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Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

Posted on by Jonathan

London Air Conditioning Maintenance TipsWith some of the exceptional hot weather the UK has experienced this summer, those fortunate enough to have air conditioning will have put it to good use to stay cool. Others who have air conditioning systems that also provide heat during the wintertime will be thinking about some routine maintenance.

When something goes wrong with an air-conditioning unit, always call your air conditioning engineer rather than to try fixing the unit yourself. There are a few tasks you can complete and these are highlighted in the following air conditioning maintenance tips. A once a month check of your system will make you familiar with a properly operational system so you will know when something is wrong that needs the engineer. Some fairly simple maintenance tasks can make a dramatic difference to performance. Dust build up on the coils or leaking refrigerant can severely affect the performance of an air conditioner so it makes sense to keep on top of things.

In this article, we give you air conditioning maintenance tips that can help you to keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly all year. We would recommend that you seek out a professional company of accredited engineers for your annual service and maintenance checks, if only because they have the right tools for the job plus many years of experience.

There are some simple air conditioning maintenance tips that will help you with some of the essential but simpler tasks.

Caution: Before starting any maintenance activities, always ensure the power to the air conditioning unit is switched off.

Outdoor Elements

If you have an outside condenser unit, take care to ensure it is well protected from seasonal hazards. During the winter and autumn months, debris and leaves can cause blockages and in freezing conditions, ice can cause damage to the unit. The best way to avoid this is to buy a specially designed condenser cover that fits the unit. Some of these can be quite fancy and blend into your garden as a feature. For simple practical care, some heavy-duty plastic sheeting can do the trick secured with some robust cord.

Maintenance of the Main Components

The power cord, filter, switch, thermostat, fan, and drain ports are some of the components that need regular maintenance. Maintaining these components regularly can save money and prolong the life of your unit preventing breakdowns and unnecessary engineer repair visits. Air conditioning maintenance tips are particularly relevant to the following components:

Filter

If the air conditioning system is being used all year round, then the filter should be replaced or cleaned once a month. It is advisable to replace or clean the filter after the system has not been in use say if it is only used in the summer months. If you are in an area that is especially dusty or has air pollution, then filters should be cleaned and replaced more regularly. Depending on your model, you can usually take off the front grille and replace or clean the filter. The filter can be cleaned using mild domestic detergent and water. Always rinse the filter well and let it dry completely before replacing in the unit. If your air conditioning unit has a disposable filter, then simply replace the old one with the new.

Power Cord

Power cords sometimes become worn, so this maintenance check should be on your list. Worn power cords can be dangerous so check that they are in good order.

Condenser and Evaporator Coils

Clean the coils every month when the air conditioning unit is in use. A vacuum cleaner can be used to remove dust from the coils. You may notice some fins are bent. These can be straightened using a special tool that slides between the fins.

Condensate Drain Line

It is important to keep the drain line draining freely and cleanly. The drain line removes air moisture and has to flow freely to operate properly. You can check any hoses for leaks and see if they can be easily repaired or will need to be temporarily fixed with duct tape until you can get your air conditioning engineer to visit.

For more information you can also check the page Maintaining Your Air Conditioner from the energy.gov website, or you can ask us.

 

Quote from one of our happy air deflector free trial recipients:

“Our open plan office houses around 100 people. Air distribution and draft was an issue for some of them prior to fitting air deflectors. Since the fitting we’ve not had a single complaint!”

How we got here

Air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome: aqueduct water was passed through walls of houses to cool them. In medieval Persia similar techniques involving the use of cisterns and wind towers were used in the hot season to cool buildings.

Modern air conditioning emerged after advances in 19th Century chemistry, and it was Willis Haviland Carrier who invented and first used a large-scale electrical air conditioning system in 1902.

Air Conditioner Definition

An appliance, unit, system, or machine designed to stabilise the temperature and humidity of air within an area (used for both heating as well as cooling). A refrigeration cycle is the most common method of achieving this although sometimes evaporative coolers are used for comfort cooling inside buildings and vehicles.

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We’re Having a Heatwave

Posted on by Jonathan

We’re going in to a month-long heatwave and today is the hottest day of the year so far!

Our climate in London and the UK has been showing some extremes of weather and it has been leaving us quite unprepared for what we have experienced in recent years. Whether this is the result of global warming and polar ice caps melting or just a cyclical phase, we have experienced the full gamut of extreme cold and extreme heat.

One type of extreme weather we are seeing more often is sudden heat waves even though we are usually a temperate climate. These hot temperatures affect everyday life and it is a challenge for everyone. Even if you have an air-conditioned home, the following tips will help you when the heat is on.

Open doors in the house and use fans to push the hot air outdoors. These fans act as an exhaust system and will draw cooler evening air inside the house. When evening falls, open all windows to promote as much air as circulation as possible. As soon as the sun is up in the morning, close all doors and windows and close all curtains and blinds to keep indoors cool for as long as possible. When the outside air temperature cools down to below the inside temperature – usually evening or nighttime, open up all doors and windows and switch on fans to expel the hot air and draw in the cool air.

