine aircon servicing can have extensive impact on business equipment preservation, including but not limited to:

• Increased operating costs as equipment works harder when not cooled sufficiently,
• Decreased efficiency of operational equipment,
• Decreased lifespan of equipment due to working harder and burning out quicker,
• Increased power costs,
• Increased equipment replacement costs,
• Increased unreliability of equipment,
• Increased down time due to failing, faulty, or completely broken equipment,
• Decreased satisfaction of workers due to issues with equipment,
• Decreased production and output,
• Decreased sales due to time spent dealing with equipment, rather than sales activities, and,
• Increased risk to business operations.

As you can see, lack of air conditioning servicing creates costs, reduces returns, and introduces unnecessary risk into business operations.  The impact of aircon serving on business equipment is just one example!

The health of building occupants is a major focus of air conditioning servicing.  As discussed, lack of commercial aircon servicing results in negative staff and customer outcomes, including but not limited to:

• Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ),
• Increased illness and disease,
• Poorer health outcomes,
• Increased staff sick days,
• Decreased productivity,
• Decreased sales,
• Decreased staff satisfaction,
• Negative customer experiences, and,
• Decreased repeat business.

Routine scheduled maintenance is key to ensuring HVAC equipment is managed in the most appropriate way.  Failure to maintain commercial air conditioning can have a wide range of compliance implications, including but not limited to:

• Failure to comply with Australian Standards,
• Failure to comply with Building Standards,
• Failure to comply with Workplace Health and Safety Requirements,
• Failure to comply with Health Regulations,
• Failure to comply with Lease Agreement (where applicable), and
• Failure to provide an acceptable commercial environment.

As you can see, there is certainly a direct cost involved in implementing and continuing commercial air conditioning servicing.  However, the indirect costs of failing to implement such critical maintenance into a business far outweigh the direct costs involved.

Hopefully this article helps highlight the importance of aircon servicing and benefits to a business far beyond the obvious costs involved.  For an obligation-free air conditioning maintenance proposal, please do not hesitate to contact our commercial HVAC servicing team today.

If we tell you that you can save money and take care of the environment while having an air conditioner at home, would you believe us? Well, the truth is that it is possible, if you choose an energy-efficient air conditioner.

You can find energy-efficient appliances including air conditioners in almost all their forms. It may be a higher investment at the beginning compared to a regular air conditioner, however the long-term savings can make up for it.

What is energy efficiency?

Energy efficiency refers to the optimization of resources to achieve a goal. This means using less energy than normal for an appliance to work but achieving the same results. Thus, energy efficiency includes all those actions that aim to save energy without representing an impact on your qualify of life.

Using energy efficiently also means not using it in unnecessary ways and doing what you require with the minimum possible consumption. To achieve this, it is essential to explore new technologies and systems that save energy to achieve a sustainable life.

The efficient use of energy contributes to protecting natural resources and reducing environmental impact. For this reason, it is not only necessary to have efficient technologies, but also responsible for consumers like you.

How to measure energy efficiency?

To make sure that you are truly increasing energy efficiency throughout your home, optimizing the performance of your appliances, and achieving your objectives it is essential to measure energy consumption.

The easiest way to measure your energy savings is through the annual cost of electricity. If your power bill is small/smaller, it means that the energy efficiency in your home is high.

The importance of energy-efficiency

The energy efficiency of the air conditioning is measured based on the amount of energy generated for each kW of energy consumption. The higher the energy generated for each kW spent, the more efficient your system will be.

Furthermore, all appliances have a label that explains their energy efficiency. This efficiency is measured with different letters, from “A” to “G”, with “A” being the most efficient and “F” and “G” the least efficient.

Remember that energy efficiency is one of the main saving factors that must be taken into consideration if you want to ensure optimal use of your air conditioning.

How to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner?

To choose an energy-efficient air conditioner you need to think about your own needs but also identify the models that consume less energy.

Energy

For you to make sure to invest in an air conditioner that doesn’t consume too much energy you need to look at its label, which can range from A +++ to B depending on kW rating.

You should have a higher budget to install your air conditioner because cheaper alternatives often offer low performance and high electricity consumption.

The EER rate

To measure the true efficiency of an air conditioner, it is essential to compare the EER rate or Energy Efficiency Rating of each model. This refers to the amount of electricity needed to obtain a defined cooling capacity.

To sum it up, the more energy it takes to reach the desired objective, the more power the device uses.

Energy consumption

Energy consumption is an excellent indicator to anticipate the impact of air conditioning on the annual electricity bill. It is measured in kWh and you can simply compare the information for each model to make an informed decision.

Sound of the air conditioning system

The sound of an air conditioner varies between 45 and 60 dB. What you should do to not have any problems with your air conditioner is looking for the ones with the lower levels.

The good news is that energy-efficient air conditioners possess high-level technology with hardly any sound.

How to optimize your energy-efficient air conditioner

Look at the label

An energy-efficient air conditioner can save up to 60% more than a conventional one. For this reason, as we stated before, there are appliances that are cheaper but they are not energy-savers but in the long run. You will pay for them eventually!

Always keep your appliance in good condition

Performing regular maintenance on your air conditioner is key to extending its lifespan. Also, avoiding dirty aircon filters is essential for the proper functioning of your air conditioner. It also keeps away all the mould and bacteria that may affect your health and the health of your family.