Water is an instant cooler. When the heatwave is overpowering, soak your feet in a cold basin of water, take a cold shower or wet a towel and drape over the head and shoulders for relief. Keeping a spray bottle filled with ice cold water in the fridge means you can spritz your face and body throughout the day to keep cool. There are also aerosol products to achieve the same effect that supply instant cooling, available from the pharmacy. Running a cold tap over your wrists is a great cool down.

Heat rises so the upstairs of a house will be much hotter so consider sleeping under the stars or on the ground floor if it is going to be a sticky hot night.

Avoid using heat-producing equipment. Eat cold foods and salads and turn off all unnecessary heat generating appliances such as computers and light bulbs.

The most important thing you can do is to keep hydrated. Consume water often and in larger quantities than normal. It is very easy to become dehydrated and if you are sweating profusely, you may need electrolytes.

A simple homemade electrolyte solution is made from table salt: One level teaspoonful, sugar: Eight level teaspoonfuls, water: One litre. Drink a cup of this (200 ml) if you become excessively thirsty or start to develop a headache. Eating a small amount of food with a glass of water can also help replace electrolytes. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as both of these act as diuretics and may accelerate dehydration.

For a homemade “air conditioning” system, sit in the path of a fan that is aimed at a container filled with ice.

Visit public buildings with air conditioning during the hottest hours of the day if the heat becomes unbearable. Libraries, shopping centres, and cinemas can all be good places to cool down.

Do not eat large, protein-rich meals, as this will increase metabolic heat and warm the body.

Learn to recognise when a person has a heat related illnesses or heat emergency such as heat cramp, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat rash. Call the emergency services and try to cool the victim down until help arrives.

So we’re embarking on a month-long heatwave in London and during such extreme conditions many people look for a cooling solution for their homes. With extreme heat in the summer time and extreme cold in the winter most people opt for a complete all in one cooling and heating solution. We are extremely happy to advise you on the options available for your home – it is more affordable than you think.

Quote from one of our happy air deflector free trial recipients:

“Our open plan office houses around 100 people. Air distribution and draft was an issue for some of them prior to fitting air deflectors. Since the fitting we’ve not had a single complaint!”

How we got here

Air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome: aqueduct water was passed through walls of houses to cool them. In medieval Persia similar techniques involving the use of cisterns and wind towers were used in the hot season to cool buildings.

Modern air conditioning emerged after advances in 19th Century chemistry, and it was Willis Haviland Carrier who invented and first used a large-scale electrical air conditioning system in 1902.

Air Conditioner Definition

An appliance, unit, system, or machine designed to stabilise the temperature and humidity of air within an area (used for both heating as well as cooling). A refrigeration cycle is the most common method of achieving this although sometimes evaporative coolers are used for comfort cooling inside buildings and vehicles.

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How to Buy an Air Conditioner

Posted on by Jonathan

Air conditioning is one of the best ways to tackle scorching summer heat and maintain comfortable temperatures avoiding some of the extreme temperatures of recent years. There are many details to take into account when finding out how to buy an conditioner. Air conditioning units vary by energy efficiency, price, and cooling ability. Modern air conditioners have advanced technological features to compare before deciding on your final choice. The air conditioning system that is right for you depends on the size of the area being cooled (or heated).

Whether you want a window or wall opening type, and what kind of installation you are prepared to have. Researching your options and learning how to buy an air conditioner will ensure you end up with the right choice that is affordable, energy saving and delivers on performance.

To decide how to buy an air conditioner, examine where the air conditioner is to be installed. This may result in deciding on a window air conditioner or wall mounted. For portable air conditioning, it is simply a question of finding a space in the room to place it. There is plenty of information and manufacturers have brochures and technical specifications on their product range. Air conditioning engineers and installers will have air conditioning show rooms where you can view different models and have them demonstrated.

A user friendly air conditioner that is easy to clean and has features such as an LCD display, timer, multiple fan speeds and anti allergen air filters are the sign of a good air conditioner that makes operation easy.

How to buy an air conditioner comes down to some fairly straightforward steps, and we begin with what we think is the most important.

  1. We recommend taking the advice of a registered, accredited company of air conditioning engineers. By all means, do your own research but before making a final decision, consult with us or other reputable firm to ensure you have all the options covered. Often you will find that our costs for the air-conditioning unit and installation are cheaper than you can find on your own and comes with a warranty.
  2. The cooler months of the year often produce bargains with reductions in price on many ranges of air conditioners.
  3. Measure the rooms to be air-conditioned. The air conditioner will have to work too hard or will provide too much power if the measurements and calculations are incorrect. Either way, your bills will be high and your unit will be prone to added wear and tear. We are highly experienced in all calculations related to air conditioning installation so why not leave the calculations to us.
  4. Energy efficiency is important so compare the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER). All modern air conditioners display the EER with the higher ratings being the most efficient.
  5. Look at the special features. Many air conditioners are remote controlled making it easier to adjust the performance without having to go to the unit each time. Timers are useful options so you can set exactly when you want the air conditioning to start and finish. You can also program the level of coolness and airflow to suit your needs. Filters are great for homes with pets or anyone with allergies, as these will filter odours, dust, and allergens.
  6. Read reviews and consumer tests and see how different models of air conditioner perform. Ask advice from anyone who has a similar unit to the one you want to purchase and see if it is for you.
  7. Make sure during a demonstration of the unit you note the noise levels and operating ease for the user.
  8. Finally, make sure the type of installation is suitable for your home. We offer no obligation quotations and advice and can survey your home as well out how to install the unit. Remember that electrical wiring is involved in some cases, which needs to be done professionally.

Take your time and remember that we are only a phone call away to answer any queries you may have to help with your research and your purchase. How to buy an air conditioner is worth knowing for all potential buyers, but do not forget that the peace of mind from experts is always worthwhile.

Quote from one of our happy air deflector free trial recipients:

“Our open plan office houses around 100 people. Air distribution and draft was an issue for some of them prior to fitting air deflectors. Since the fitting we’ve not had a single complaint!”

How we got here

Air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome: aqueduct water was passed through walls of houses to cool them. In medieval Persia similar techniques involving the use of cisterns and wind towers were used in the hot season to cool buildings.

Modern air conditioning emerged after advances in 19th Century chemistry, and it was Willis Haviland Carrier who invented and first used a large-scale electrical air conditioning system in 1902.

Air Conditioner Definition

An appliance, unit, system, or machine designed to stabilise the temperature and humidity of air within an area (used for both heating as well as cooling). A refrigeration cycle is the most common method of achieving this although sometimes evaporative coolers are used for comfort cooling inside buildings and vehicles.

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What you should know about air conditioning systems

Posted on by Jonathan

Many people wonder what they should know about their air conditioning systems, so we have put together what we hope will be a useful article for new and existing air conditioning users. Simply described, an air conditioner is part of a system that uses one or more ducts to distribute cooled air to one or more rooms. An air conditioner may also use pipe work to distribute chilled water to heat exchangers in more than one room. Air conditioner systems may be used for heating and cooling and come as single stand-alone units for single rooms or may supply an entire house or office.

A typical split air conditioning system has a condenser and compressor in an outdoor unit, with an evaporator in the air-handling unit. Some systems have all components situated outdoors. Air moves into vents inside the home from the condenser via one or more air filters. These air filters help purify the air and keep any harmful particles at bay. Air filters need cleaning and replacing regularly.

Knowing about your air conditioning unit, enables you to operate it much more efficiently once you know some basics.

General Information

The compressor is a motor that cools refrigerant, and a fan pushes the cooled air into the building. It is helpful to become familiar with the normal amount of airflow you unit generates, and then you can tell if there is anything wrong with the flow if necessary.

A useful check is to check room temperature and the air temperature of the flow from the air conditioning unit. The air from the unit should be around 20 degrees F below room temperature.

Coils

The coils in your unit should be regularly checked to make sure they are clean. The build up of dust on coils is one of the main reasons air conditioners become inefficient. Your maintenance engineers will clean them in the regular yearly check up of your unit, but will always come and check them for you if you are concerned.

Refrigerant

The refrigerant allows your air conditioning unit to cool the air that passes through. Refrigerant gases have become a lot more environmentally friendly, but there are huge efforts all the time to develop new refrigerants that are better for the environment. In Europe, carbon dioxide (R-744) is increasingly being used as a refrigerant with a global warming potential of one, which compares well to older refrigerants that are still in use that have a global impact potential of 1800. Air conditioning systems are charged with refrigerant at installation.

Air Conditioning – Efficiency of Your Unit

Simple common sense helps to reduce the amount of energy expended by the air conditioning unit.

On hot days leaving curtains drawn and avoiding the use of appliances like fans helps. Heat generating activities such as ironing or cooking are best left until the evening.

Always make sure the thermostat of your air conditioning system is not near any heat generating devices such as a TV set of lamp as the sensor will detect the heat and keep the system running for longer than necessary.

Make sure windows and doors are properly sealed. Whether you are using your unit for cooling or heating the same rule applies.

Check the sealant in the space between the air conditioning unit and the wall. This sealant can be damaged by moisture so regular checks will alert you if the seal needs attention.

The unit’s drain should be looked at occasionally. If moisture is not coming out, then it is likely the drain is clogged which will cause the unit to ice up.

Every degree you set your air conditioning below 78F, costs increase by 3 or 4 %, so obviously running your system very cold or very hot will increase energy usage.

While it is important for all owners of air conditioning systems to be familiar with their appliances, nothing substitutes for a professional engineer experienced with all kinds of makes and models. When things do go wrong, it is more cost effective in most cases to call out an engineer rather than risk a DIY repair. We look forward to hearing from you.

Quote from one of our happy air deflector free trial recipients:

“Our open plan office houses around 100 people. Air distribution and draft was an issue for some of them prior to fitting air deflectors. Since the fitting we’ve not had a single complaint!”