Having habits to minimize the heat in your home

The best tip that we can give you to minimize the heat in your house is to ventilate your home at night, so this will cool down the environment in the morning. For the rest of the day, it is better to keep the windows closed so this will avoid increasing the temperature of your home.

Keep in mind that if you are going to leave the house, you should turn off your air conditioner and turn it on when you come back. In this way you will be saving energy and money.

Monitor and regulate the temperature

The main reason to buy an air conditioner is to be comfortable at home. However, it is a great idea to make your air conditioner work as efficiently as possible. For this reason, we recommend you set your aircon at 22-24ºC. For each degree you adjust beyond that, you can increase the cost of your bill up to 10%.

Help yourself with other elements

When the heat is not suffocating, having ceiling or portable fans installed can help you save energy and money as you will not be using the air conditioner as frequently.

Even when you do have the aircon on, fans can further enhance the cooling effect and reduce demand on the air conditioner. This leads to further energy savings and comfort.

Get advice from a specialists

It is not the same to cool down a small place vs a large place or design an air conditioner system for a room vs a whole house with several rooms. There are many other factors that effects which size of air conditioner you need to have greater energy-efficiency. For this reason, it is better to get advice from a specialist.

Remember that being more efficient does not mean giving up a degree of well-being and quality of life. It is simply a matter of adopting a series of responsible habits, measures, and investments at a technological and decision-making level.

When you invest in a new air conditioner, it’s common to be focused on the cost of the system upfront, the energy efficiency of the aircon, and when can it be installed.  Once these initial concerns are resolved, it’s time to start thinking about the lifespan of your air conditioning system.

There are many different factors that impact how long an air conditioner unit will last.  These includes but are not limited to installation quality, how your use the system, strategies in place to assist the aircon, type of maintenance carried out, the nature of repairs, and paperwork in place from start to finish.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ensure your new air conditioning system reaches its full potential.  For this reason, the article will go through 7 key areas worth focusing on.  For each area, we will narrow-down information into 4 main points that can make or break your aircon’s expected lifespan.

Installation

Before you even install your air conditioner, there are things that can be done to ensure the air conditioning equipment reaches its full potential and lifespan.

Design/Size

Design

Before installing any air conditioner units, you want to ensure they form part of the most suitable, well designed AC system for any given application.  For a floor, ceiling or wall mounted split system, position and associated components installed are vital.  For a ducted system, layout and quality materials can seriously impact the longevity of your air conditioning system.

For a ducted AC system, with a network of ductwork in the ceiling space, it’s important that the system is designed and installed by an experienced ducted aircon installer.  Many factors impact the ongoing efficiency of the system, including zoning type and layout, ductwork size and insulation rating, supply/return air outlet size and number, and wall controller/thermostat/sensor location.

Poor design, inferior materials, and poor workmanship will cause the system to struggle and wear out faster as a result.  It will also cause endless issues and excessive power usage along the way.  This is true for ALL air conditioning unit types.

As a result of sub-standard design, you will need replace the air conditioning system sooner than you would with a higher quality and suitably designed system.  For the sake of a few dollars saved upfront, you can easily end up paying far more in the long run.

Size

Before installing an air conditioner, it’s important to ensure that it is a suitable size for the area it will serve.  This refers to the capacity, typically measured in kilowatts (kW).  Just like Goldilocks and her run in with the Three Bears, an aircon can be too big, too small, or just right.

If you put in an air conditioner that is too big, it will cycle on and off more frequently as it tends to overshoot the desired temperature, detect this, stop, wait for temperature to go the other way, and then blast out hot/cold air again.  This constant on/off and short cycling damages the internals of the AC units as they are designed for run for longer periods of time and complete certain cycles.  This means the internal components will fail earlier than designed.

If you put in an air conditioner that is too small, it will tend to have to run for longer and complete more cycles before it turns off.  It may not even reach the desired set point, meaning it continues to run non-stop!  This will cause the internal components to wear out much sooner as they never get a break, except when the system is not in use.  This is why server room aircons (running 24/7) only come with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, rather than a standard 5-year warranty.

If you are not sure what design and kW rating air conditioner you need, it’s best to chat to an experience AC installer about what sized air conditioning system would be best for a certain space.  There are many factors to consider, such as the size of the area (m2), heat load/activities conducted indoors, insulation/materials used in the building, and building/window/door orientation.

Unit Location

Indoor Unit

Before getting air conditioning units installed, you want to make sure they are going in the right location.  Otherwise, the system can be compromised and lifespan reduced as a result.

For a wall split indoor unit, it’s best for the unit to be installed:

1. Back-to-back with the outdoor unit. Efficiency of the system decreases as pipework length increases, so you want to prevent excessive pipe run.  Decreased efficiency means increased strain on the whole air conditioning system.
2. Centrally near the middle of the room without obstruction. Supporting even airflow and temperature dispersions with a central, obstacle free location reduces workload.  This preserves the AC system as whole and helps extend its feasible running time.
3. Up high up on the wall close to the ceiling (~2.4-3.0m off the ground). Obviously if there are cathedral ceilings or similar, then the indoor unit should be as high as reasonably practical.  This recommendation is designed to complement the natural phenomenon of hot air rising and minimise demand on the aircon.  It also helps support optimal performance and allow reasonable access for routine maintenance.

There are also important factors to consider when installing a ducted air conditioning system.  Ducted AC units need to be installed in a position that supports ongoing efficiency, maintenance, and repairs.

For a ducted indoor unit, it’s best for the unit to be installed:

1. Close to the manhole. This allows ease of access to the unit to support routine maintenance.
2. Suitable distance away from the ceiling and/or beams in the roof. This also allows suitable access for a professional service, chemical coil clean, and/or repairs.
3. Suitable proximity to supply and return air ductwork. This ensures efficiency is not lost through excessive flexible duct runs.

The ducted return air grille/filter that allows air back into the indoor unit is also important to consider.  This critical air re-entry point must be visible and accessible in a well-ventilated part of the home or office.  Otherwise, it can easily get blocked, increase pressure on the system, and lead to AC equipment failure.

Outdoor Unit

Just like with the indoor unit, before getting your new air conditioner installed, you want to make sure the outdoor unit is going in the best location.  Failure to do so can result in reduced AC lifespan in many ways.

The outdoor unit (i.e. condenser) is the powerhouse of an air conditioning system.  The harder it has to work, the less efficient the whole system is.  Running the air conditioner in a lower efficiency state causes the system to wear out faster.

To prevent this issue, it is recommended to install the outdoor unit a well-ventilated, cool, dark/shaded place.  This is because heat and sunlight can increase the unit workload as well as cause certain components to wear out faster.  Condenser pipework insulation is just one example of a UV-sensitive aircon component.

It’s also recommended to install the unit down on the ground, or in an easily accessible location, as opposed to a roof top or similar.  Not only does this help reduce sun and heat exposure, but it also supports routine inspection and servicing as the unit is then in a suitably accessible location.

Wherever the outdoor unit is installed, it’s important for it be level, clear from obstruction, and suitably secured.  If not level, the unit cannot work property and components wear out faster.  If not clear, airflow is reduced, causing components to overheat and fail prematurely.  If not secure, opportunist vandals or clumsy passers-by can damage the unit with a range of life-altering consequences.

Pipework

To ensure your air conditioner reaches its full potential, it’s important to ensure the correct refrigeration pipework is used in conjunction with the unit install.  Specifically designed pipework improves AC operating efficiency and prevents a range of issues.

Pipework used should be purposed for aircon installs; pre-insulated, UV-rated, annealed copper pair coil.  It should also be of the correct size for any given air conditioner and suitable length as per AC manufacturer specifications.

1. The insulation component reduces sweating of pipes.  This is important as water is never a good thing to have around an electrical device such as an air conditioner unit.
2. UV-Rated. The UV protection component reduces degradation in the face of UV light.  Unrated/inferior pipe insulation can breakdown and reduce system efficiency in as little as a few years.
3. Correct Size. Undersized pipe will prevent the system from operating at is maximum potential, meaning the system can struggle to adequately heat or cool a given indoor area.  Oversized pipe can cause serious compressor damage and premature equipment failure.
4. Correct Length. AC system efficiency increases as pipework length decreases, to a certain point.  While it is recommended to keep pipework length as short as possible, there will still be a minimum length required depending on the unit size and manufacturer instructions.  Incorrect length can also cause noise and/or vibration issues, which negatively affects aircon lifespan.

Drainage

Drainage may not immediately come to mind when considering how to extend the life of your air conditioner units.  However, it can certainly play a significant part in preventing unnecessary and life-reducing damage.

AC units produce condensate (i.e. water) during normal operation.  That water is collected in internal drip trays and drained away as required.  If your aircon is leaking water where it shouldn’t, it’s a big problem.

Excess water can promote micro-organism, fungi, and bacterial growth within an aircon unit.  This can cause mould and matter to build up on the coil, fan scroll, filters, and other AC components.  This reduces airflow and increases workload of an air conditioning system, impacting its expected lifespan if not resolved in a timely manner.

Failure to install a drip or safety tray, or suitable drainage, means that water may not be collected at the indoor unit and/or suitably drained away.  This can result in water overflowing onto AC electrical components.  As we all know, water and electrical do not mix.  Modern-day aircons are heavily electrically based, so water can cause significant damage to components such as printed circuit boards, capacitors, controls, etc.

Water can also damage structural or supportive components of the air conditioning system.  For example, water can compromise the structural integrity of the wall, floor, or ceiling below the unit.  As a result, the aircon may become unlevel or fall completely.  Unlevel units wear out faster or may fail to operate correctly at all.  Meanwhile, a complete fall could see the end of that particular AC unit.

Usage

Once your air conditioner is installed, there are many ways you can preserve the equipment and extend the lifespan of the system as a whole.

Controller/Temperature Sensors

Heat Load

Usage of an AC controller and temperature sensors can make or break the lifespan of any air conditioning system.  Incorrect usage can prevent correct system operation, increase workload, and waste power.  On the other hand, correct usage can extend lifespan and save you significant money in the process.

The air conditioner controller can also double as a temperature-sensing point.  This is often the case for entry-level ducted systems.  An increase in heat load near a temperature sensing component of the AC system will result in excessive cooling and subsequent workload for the AC system.

Once correctly installed, the area around sensors and temperature-sensing wall controllers must be considered.  It is recommended to avoid placing anything producing excessive heat in close proximity.  This includes common home devices such as washers, computers, TV screens, phone chargers, etc.  Direct sunlight must also be monitored and managed.

Set Point

Once the area around the temperature-sensing point is managed, the next consideration should be the temperature set point.  Minimising excessive usage of the air conditioner helps with preservation and system longevity.

Standard home air conditioners are designed to run at full capacity or idle.  They continue to work at full capacity until they detect that a given set point is reached.  At this point, they can then ramp down and reduce demand on the air conditioning system as a whole.