How we got here

Air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome: aqueduct water was passed through walls of houses to cool them. In medieval Persia similar techniques involving the use of cisterns and wind towers were used in the hot season to cool buildings.

Modern air conditioning emerged after advances in 19th Century chemistry, and it was Willis Haviland Carrier who invented and first used a large-scale electrical air conditioning system in 1902.

Air Conditioner Definition

An appliance, unit, system, or machine designed to stabilise the temperature and humidity of air within an area (used for both heating as well as cooling). A refrigeration cycle is the most common method of achieving this although sometimes evaporative coolers are used for comfort cooling inside buildings and vehicles.

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Small Air Conditioning Units

Posted on by Jonathan

Many residential homes do not require large air conditioning units or may in fact just want to cool one or two rooms in the home. In modern apartment complexes, small bedrooms and larger living spaces are a noticeable feature these days. Any bedroom smaller than 20 sq metres does not need a larger unit as the additional size would create draughts and an increase in noise. Thanks to small air conditioning units, it is possible to deliver the right amount of comfort to smaller spaces.

Recommended Choices

Daikin

One of or preferred suppliers, Daikin are a byword in reputation and quality. Most Daikin units are designed with functionality and simple lines. Design details include curves and flowing lines that sit well in contemporary living and sleeping areas. Stylish yet discreet, the minimalistic design adds modern technology and aesthetics. Excellence always comes with attention to detail and the Daikin small air conditioning units have high quality finishes and a crystal matt white colour that blends in with any décor. The units are installed to enhance you interior design as well as providing powerful functionality.

Features such as a remote control unit will allow you to control the operation of your small air conditioning unit at the touch of a button. When silence is needed for restful sleep or to study, you will not find the Daikin unit disturbing you thanks to its whisper soft operation.

Daikin are forever improving performance of their air conditioning range and greater efficiency and performance is guaranteed across the product range. Different air conditioning units deliver on all levels from the smallest to the slightly larger that is suited to a living space rather than a sleeping space.

Panasonic

The small air conditioning units Panasonic manufacture are extremely popular and are easy to install by our qualified accredited engineers through a wall or even a window. Most Panasonic small air conditioning units are equipped with 12-hour timer, washable filter, automatic restart thermostat.

Slightly more powerful small Panasonic models have a removable filter and intake grille that are washable. Panasonic small air conditioning units are affordable and have options for customers on a budget.

Gree

This respected Chinese manufacturer Gree understands that many consumers are most comfortable with simple window and wall units. Although inverter split units or even portable ones have overtaken this style of small air conditioning unit, many people prefer this older style of reliable air conditioning.

Needing only a small space cooled at an economy price makes these energy efficient air conditioning units a must have in apartments and homes where it may be difficult to use other kinds of heating and cooling. Small air conditioning units can help keep air cleansed and filtered against common allergens in smaller spaces.

Mini Split Systems

All of the featured manufacturers supply ductless, mini split air conditioning units. This type of system has many applications in residential buildings. They suit homes where there are other kinds of heating sources and can be neatly retro fitted to existing buildings. Mini splits have two main components: an indoor handling unit and outdoor compressor/condenser.

The biggest advantage of a mini split system is the small size and flexibility for cooling or heating individual rooms. Many models have up to four indoor air-handling units connected to one outdoor unit.

Ductless mini split systems are often easier to install than other small air conditioning systems. For example, to link the outdoor and indoor units usually requires only a small three-inch (8 cm) hole in the wall. Since mini split systems have no ductwork, they have the benefit of up to 30% less energy loss from leaking ducts and so forth

Compared with other add-on systems, mini splits offer more interior design options. Indoor air handlers are flush mounted in dropped ceilings, suspended from ceilings, wall hung or floor-standing models.

Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss any of these options for small air conditioning units:

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Quote from one of our happy air deflector free trial recipients:

“Our open plan office houses around 100 people. Air distribution and draft was an issue for some of them prior to fitting air deflectors. Since the fitting we’ve not had a single complaint!”

How we got here

Air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome: aqueduct water was passed through walls of houses to cool them. In medieval Persia similar techniques involving the use of cisterns and wind towers were used in the hot season to cool buildings.

Modern air conditioning emerged after advances in 19th Century chemistry, and it was Willis Haviland Carrier who invented and first used a large-scale electrical air conditioning system in 1902.

Air Conditioner Definition

An appliance, unit, system, or machine designed to stabilise the temperature and humidity of air within an area (used for both heating as well as cooling). A refrigeration cycle is the most common method of achieving this although sometimes evaporative coolers are used for comfort cooling inside buildings and vehicles.

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Residential air conditioning

Posted on by Jonathan

Residential air conditioning has to take into account not just high performance but must look good as well. This has presented a challenge to some air conditioner manufacturers, but the experienced and reliable air conditioning brands in the residential market have been designing sleek non-intrusive units for the home for years. In fact, some manufacturers even make a feature of the air conditioning unit and allow you to change the look. Air conditioning for the home can not only cool the home in summer but also heat the home in winter. Combine these functions with air purification and allergy prevention technologies and residential air conditioning looks like a very attractive prospect.

In general, terms, air conditioning systems in the home are cost effective and environment friendly with up to 400% more energy efficiency than a standard central heating installation meaning you save on winter fuel bills and have the bonus of being able to cool your home in summer months also. As little as two units in an average home can air condition the entire house keeping the air temperature constant, filtering air, and removing condensation.

There are many residential air conditioning units we recommend and here we look at just a couple because they offer something a little different for the domestic user as well as offering A-rated energy efficiency.

Interior design often comes to a dead end when it comes to integrating appliances of various sorts in the home. Nobody wants a beautifully designed room spoilt by an unsightly heating or air conditioning unit on the walls or ceiling, so manufacturers have listened to their customers and the following residential air conditioning units have come to rescue.

LG Art Cool Gallery Unit

This interesting air conditioning unit is cleverly designed so the unit looks like a frame containing a painting. Whether you use your own choice of artwork or one of the pieces that are available with the LG Art Cool, you will have the benefits of both worlds – function and form. There is a customisable area on the front of the unit which allows you to display anything from a poster, family photograph or original artwork to suit your décor. The artwork slides behind a glass surrounded by a frame. The benefits are obvious; a piece of artwork to coincide with the change of seasons can be used or for a special occasion at home, a photo of a new baby or birthday celebrant can be displayed. The rest of the time, you can use the artwork of your choice. There is a variety of finishes to suit all types of interior design and artwork of 20” x 20” will fit with a display area of 17” x17”.
Technically the LG Art Cool needs no ductwork and is ideal for homes of all types. It is an advanced technology that comes in 9000btu and 12000btu capacities. We will gladly calculate the unit right for you.

LG Art Cool Mirror Unit

This residential air conditioning unit is the sister product to the LG Art Cool air conditioner and is stylish and sleek – perfect to complement modern interiors. The indoor unit has a flat panel with only a small protrusion from the wall with the mirror of your choice in many different finishes from a bronze effect to a smoke glass effect. High tech chrome is also available. A contemporary aesthetic can be retained with the residential air conditioning unit having a key role in the total look. This type of air conditioner is very popular where stylish good looks are de rigueur. Different mirrors can be interchanged to mix things up.

This unit has the same high specifications as the LG Art Cool and comes with LG’s bespoke NEO Plasma Air Purifying system equipped with seven filters to reduce dust, mould, smoke, and any unpleasant odours as the air travels through each filter.

Producing air conditioning systems that are quiet and high performing is often a challenge, but LG have definitely raised the bar with these two units that offer interior décor options and performance. For residential customers, these systems will provide reliability, versatility combined with rugged and durable operation and energy efficiencies.

Quote from one of our happy air deflector free trial recipients:

“Our open plan office houses around 100 people. Air distribution and draft was an issue for some of them prior to fitting air deflectors. Since the fitting we’ve not had a single complaint!”

How we got here

Air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome: aqueduct water was passed through walls of houses to cool them. In medieval Persia similar techniques involving the use of cisterns and wind towers were used in the hot season to cool buildings.

Modern air conditioning emerged after advances in 19th Century chemistry, and it was Willis Haviland Carrier who invented and first used a large-scale electrical air conditioning system in 1902.

Air Conditioner Definition

An appliance, unit, system, or machine designed to stabilise the temperature and humidity of air within an area (used for both heating as well as cooling). A refrigeration cycle is the most common method of achieving this although sometimes evaporative coolers are used for comfort cooling inside buildings and vehicles.

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Covering Your Outside Air Conditioner Unit

Posted on by Jonathan

Outside air conditioning units are practical but are designed for functionality rather than form. In a domestic environment, this can mean an unattractive aspect in your garden near the house. Air conditioner covers are a way to smoothly incorporate the air conditioning unit into the overall outdoor environment. Using some basic DIY skills or buying a ready-made cover will ensure your garden is not impacted by the look of your outdoor air conditioner.

Other types of air conditioner covers are used out of season to protect the unit from debris, dust, and leaves during the winter months. This type of cover is usually made from a robust fabric with airflow to protect your unit throughout the winter months if not in use. Different styles and colours can be chosen to complement your home.

The air conditioner covers we are talking of today are those that are designed to disguise, blend and hide the air conditioning unit in a garden setting. There are many ways to do this and one of the most popular methods is to use different kinds of garden fencing and trellis work to build a screened area around the unit.

Decorative Screening

Outdoor air conditioning units come in different sizes so measuring up for your fencing materials is very important. The fencing will need to be tall enough to disguise the unit. Most garden centres these days stock a fantastic variety of decorative fencing options and you can choose one that matches the look of your garden whether traditional or contemporary. Fencing panels, sheep style fencing, birch panels are all different variants that can be chosen. Panels can be easier to deal with if you are looking for a screen while fencing is better if you wish to enclose the unit completely. Painting or staining the fence can help blend the new feature or you may want a natural look.

Box Covers

Wooden box air conditioning covers can look stunning, especially if good wood with a varnished finish is used. There are of course many variants and you can you are your cue from the many radiator covers on the market. The beauty of box air conditioner covers is that there is no limit on decorative features and the box can be utilised to display decorative garden pots or plants as long as the air flow of the air conditioner is not compromised. Metal screens, ceramic tiles and other ornamentation can be added to the top surface of the box and a small door at the front will give access to the unit for maintenance.

Painting

A simple method that integrates an air conditioner into its surroundings is painting. If your house is painted, the air conditioner can be painted the same colour as the house. The colour green is popular as it blends with the garden well. Different patterns, stencils, or stamps can add to the disguise or exaggerate the unit as an artistic feature

Simple Lattice

An inexpensive idea for air conditioning covers is latticework. This decorative feature is highly suitable for the outdoors. Simply construct a screen of three sides, which covers the sides and front of the unit. The lattice can then be used as a trellis to grow climbing shrubs and flowers such as honeysuckle, clematis, or ivy that over time will give you a fabulous garden feature as well as providing a cover.

Natural features

Careful garden design using natural features, flowers, shrubs, or trees will hide and cover up the air conditioner. If they can be obtained, stone boulders look attractive and natural while placement of large bold pots of flowers on a tier of wooden or painted breezeblock steps in front of the unit will give you another depth to your garden while fulfilling the purpose of providing an air conditioner cover up. If you are planting shrubs or small trees around the air conditioning unit it is most important to ensure that the roots will not interfere with the air conditioner.

Do take care when using plants with foliage that the leaves cannot stray into the air conditioning unit. There are many different ways that air conditioner covers can beautify your outdoor space and keep your unit under wraps.

Quote from one of our happy air deflector free trial recipients:

“Our open plan office houses around 100 people. Air distribution and draft was an issue for some of them prior to fitting air deflectors. Since the fitting we’ve not had a single complaint!”

How we got here

Air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome: aqueduct water was passed through walls of houses to cool them. In medieval Persia similar techniques involving the use of cisterns and wind towers were used in the hot season to cool buildings.

Modern air conditioning emerged after advances in 19th Century chemistry, and it was Willis Haviland Carrier who invented and first used a large-scale electrical air conditioning system in 1902.

Air Conditioner Definition

An appliance, unit, system, or machine designed to stabilise the temperature and humidity of air within an area (used for both heating as well as cooling). A refrigeration cycle is the most common method of achieving this although sometimes evaporative coolers are used for comfort cooling inside buildings and vehicles.

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Creating a More Comfortable Dental Practice

Posted on by Jonathan

London air conditioning for dental practiceAir conditioning for dental practices is becoming increasingly popular if not essential for maintaining patient and dentist comfort as well as playing a part in prevention of disease. Air has long been recognised as a method of transmitting infection, toxins allergens, and other agents. In the dental surgery environment, there are not only high levels of bacteria; there is also anaesthetic gas, chemicals, high levels of heat and microorganisms that could cause disease.

In the day-to-day running of the dental surgery, personnel and patients are exposed to airborne materials on a much more concentrated level than in another environment. This puts dental personnel under stress who are at constant risk of infection. Although precautions such as eyewear, gloves and masks are used, the dental equipment mostly hand held tools generate a lot of aerosol (spray) that contains bacteria and toxins form the patient’s mouth.

Risks of Contamination

The exposure to these airborne materials means that air conditioning for dental practices is a necessity in order to eliminate some of these toxic hazards and improve the comfort of dental staff and patients in a healthier environment. Healthy air contains as few contaminants as possible, which is achieved by air conditioning, tailored for the special needs of the dental environment.

Controlling contamination through proper air filtration is essential for infection control and person safety.

A study that aimed to determine the airborne spread of bacteria during dental treatment, and contamination levels showed that the density of bacteria was spread across the whole surgery, even scoring higher in far corners. Given then that the effect of these contaminants is evident across the whole environment, air conditioning becomes a first line defence.

Solutions

Today’s air conditioning incorporates specific filters that remove all kinds of air particles such as pollen, dust, and other pollutants as well as harmful bacteria and viruses. Modern air conditioning for dental practices provides air cleansing, cooling, and dehumidification. Incorporation of heat pump technology with different air conditioning systems mean it is possible to use the same system for heating as well as cooling and air filtration.

In addition to the essential air filtration function, comfort in the surgery for dental staff and patients is supplied by air conditioning. Dental equipment generates a lot of heat which accompanied by the necessary dental lighting can make the room uncomfortably warm.

We will recommend specific air filters to suit the needs of the individual surgery and will advise on the most hygienic air conditioning system to suit the needs. Hygiene is essential in the dental sector and we pride ourselves on many successful installations that have improved the environment of many dental surgeries. Our accredited engineers are experts at tailoring solutions for specific sectors and we are happy to discuss your requirements with you any time.

We have a variety of air conditioning for dental practices solutions from affordable wall mounted systems, to VRF systems for the entire dental surgery. The different types of air conditioning for dental practices vary but may include the following options depending on your needs.

  • Wall mounted systems are ideal for single room requirements.
  • Ceiling cassette units are ceiling suspended and provide 4-way airflow. Up to four of these units may be connected to an outdoor unit.
  • Under ceiling units are ceiling suspended giving powerful 1-way airflow. Up to four of these units may be connected to an outdoor unit.
  • Ducted units fit into ceiling voids, leaving only the grille on show. This is a tidy option where there are suspended ceilings. They are an option but would not be first choice for dental surgeries as the kinds of bacterial air filters are limited.
  • Integral units are designed for building in restricted planning zones or conservation areas. These systems do not require an outdoor unit.
  • Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) or Variable Refrigerant Velocity (VRV) systems are suited to large dental surgeries with many individual dental consulting and treatment rooms.

Deciding what is best for your dental surgery can be daunting with the special considerations but our experienced and reputable company is on hand to guide you through the process so do not hesitate – contact us today.

Quote from one of our happy air deflector free trial recipients:

“Our open plan office houses around 100 people. Air distribution and draft was an issue for some of them prior to fitting air deflectors. Since the fitting we’ve not had a single complaint!”

How we got here

Air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome: aqueduct water was passed through walls of houses to cool them. In medieval Persia similar techniques involving the use of cisterns and wind towers were used in the hot season to cool buildings.

Modern air conditioning emerged after advances in 19th Century chemistry, and it was Willis Haviland Carrier who invented and first used a large-scale electrical air conditioning system in 1902.

Air Conditioner Definition

An appliance, unit, system, or machine designed to stabilise the temperature and humidity of air within an area (used for both heating as well as cooling). A refrigeration cycle is the most common method of achieving this although sometimes evaporative coolers are used for comfort cooling inside buildings and vehicles.

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Benefits of Installing Air Conditioning for Schools

Posted on by Jonathan

Air conditioning for Schools in LondonFor years now, school examinations always fall in the hottest months of the year. It has become somewhat of a joke that the best time to plan a holiday in the UK is when the kids are taking their GCSE examinations, as the weather is usually hot around this time. Air conditioning is not something usually associated with the learning environment but looking back, we can all relate to endless hours spent in stuffy classrooms waiting for the bell to ring, sticky, sweaty, and falling asleep as the teacher’s voice drones in the background. It seems very unfair that there are still kids sitting in examination halls in discomfort doing the most important exams of their lives.

THE NON-AIR CONDITIONED SCHOOL

There are many schoolteachers who are filled with dread when the weather forecast is promising a heat wave, as it makes for difficult teaching conditions and affects performance of the pupils whether taking examinations or not. Many schools rely heavily on examination results in these days of league tables and performance measurements therefore it is becoming more important to provide a comfortable environment for pupils and teachers. Air conditioning for schools is gradually on the increase as school boards realise that not only can they make savings on their conventional heating and cooling systems, but also there are beneficial environmental effects, which is a bonus for any school looking for green status awards.

There is no maximum temperature, which requires a school has to close unlike severe cold, weather when an establishment has to close down once it is below a certain temperature. Yet, in many ways, very hot temperatures have as many issues for comfort and health. Issues such as dehydration and heat fatigue can occur and children playing outdoors in severe temperatures of summer can suffer sunstroke, especially if there is no way for them to cool down indoors.

BENEFITS

Air conditioning in schools offers a better way to keep pupils and staff comfortable leaving teachers able to concentrate on teaching and pupils learning. Many schools are limited on teaching space and overcrowded classrooms or portakabins can make the space intolerable especially for smaller children who can become dangerously distressed in excessive heat. For temporary classrooms, one solution for air conditioning for schools that is popular is portable air conditioning units that can be used in whichever space they are required. This is fine for any classroom, but for a total solution, an air conditioning system for the entire school will reap dividends repeatedly.

While the UK’s temperate climate means great fluctuations in temperature are not usually the norm, recent years have shown marked changes with heat waves and arctic weather commonplace.

Air conditioning for schools is an investment that will pay back in improved environment, better air quality, green operation, and controllability that will allow the most efficient use of the air conditioning system.

Installing air conditioning in schools will bring welcome benefits. Installation by our professional accredited engineers is precise and timely due to our experience. We carefully select the best products in the business with an emphasis on quiet, efficient, and durable equipment that has green credentials – especially for education establishments. The improvements will be quickly seen with quality of life improving for sufferers of asthma or hay fever. The chance of accidents actually increases by 25% when the air temperature is above 24 degrees and productivity drops by 15% or more. Clearly, this is of great interest to schools where staff are in “loco parentis”.

From small nurseries to large secondary schools, we have the solutions to give your pupils the edge when it comes to examinations and productivity. We offer no obligation advice and quotations and welcome your call.

Quote from one of our happy air deflector free trial recipients:

“Our open plan office houses around 100 people. Air distribution and draft was an issue for some of them prior to fitting air deflectors. Since the fitting we’ve not had a single complaint!”