It is recommended to set the air conditioner to a temperature as close to the outdoor temperature as possible.  Some change is obviously expected, otherwise why would you use the AC, but every degree counts.  Not only is the system running life extended as a result, but aircon running costs are also reduced by 10% for every degree the set point is set closer to the ambient temperature.

Settings

Mode

The modes selected when running an air conditioner can reduce or enhance the expected lifespan of that system.  It is one of simplest ways to extend the life of your air conditioning units.

It is recommended to avoid Auto mode most if not all of the time.  Auto mode causes the aircon to automatically switch between Cool and Heat modes with the aim of steadily maintain a given set point.  This is an inefficient use of the AC system which unnecessary causes it to wear out faster.  Heat mode or Cool mode is recommended to be used instead.

There are other modes that can help enhance your air conditioner and its lifespan.  Dry mode increases the amount of air passing through the indoor unit, designed to remove moisture from the air rather than cooling it.  This this a more efficient mode that reduces power usage and demand on the system.

Fan mode is another more efficient mode available to preserve your air conditioner.  It allows air movement without inherent temperature adjustment or dehumidification.  It is one of the best modes available for extending the life of your air conditioner units.

Many aircons also have a Sleep mode or Night mode which can help extend the life of both you and your air conditioning system.  Sleep/Night mode increases temperature gradually by a few degrees, 0.5 – 1 degree at a time, to reduce demand on the aircon units without impacting your sleep.

Fan speed

Fan speed has a surprising impact on air conditioner energy efficiency and therefore system lifespan.  Fan speed refers to the speed of air travelling through the indoor unit, i.e. over the internal heat exchanger coil and subsequently blown out into the room/s.

Using high fan speed is recommended to rapidly and efficiency cool down a given indoor area.  This is the recommended way to bring up or down the temperature indoors to support your air conditioner and prevent unnecessary strain.  Once the desired comfort level is reached, fan speed can then be adjusted down to maintain the temperature.

Overnight, low fan speed it recommended as temperature maintenance is often the goal and the outdoor temperature often decreases significantly.  If it is a particularly humid day, and/or moisture removal is the primary goal, then low fan speed is also recommended for use.  This allows more time for the indoor unit to remove moisture from the air before it leaves the unit and enters the indoor environment.

Timers/Reminders

Timers and reminders are handy to have in an air conditioner unit as they help you manage its usage and extend its life.  Not all aircons come with timers, so it’s worth ensuring your chosen system has one before making the final purchase and installation.

Timers can be basic, push-button operated, controllable over Wi-Fi, or even integrated into a complete home automation system (e.g. Google Nest).  The set and forget type timers may be the most beneficial, with life being so busy these days that few of us have time to stop and think about the aircon schedule on a daily basis.

Reminders also come in various forms, from basic “filter check/wash required” reminders through to “time for professional service” reminders.  These help to maintain the system overall and keep it in good working order.  The key is to actually action the task prompted; there is no point having a filter check/wash reminder come up if you just clear it without touching the filter!

Once installed and familiar with, the next step is to actually use them.  Timers can help manage demand on AC units at key times, such as when sleeping or out of the house.  As indoor climate requirements change, so should use of the air conditioner system to match.  By doing this, the system is preserved and life extended.

In a commercial setting, timers and reminders can contribute to significant life extension of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.  Timers can be used to switch off units out of business hours, while reminders can prevent AC system neglect and assist with routine HVAC maintenance.  These benefits can significantly extend the life of any commercial system.

Additional Features

Timers and reminders aside, new air conditioning units come with a range additional features; some designed for convenience, some designed to enhance performance, and some designed to protect the aircon.  Better yet, some features can provide a combination of these benefits.

Control over Wi-Fi, typically via a smart phone App, is one of those features that has many benefits.  Convenience aside, being able to check and control an AC system remotely can support you in optimal running of the system.  For example, you can pre-cool the home gradually before you get home, rather than overloading the AC when you walk in the door on a hot day.  Similarly, you can check in on the teenage kids at home on school holidays and ensure they are not demanding excessive cooling or heating from the air conditioning system.

Many modern-day air conditioner units also have an Auto or Self Clean function inbuilt.  This function typically involves drying out the inside of an aircon unit, which preserves the internal components in many ways.  Moisture management reduces the growth of mould, mildew, fungi, and other unwanted microorganisms.  It also reduces rust and corrosion that would otherwise damage key components such as the heat exchange coil.

Assisting

Air conditioning units can be preserved by considering their place in the home as a whole, rather than in isolation.  There are many cost-effective methods of supporting the air conditioning system in place and extending its lifespan as a result.

Building

Air conditioning systems are best supported when used in a building environment that holds the hot or cold climate produced.  Insulation and window treatments are two key factors that have a significant impact on indoor temperature retention.

Insulation can be present in the ceiling, walls, floor, or combination of these locations within a building.  The impact of insulation is significant, with an insulated roof space saving you up to 50% on your home heating bill!  This saving shows just how much the demand on the AC system can be reduced.

Window treatments come in all shapes and forms, including blinds, curtains, shutters, tinting, or a combination of these.  Windows can allow significant heat to enter and leave an indoor space, and an imposed barrier can dramatically reduce any unwanted exchange. As a result, the air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard or for as long to achieve desired comfort level indoors.

Fans

Many properties have air conditioning installed without fans, thinking that fans are not required when aircon is in place.  However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.  The reality is that fans are needed, especially in hotter climates, to assist and help preserve air conditioner units.  They are in fact one of the cheapest ways to extend the life your aircon.  If not already installed, it would be well worth contacting a local electrician today.

Fans help to circulate air in a given space.  While they may not inherently change the temperature of the air, they help people in the space feel cooler due to the cooling effect produced.  As a result, demand on the AC is reduced as a higher set point can be comfortable with the presence of air movement.

Whirlybirds and other roof-mounted exhaust fans can also assist your air conditioner units in a different way.  These out-of-sight fans are designed to extract heat at the top of the house, lowering the temperature in the ceiling space.  As a result, the rooms below the ceiling space (i.e. indoor space) will automatically be cooler.  This will subsequently reduce demand on the air conditioner, as the rooms are already closer to the desired temperature.

Heat Load

Heat or cooling load refers to the amount of temperature adjustment required to maintain a given temperature set point.  The higher the heat load, the higher the demand on the air conditioner.  Therefore, it is recommended to manage heat load in order to extend the lifespan of air conditioning equipment.

Using heat-producing devices when an aircon is already under significant pressure should be avoided wherever possible.  For example, cooking sausages on the outdoor BBQ on a hot summer evening, rather than in the kitchen, helps to reduce the indoor heat load and subsequent demand on the AC system.

Running clothes and/or dish washers in the morning before the weather heats up is another way to assist your air conditioner.  Further methods include turning off lights when not needed, especially non-LED ones, and putting the extraction fan on when showering/bathing.

By reducing heat load indoors, especially when the AC is working at is max, you can reduce workload required from the device.  This prevents the air conditioner from being maxed out and protects the internal components.  As a result, you can expect to enjoy the aircon in your life for many more years.

Surrounding Area

The area around an air conditioner unit is just as important as use of the device itself.  A clear, well-ventilated space around all units is required to ensure an aircon reaches its expected age.  This can be difficult as standard house block sizes are decreasing and storage space is becoming limited.

The minimum clearance zone around an outdoor condensing unit is typically 300mm, with 1000mm required in front of the unit.  The area between the back of the unit and a wall may be slightly less but must still comply with manufacturer install recommendations.  Failure to do this causes reduced airflow and operating efficiency.  This can see an air con system over-worked, over-heated, and all over before its time.

Not only can items around the condenser impact the unit, but it can also invite unwanted flora and fauna damage.  While certain greenery can protect your aircon, like a shady tree over the unit, it can also harm it if neglected and allowed to grow into the unit itself.  Furthermore, animals feeding on or living in the garden can interact with the air con unit in several life-shortening or even life-ending ways (unfortunately for both parties).

DIY AC Servicing

One of the most effective ways of extending the life of your air conditioner units is servicing them.  Just like your car, your aircon requires a minimum amount of maintenance to get it through an expected lifespan.

Frequency

DIY maintenance starts with regular filter checking, every few weeks, and washing when dirty.  It’s also recommended to check them after dirt or dust generating activities, such as spring cleaning, renovating or moving furniture.  More on filters later.

Aside from filter washing, there are many other simple aircon maintenance tasks that should be carried out routinely.  These tasks are designed to keep your air conditioning system working as designed, which helps it reach or even exceed predicted lifespan.

In a commercial setting, routine HVAC servicing is recommended monthly as Australian Standards.  Home air conditioners could also benefit from monthly maintenance, however every four to twelve months is typically sufficient.

The basic tests, checks, and cleaning recommended to maintain your own air conditioner has many benefits.  In relation to life extension, DIY aircon servicing allow for minor issues to be detected and resolved before they cause major damage.  It also supports optimal AC function and efficiency, which helps preserve major internal components.

Filter Maintenance

Filter maintenance is the number one service task you can do yourself to protect and preserve your air conditioning system.  However, there are more to filters than you may think.

Type

Firstly, it’s important to ensure the correct filter type is used with your AC system.  Types to consider, particularly for a commercial HVAC system, include manufacturer-specific, full/half ceiling tile panel, pleated, pocket, v-form, HEPA, or carbon.

The next consideration is the media type; washable or disposable.  Factors such as access, water availability (for washing), and finances (for purchasing disposable ones) impact which type is most suitable to support your particular aircon system.

Next point to consider is media/filter thickness.  There are clear Australian Standards for suitable air filter design and use in Australia depending on unit type and application.  To ensure correct AC operation, the filters should let air through to the indoor unit but be thick enough to suitably filter the air.

Clean/Replace

Filter cleaning is one of the most effective ways to maintain your air conditioner and ensure a long and healthy life.   Dirty filters increase air conditioner workload by 15% as evidenced by power draw.

Dirty or damaged filters prevent dirt, dust, dander, and other types of matter from being filtered property.  These can reach and/or build up in the indoor unit, which impacts aircons in many ways.  It promotes the build-up of dust, mould, mildew, fungi, and other microorganisms that reduces heat exchange on the evaporator coil, increasing strain on the system.  It also spreads dirty air, which is not only bad for your health but also for the health of your aircon system.

While it is a far less common issue, it is worth noting that filters can actually be washed too much.  This is more commonly seen with commercial HVAC systems, where business owners may insist on monthly filter washing even when a system is hardly used.  The media wears out over time, especially with washing.  This may not be a life-impacting issue for your aircon system UNLESS you fail to replace the filter when required, which may be sooner than expected with over-washing.