How we got here

Air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome: aqueduct water was passed through walls of houses to cool them. In medieval Persia similar techniques involving the use of cisterns and wind towers were used in the hot season to cool buildings.

Modern air conditioning emerged after advances in 19th Century chemistry, and it was Willis Haviland Carrier who invented and first used a large-scale electrical air conditioning system in 1902.

Air Conditioner Definition

An appliance, unit, system, or machine designed to stabilise the temperature and humidity of air within an area (used for both heating as well as cooling). A refrigeration cycle is the most common method of achieving this although sometimes evaporative coolers are used for comfort cooling inside buildings and vehicles.

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Common Air Conditioner Problems

Posted on by Jonathan

Many of our customers ask what the most common air conditioner problems are when they are considering installing a system. In general terms, with proper maintenance and regular servicing from a reputable air conditioning engineer, most common air conditioner problems will pass you by but it is always useful to have some facts to hand if anything goes wrong.

Often the most simple and common air conditioner problem is incorrect operation. Running an air conditioning system with windows and doors open makes the unit work harder and puts more strain on it so it is always wise to check your home is as it should be for the running of the air conditioning system.

Some people find there are post-installation problems such as their unit not operating as they expect and often this can be because the calculations are wrong and the correct outputs for room size are skewed causing over use of the compressor and inadequate cooling. If you have been unfortunate to suffer improper installation there may be a likelihood of leaking ducts and improper refrigerant charging. All these issues can be avoided by using fully qualified accredited air conditioning engineers and technicians.

Air conditioner manufacturers have a reputation for making tough products that are well able for the job in extreme weather conditions and products are thoroughly tested and trialled making it unusual for serious breakdowns to occur.

Here we look at common air conditioner problems broken down by the different component parts of the unit.

LEAKING REFRIGERANT

It is possible for air conditioners to be undercharged or low if there are leaks. Leaky refrigerant is a job for an engineer, as just topping up refrigerant does not fix the problem. Leaks should be fixed by qualified personnel and then tested. Checks will ensure the refrigerant charge is to manufacturers specifications for optimum performance of your system. Care should be taken, as refrigerant can be harmful to the environment and needs careful disposal. A properly charged refrigerant is essential to the proper performance of the air conditioner.

POOR MAINTENANCE

One of the most common air conditioner problems, allowing air filters and coil packs to become dirty means the unit will under perform and put the unit at risk of breakdown. It will also cost more money in energy costs. There is further risk of components failing completely so ensure a regular maintenance check is carried out. Filters are easy for an owner to check and clean or replace.

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS FAILURE

Controls for the compressor and fan are liable to wear and tear especially if the air conditioner is not running properly and the compressor is stopping and starting all the time. Controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently putting strain on the compressor. Wiring faults or corrosion can be serious, you can end up with circuit breakers tripping out and if corrosion from leaks is present, do not try to fix it yourself but call an engineer before it turns into a fire hazard.

SENSORS

From time to time, a sensor, which controls temperature, could fail or operate incorrectly, which causes the whole system to operate erratically or not at all. Again, this is a job for an engineer.

DRAINAGE

Sometimes, the condensate drain can be clogged and fail to drain properly. This can happen if the air conditioning units are not level.

NOISY RUNNING

Most air conditioning systems are very quiet in operation so if you suddenly get some unexpected noise, then it is likely because of a fan belt problem in the system, which may have become dislodged or worn.

MOISTURE LEAKING

When an air conditioner leaks moisture, there is a possibility that mould and mildew may be caused along with moisture damage to your property. This may be caused by a rusty or broken condensation pan where excess moisture is collected or there may be blockages that are stopping the water form flowing through the system. A cautionary note is this situation can also cause corrosion of electrical wiring and so forth. Mould and mildew are detrimental to health and property so this is a priority situation for repair.

Whatever the problem, we are only a phone call away and will be able to advise you on any of these common air conditioner problems. Do bear in mind that with regular servicing, it is unlikely these problems will affect you, but it is better to know what can happen to be safe.

Quote from one of our happy air deflector free trial recipients:

“Our open plan office houses around 100 people. Air distribution and draft was an issue for some of them prior to fitting air deflectors. Since the fitting we’ve not had a single complaint!”

How we got here

Air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome: aqueduct water was passed through walls of houses to cool them. In medieval Persia similar techniques involving the use of cisterns and wind towers were used in the hot season to cool buildings.

Modern air conditioning emerged after advances in 19th Century chemistry, and it was Willis Haviland Carrier who invented and first used a large-scale electrical air conditioning system in 1902.

Air Conditioner Definition

An appliance, unit, system, or machine designed to stabilise the temperature and humidity of air within an area (used for both heating as well as cooling). A refrigeration cycle is the most common method of achieving this although sometimes evaporative coolers are used for comfort cooling inside buildings and vehicles.

Recent Posts

Main Pages

Home
Maintenance
Contact
Testimonials
Latest News
Legislation and Regulation
Simply AC Reviews
Sitemap
Feed