When a filter has worn out, it’s important to replace it or at least the filter media.  You can tell that a filter needs to be replaced when it is wearing thin in parts and/or light is more visible when you hold it up to a light source.  Failure to replace a relatively inexpensive part can see major aircon repair expense due to component damage, failure, or complete AC system failure.  An experienced HVAC technician can help you decide when filter replacement is due, as it can be a fine line between premature and overdue replacement.

Water/Cleaning

We all know that water and electricity do not mix.  The same can be said of electrically based devices such as air conditioners.  Water damage to AC components such as capacitors, PC boards, and motors can have life-shortening or even life-ending consequences for the system.  It can also cause corrosion and rust.

It’s not as simple as you may think, as some water is unavoidable when it comes to aircons.  Condensation (water) is produced as a normal part of refrigeration cycle.  It’s just a matter of managing the presence and use of water in order to maintain the air conditioning system.

As with filters, certain components of your AC system require inspection and cleaning when dirty.  For an indoor unit this includes the drain pipe/tray, fascia/covers, air inlets/outlets, fan barrel/scroll, and evaporator coil.  For an outdoor unit this can also include the drain, covers, coil, and area immediately around the unit.

Failure to keep these components clean can result in reduced heat transfer, reduce airflow, and reduce efficiency of air conditioner units, which shortens their life.  In the drains, all manner of blockages can occur, including algae, mould, sludge, insects, and even materials such as insulation.  To clean the various components, it’s recommended to use as little water as possible and the correct equipment for the job.

You also required complete knowledge of the electrical components (both directly and indirectly) involved in the area being cleaned to avoid harm to you and the air conditioner.  If you are not 100% sure, it may pay to call in a professional aircon service technician for such work, to avoid damage to the AC system you are looking to preserve, as well as yourself!  They also carry special chemicals and equipment designed to not only clean the system but slow future growth of mould and algae.

Visual Checking

Visual checking is one of the safest ways to maintain and extend the life of your air conditioner units.  It allows for issues to be detected while minimising the risk of physically harm.  Just take extra care if need to use a ladder or similar to access the aircon units.

When looking over the air conditioner, look at all visible parts of the system.  It is recommended to look for exposed electrical components, cracked insulation, water droplets or leaking in abnormal places, smoke or dust coming from the units, any signs of vibration or movement, and wearing/degradation in general.  You can also listen out for any abnormal noises, including banging, whistling, humming, squealing, gurgling, buzzing, rattling, etc.

It is recommended not to insert any foreign objects into the air conditioner while checking it.  This includes torches, sticks, screw drivers, brushes, and especially fingers.  Otherwise, damage can occur to AC components, the whole aircon system, the item you are inserting, yourself, and/or those around you.  Air conditioner damage can be as minor as a scratch or as major as complete system failure.

Professional HVAC Maintenance

While you can carry out a certain degree of maintenance yourself, there are some tasks that are best left to the experts.  It also pays to invest in a professional air conditioning service on a routine basis to help extend the life of your air conditioning system.

Frequency

If DIY maintenance is routinely carried out on your air conditioner, professional maintenance is typically not required as frequently as if no home servicing has been conducted.  This home aircon servicing includes frequent filter maintenance, visual checking, basic cleaning, etc., as discussed.  However, it certainly doesn’t hurt to call in the experts to help maintain and extend the life of your aircon, and it is actually recommended to be done on a periodic basis.

Home air conditioners are recommended to receive professional maintenance every year at a minimum, and even every 4-6 months in certain situations.  Commercial air conditioners are recommended to receive monthly maintenance as per Australian Standards.   For anything less, it is recommended to arrange a formal inspection and proposal from a good commercial HVAC service company.

Even if the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are seemly working OK, there can be hidden issues that impact unit operation and cause the equipment to wear out faster.  A professional can test technical components and resolve issues before they start to reduce air conditioner lifespan.  A primary example is testing of capacitor tolerance and replacing these minor parts before they damage the associated motor and system as a whole.

Service Level

Extending the life of your air conditioner not only involves maintenance, but also the correct type of servicing.  There are many different AC service types that can be booked, from minor checking through to major pull apart and deep chemical cleaning.  It’s recommended to arrange the highest level required to suitably maintain your aircon, otherwise you may just be wasting your time and money as well as reduce AC lifespan.

Ideally, the aircon service technician you book has the ability to upgrade the service level while onsite.  For example, start with a minor/standard AC service with the potential to add on indoor unit chemical cleaning if mould is found deep within the unit.  Similarly, if insulation on the outdoor pipework is cracked or UV affected, it is recommended to patch it at that time or follow up another time at a suitable add-on price.

While some professional attention is better than none, failure to fully maintain your system will severely shorten its expected lifespan.  If you are going to all the effort of arranging an air conditioning technician, it pays to get the complete service done at that time.  You can easily save the extra money spent with the extra life given to your air conditioning system.

Technician Type

There is a lot of choice when it comes to air conditioning service technicians.  Many air conditioning and electrical companies promote AC servicing, although their specialties and expertise can be worlds apart.

To get the most out of your professional AC service, it is recommended to book a technician with a valid ARCTICK licence.  This Refrigerant Handling Licence ensures that the tech can complete all tasks in a routine service, rather than just the electrical ones.  Handling AC gas/refrigerant is an offence unless you have this specific licence in Australia.

It is also recommended to book a technician with specialized air conditioning training and qualifications.  A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor is technically a “Refrigeration Mechanic”.  This type of contractor is specialised in the refrigeration cycle, which is what all air conditioners are based on.  To help extend the life of your air conditioning units, it’s important to book the contractor that has been specially trained to care for them.

Recommendations

Once you have booked the correct technician at the recommended frequency to carry out the most suitable level of AC servicing, it’s then important to consider and action as many of their recommendations as possible.  Otherwise, you may not get the full life out of your air conditioner units.

Common recommendations worth actioning include set point for your system, filter cleaning frequency for your environment, chemical cleaning for your degree of mould/matter build up, clearance around the AC units for your unit location, and minor repairs for the state of your aircon.

Reputable air conditioning companies and technicians genuinely want to help you get the most out of your air conditioner.  Their reputation is also on the line if the units pack up and fail sooner than expected.  Therefore, a good tech will recommend ways to preserve the AC equipment.  However, if recommendations are ignored, they can not be held responsible for the shortened lifespan of your air conditioner units.

Repairs

Air conditioner repairs can vary from minor to major.  Some are critical to system operation, while some may not impact the lifespan of an air conditioning system.

DIY vs Professional

Just like with air conditioning serving, there are tasks that you can do yourself and some that are best left to the experts.  You may be wondering what to do if air conditioner is broken.  Do you tackle it yourself or call in a professional?

First, the issue needs to be diagnosed correctly.  Just like Dr-google for diagnosing a medical condition, home air conditioner owners can feel like an air conditioning/refrigeration mechanics after 5 minutes of research online.  While you can be on the right track, error codes, noises and loss of function can be the tip of the iceberg in terms of air conditioning repairs required.

Misdiagnosis can waste time and cause further AC damage as you incorrectly think the system is still OK to use.  Furthermore, if you launch into repairs, the issue can actually be made worse.  This can cause great damage to an air con system.  Even worst, you can cause great damage to yourself and those around you.  It is recommended to call an expert to consult on your air conditioning issue/s and allow them to manage the repairs appropriately to maximise AC lifespan.

Timing

Sometimes we can’t help when our air conditioner needs fixing.  However, wherever possible, it is recommended to consider the timing of your air conditioner repairs.  This helps you to extend the life of your air conditioning units in many ways, but only if done correctly.

Firstly, some repairs cannot wait.  For example, gas leaks should be attended to ASAP to minimise the amount of gas lost from the air conditioning system.  However, if an air conditioner motor breaks down at the end of summer and the system isn’t needed until winter, it may pay to hold off repairs until the cooler months.

During the off-peak season, most air conditioning companies offer winter specials and more flexibility with when they can attend.  The AC repair tech is not as busy, so you may receive longer and more focused time onsite.  Aircon parts suppliers will also not be as busy, so they respond quicker with part details in order for quotes to be formed.  Parts can also be dispatched faster as they are not held up with high demand.

Overall, this results in a more pleasant, cost-effect air conditioning repair experience.  As a result, you are more likely to repair your air conditioner again in the future and work with the AC repair company to set up ongoing maintenance.  This helps you get the most out of your air conditioner and extend its life for years to come.

Noise

To extend the life of your AC system, it’s important to be aware of normal operational sounds.  By doing this, you can detect abnormal noises when they arise.  You can then do something about it to preserve your air conditioning system.

Indoor Unit

There are an array of noises possible from your indoor air conditioning unit.

• Banging/Clanging – Possible loose/broken part such as fan barrel, louver, motor, or blade.
• Squealing – Possible faulty fan motor bearings or housing. Noise may travel through ductwork.
• Rattling/Chattering – Possible loose screws/bolts, faulty fan, or failing electrical contactor.
• Clicking/Humming – Possible defective electrical component (wiring or thermostat) or loose part.
• Buzzing – Possible range of issues, including dirty filters, debris in unit, rubbing/loose parts, motor/s out of balance, pipes rubbing between units, coil icing up, and/or refrigerant leak.
• Screaming/Whistling – Possible refrigerant leak or component stuck.

These issues must be resolved by an expert in order to protect your air conditioning units and ensure a suitable lifespan.

Outdoor Unit

There are an array of noises possible from your outdoor air conditioning unit.

• Banging/Clanging – Possible broken condenser fan blade, motor out of balance, or compressor issue.
• Squealing – Possible failing condenser motor bearings or could be a normal start up sound.
• Rattling/Chattering – Possible faulty fan or contactor, loose screws/bolts, or general wear and tear.
• Clicking/Humming – Possible defective component (electrical or mechanical), loose component, or refrigerant piping vibration.
• Buzzing – Possible range of issues, including dirty condenser coil, motor/blade out of balance, pipework rubbing, components icing up, and/or refrigerant leak.
• Screaming/High-pitched Whistling – Possible jammed component or refrigerant leak.

All these issues should be assessed by an AC technician.  If the issue is not normal, it can reduce the expected lifespan of your air conditioner unit.

Refrigerant Gas

A gas leak can severely impact the health of your air conditioning system, the environment, and your family.  If suspected, it is recommended to book an aircon repairer ASAP to resolve the issue.  The air conditioner should not be used until issue resolved, otherwise major damage can occur to components such as the compressor.

You may first suspect a gas leak when the system fails to cool down the indoor space as well as normal.  If you lift the cover, you may also see ice forming on the evaporator coil.  Alternatively, water may be leaking from the indoor unit (i.e. melted ice).  Ice can also start to form on the outdoor coil and/or at the connection between pipework and unit.  This doesn’t mean that the leak is there, it just highlights that the system may be running short of refrigerant.

You may be able to hear hissing from small leaks, and gurgling from larger ones.  However, there may be no noise at all.  Another way you may detect an air conditioner being short of gas is your electricity usage.  If your power bill has increased significantly without another other explanation, it may be worth investigating your aircon.

A full gas leak search and repair is required to identify and fix all leaks.  The leak can be anywhere on the air conditioning system; indoor unit, outdoor unit, pipework, or connection between any of the components.  If the AC is less than 1 year old, it may be covered under installation warranty.  If the AC is less than 5 years old, it may be covered under manufacture warranty.  Either way, failure to resolve the issue will see a premature death to your air conditioning system.

Paperwork

Like all great things, your air conditioner will come with an array of paperwork.  This paperwork is important for many reasons and can be used to extend the life of your air conditioning units.

Licences

Firstly, before purchasing any new aircon, it is recommended to get a free quote for air conditioning supply and install in writing.  This sets out the inclusions and exclusions of your new air conditioner system as well as key details about the install company.

Next, it is recommended to check out the licences and qualifications of the proposing installation company.  For example, do they offer AC install, but fail to have a Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) air conditioning licence?  Checks like this can help ensure you are getting an air conditioner installed by an expert, which helps extend the life of the aircon.

Correct electrical licencing is also critical to ensure your air conditioner doesn’t wear out sooner than it should.  Not only is incorrect and unlicensed electrical work dangerous and can cause major property damage (including fires), it can also damage your air conditioner units.  Air conditioners come with electrical specifications such as power requirement, cable size, etc.  Failure to adhere to these specs will see a premature failure of the AC equipment.

Having a fully licenced company also ensures warranty for the new air conditioner units is maintained.  If not installed correctly, manufacturers will not honour their manufacturer warranty.  If the issue is major enough, you may be looking at throwing out your new aircon before it even reaches its expected half-life!

Receipts/Registrations

Once you have had your air conditioner installed, it is important to obtain a copy of the purchase and/or install receipt for your records.  This ensures you have important details on hand in situations that can assist with AC life extension.  However, any good air conditioning company should be able to resend a copy of your receipt at any time.

Air conditioner units typically come with a 5-year manufacture warranty, on the condition that the units are installed by a fully licenced air conditioning company/technician.  If any issues occur with the system within that 5-year period that is not caused by external causes, the system can typically be repaired at no cost to you.

However, if installation paperwork cannot be provided, manufacturers may not honour warranty work.  Effectively, warranty is void without valid install paperwork.  As a result, costs may be so significant that you find yourself throwing out the whole air conditioner and starting again with a new system.  This is particularly common with cheaper brands; the units are cheap to buy, but spare parts are terribly expensive.

Aside from installation paperwork, it also pays to register your air conditioner units and associated products whenever offered.  Sometime this supersedes the need for installation paperwork if a warranty repair is required, as the system details has already been registered with the manufacturer.  Furthermore, some AC components have an extended warranty.  For example, iZone zoning equipment comes with a 10-year parts warranty.  This can help you extend the life of your air conditioning system in the most cost-effective way.

User Manual

An air conditioner user manual is the ultimate guide for your air conditioning system.  It is sometimes called Owner Manual, Operations Guide, or Manufacturer Instructions.  Whatever it is called, it is full of useful information to help extend the life of your air conditioner units.

The manual contains operating instructions for the certain aircon model it relates to.  This helps ensure that the system is used correctly to prevent early equipment failure.  It also contains specific instructions for aircon maintenance and other ways to care for your units.  This further assists with system preservation and life extension.

When the air conditioner is installed, ask for a copy of the user manual.  If not received, just ask the installer to provide it or jump online to download a copy.  The next step is to actually read the content.  It’s probably no surprise that women tend to be far better at reading manuals than men.

Insurances

Once your air conditioner has be supplied and installed by a fully licenced installer, paperwork is received, any registrations completed, and user manual has been referred to, the next step is to review/update your home or business insurance policy.  While seemingly unrelated, this can actually end up being one of the most cost-effective ways of extending the life of your air conditioner units.

An air conditioner is a significant asset in any home or commercial building, so it should be covered by any appropriate insurance policy.  It’s worth checking what is covered and also what is exclude in relation to your air conditioning.  Common causes of damage relevant to your air conditioner includes motor burn out, fusion damage, storm events (including hail, water, or storm surge), electrical failure, fire, flood, animal, and accidental damage.

It’s worth weighting up the cost of some optional extras for your given situation.  For example, do you live in an area where flood could damage your AC?  Do you live in warmer climate where geckos (animals) wreak havoc with electrical equipment?  Is the outdoor AC unit in a carport or similar where it is at risk of accidental damage?

If the cost of repairs to your air conditioner is significant, you may think twice about proceeding with them.  For example, a compressor change in a ducted system can be half the cost of a new one.  You may consider investing the money into a whole new system instead.  However, if the repairs are related to an insured event, like a storm surge (lightening), then you are more likely to proceed with the life-extending repairs when all you have to pay is the excess.

In summary, there are many different ways to extend the life of your air conditioner units.  From the design and installation, to usage and assisting, to maintenance and supportive paperwork, there are many things you can do to support your air conditioning system.

The points outlined in this article are all cost-effective ways to support optimal AC operation and preserve your aircon system for many more years.  If you need help reviewing your air conditioning situation and extending the life of AC equipment, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss.