HVAC contractors have the responsibility to ensure professional installation and maintenance of your air conditioning unit. Check our post on how to select the right HVAC contractor.
If you, like many others, are not a fan of the scathing summer heat, it’s likely you have an air conditioner. This system is vital to the cooling or heating of your house when it gets to be too much for you to handle. But what happens if it stops working? Or if it’s just not working as well as it usually does? What caused it? How can you get it back to normal? What can you do to prevent these kinds of problems in the future?
Air conditioners can be confusing, and they’re filled with little parts that need maintenance every so often, but it is definitely worth learning how to maintain your system. Neglecting maintenance ensures that your unit is going to see a slow decline in efficiency, requiring more energy in order to accomplish less cooling.
Luckily, there are a variety of ways to make sure that your unit stays in good shape and continues running at its maximum capacity, and even if these tips don’t help, there are always professionals you can hire to help you get the job done.
Clean Your Air Con Filters
One of the most helpful things you can do to keep your air conditioner working is to clean its filters. If the filters are clogged or dirty, they may become blocked up which will prevent normal airflow and have a significant effect on the efficiency of your air con. Along with decreased efficiency, air that goes through a dirty filter may carry the grime directly into the evaporator coil of your system, which will impair the coil’s ability to absorb heat. Changing out your soiled filter for a new one can lower the energy your air conditioner consumes by up to 15%.
Air conditioner filters are generally a rather cheap investment, some going as low as $15-20. That’s a low price to pay not to be breathing in the dirt that’s being cycled through your air con, not to mention the money you will save on electricity.
Depending on what type of unit you have, your filter will be located in different places. For a central air conditioner, the filter will often be located along the length of the return duct. For other air conditioners, filters can be found in the ceilings, furnaces, walls, or in the unit itself.
Air Con Window Seals
Ensuring that your windows are properly sealed is a great way to save money on electricity. If your windows aren’t sealed right, lots of cold air can escape between the cracks, putting a greater strain on your air conditioner to keep the room cool. Thusly, you should inspect the seal between your air conditioner and the window frame at the beginning of hot seasons to make sure that it is well sealed and that none of your cold air will be leaking out.
Not only does it help to make sure that the window your room air conditioner is mounted in is properly sealed, but it may also help to check your other windows as well, as air can escape from any of them.
Air Con Maintenance During Winter
You might think that you can just leave your air con be during the winter, and this line of thinking does make sense. You are not going to be using it, so there won’t be any wear and tear. What’s the harm in just leaving it as is? Unfortunately, this mindset could ultimately be harmful to your unit. During the winter months, it is important (in the case of a room air conditioner) that you either cover up the unit or completely remove it and put it away to help avoid the collection of dust or the potential of stray items falling into the unit. If you instead have a central air conditioner, you will want to cover up the outdoor unit in order to protect the machine from winter snow or possible debris, such as falling leaves or branches.
Regularly Have Your Air Con Professionally Inspected
Sometimes machines go a little haywire, that’s just a fact of life. Unfortunately, this truth remains the same for air conditioners, which means that sometimes the problems facing your machine are beyond your control. In this case, it’s probably time to hire a professional to take a look into the issue. Air con technicians are trained in air con maintenance and will be able to easily identify any problem you may be having. our Sunshine Coast team can help with air conditioning repairs for a wide range of air con units
A good technician will check for a long list of things that most people wouldn’t know how to evaluate, such as; Proper refrigerant amounts, refrigerant leaks, measuring airflow coming through the evaporator coil, how accurate the thermostat is, if the ducts are leaking, etcetera. Especially when dealing with refrigerant, it is incredibly important to have a technician present to make sure everything is dealt with properly.
Where To Find A Professional
If you’re on or near the Sunshine Coast, the answer is simple. Air Con Sunshine Coast is an incredibly reputable business with trained professionals who will be happy to help you with any of your air conditioning needs. If your air conditioner is acting up, or if you just want to have it looked at to make sure everything is up to snuff, they are easily the best choice.
There’s no one you can trust more in the area than Air Con Sunshine Coast, and they don’t only service air conditioners. If you are reading this to prepare to take care of a unit you haven’t bought yet, you can purchase your air conditioner from them, and have it installed by them as well. Air Con Sunshine Coast is the whole package, and they will make sure that your unit is working as efficiently as possible. You can find them at their website here.
The post How To Maintain Your Home Air Conditioner appeared first on Air Con Sunshine Coast.
There are some things in life that you can avoid, but unfortunately, there are a few very important truths that must be faced. One of these truths is that sometimes it gets hot. Outside, inside, everywhere. Everything burns up in the summer, and sometimes it feels like you just can’t escape from it unless you want to stand in a supermarket and pretend you’re going to buy something just to feel the air-conditioner.
Okay, maybe it’s not that complicated, and if you’re here I’m sure you know the solution. It’s going to cost a few dollars maybe, but you’ve settled on this. It’s time to stop going to the supermarket. It’s time to get an air-conditioner for your house.
Click Here To Watch The Video – Air Conditioner Buying Guide (Interactive Video)
Room Size
The first thing to take into account when purchasing a new air conditioner for your house is room size. If your air-con isn’t powerful enough, you may find it struggling to maintain a stable temperature, and the machine will burn out before long. If it is overpowered, it will use far more electricity than is necessary, costing you loads in your electric bill.
There are five primary types of air-conditioners. Portable, Split System, a Window Box, Ducted, and Multi-Split, but here we’ll discuss only the more commonly purchased ones; Portable, Window Box, and Split System. For a small room (less than 20 meters squared) you would want either a portable unit, a window box or a small split system (check that the unit is between 2 and 4 kilowatts). For a room between 20 and 40 meters squared, you’re going to want a 4 to 6 kilowatt unit, either a window box or a split system. Anything bigger than 40 meters squared is considered a pretty large room and is going to need something between 6 and 9 kilowatts, which you’ll generally only find in a split system.
Different Air-Conditioner Types
As mentioned above, there are three primary air-con types, and you may still be wondering what the difference is between them. It takes a little explaining to figure it out, but it’s pretty simple when you get the hang of it.
Split-system air conditioners are for large areas, up to 60 square meters and range greatly in price, costing anywhere from $600 to more than $5500 depending on the unit you purchase.
Multi-split units are multiple units that are linked to a single outdoor unit, and are used for cooling rooms that are closely packed together. These generally cost similar prices to the split-system units.
Ducted air-conditioners are central units connected via air ducts to outlets and sensors in every room in a house and are meant to cool entire houses. These aren’t impulse buys, and can easily cost more than $10,000.
Window boxes are exactly what they sound like. Small units that sit in your window sill or are mounted in your wall. The more compact units can be plugged straight into the wall, though bigger ones may require more wiring. These aren’t incredibly common, but if you need a somewhat small space cooled, you could definitely do worse than the $400 to $1100 you would need to spend for one of these.
Portable units are single boxes that can be moved around as needed, though they are quite clunky so it may not be the most convenient thing in the world. Most of them have a duct that can be plugged into a window to vent heat outside. It’s not as efficient as other air-conditioners, but it’s easily the cheapest and most convenient of the bunch, with some units coming in at as low as $300.
Being Energy Efficient
When you’re picking out your air conditioner, make sure to think about how efficient it is. There’s a system in place called the energy star rating, and it is an Australian federal initiative that was made to clearly and concisely indicate how energy efficient an item is.
This system involves two small indicators, one red and one blue, each with a maximum rating of 4 stars. The blue rating indicates how effective the system is at cooling, while the red indicates how good it is at heating. The more stars it has, the better it is at cooling or heating and the more electricity it will save you.
Note that energy efficient models are generally more expensive than their less effective counterparts, but don’t let this sway you. The money you will save on your electricity bill in the long run will far outweigh the amount that you’ll lose paying off exorbitant bills for an inefficient system.
When You Should Buy Your Air-Conditioner
You may want to purchase your air-conditioner in winter months, as there will be less people buying in that time period, and sellers may be trying harder to get rid of units. Avoid buying in summer, as that’s the hottest time of year when everybody is trying to get their hands on an air-conditioner. Try and take some time to shop around for the best deals, as prices can often change throughout the year.
Installing Your Air-Con
Unless you have purchased a portable unit, you’re likely going to need your system installed by a professional installer who is licensed to work with refrigerant. This is just to make sure that the process is completed safely and that you don’t void the manufacturer’s warranty for your unit. Good systems will sometimes come with a service that has them install the machine for a discounted price when bundled with the machine, but different installers charge different amounts, so keep your eyes peeled for a good deal.
What If I Want Both?
If you want a place where you can purchase your air-conditioner, and have them install it for you, Sunshine Coast Air Conditioning is the place to go. Not only have they been in the business of selling air-conditioners for 20 years, they are locally owned, and have more than 100 years of experience among them. They know what they’re doing, and they charge very reasonable prices for their services. From residential machines for your home to commercial or industrial machines for you business, they can help you with all of it.
If you’re on or even anywhere near the Sunshine Coast, it’s worth the trip to make sure that your air-conditioner purchase and installation is in the hands of capable professionals who will make sure to get the job done quickly and affordably. You can find them at their site here.
The post Finding The Best Air-Conditioner For Your House appeared first on Air Con Sunshine Coast.
There are hundreds of air conditioner brands and several different air con systems to choose from. Air conditioners are extremely popular in Australia, especially throughout the hot summers. Your air conditioner efficiency depends on your budget and your specific air conditioning requirements.
Australia is a country with one of the hottest summers in the world. Believe it or not, every year, Australia gets hotter!
Air conditioning is a must have for comfort in the heat, and some air con systems can be used for heating as well.
Buying the perfect air conditioner can get tricky, and making sure your purchase is efficient is the most challenging part.
If you are looking to successfully cool your home while saving money and energy, here are some things to look out for when measuring the efficiency of an air conditioner unit.
There are hundreds of air conditioner brands and several different air con systems to choose from. Air conditioners are extremely popular in Australia, especially throughout the hot summers. Your air conditioner efficiency depends on your budget and your specific air conditioning requirements.
Australia is a country with one of the hottest summers in the world. Believe it or not, every year, Australia gets hotter! Air conditioning is a must have for comfort in the heat, and some air con systems can be used for heating as well. Contact an experienced air con supplier to perform your air-conditioning system installation. Buying the perfect air conditioner can get tricky, and making sure your purchase is efficient is the most challenging part.
If you are looking to successfully cool your home while saving money and energy, here are some things to look out for when measuring the efficiency of an air conditioner unit.
What Is Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency is the measurement of energy spent vs cooling output of your air conditioning system. The efficiency of your unit differs depending on your immediate air conditioning needs. Choosing the most efficient and best air conditioning system for you is based on the size of the area that needs cooling, and the frequency at which you will be using your air conditioning system.
If your air conditioner is underpowered for the size of your space, it will be put under stress while working, and will therefore burn out quickly. An underpowered system in a large space is vastly inefficient.
The same goes for an overpowered system. If you have an extremely high-powered system for a very small space it will use much more power than necessary. This won’t look too good when your electric bill comes along. An overpowered system is extremely inefficient and comes with very high cost in the long run.
An efficient system should generally have approximately 125 watts of power for every square meter of cooling space. Your air conditioner may not meet the exact measurement of your space, but as long as you are close you will increase your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Air Conditioner Efficiency Stars
Your air conditioner efficiency can also be measured by the stars on your unit’s rating label. The energy rating labels is used to explain the official energy efficiency of electrical appliances. The number of stars and the display of annual energy consumption is used to show an measure efficiency.
Star ratings are an easy to read way to compare the energy consumption of products. The higher the star rating, the efficient your unit is. The star system uses the amount of cooling or heating capacity per units of energy consumption used by your machine.
Your air conditioner unit may have two different energy efficient measurements and labels. Units that are equipped with both heating and cooling systems will have different labels than units that only specialises in cooling. All systems will have an energy rating label.
Air conditioning units can be rated with up to 10 stars. When a product is rated above 6 stars, it will also include the extra star super efficiency rating band.
Even with the star ratings, you’ll still need to consider the size of your space and the power levels of the unit. The cooling and heating levels in kilowatts for your unit can be located on the power input label.
Types Of Energy-Efficient Air Cons
There are several different types of energy efficient air conditioning units. Here are a list of a few you may want to consider for your home.
Split System Air Conditioners
Split system air conditioners are extremely popular throughout Australia, mostly due to their efficiency. These units are known to be the most energy- efficient. Split system units come with two major installation parts. One part is indoor, it is used to cool the space, while the other part is outdoor, it is used to expel the unwanted hot air from your room or space.
Window Air Conditioners
These are your old school classic window air conditioners. These are mostly recommended for smaller rooms and spaces. The window air conditioner is generally known to be less efficient than a split system air conditioning unit, but it can be very efficient for short term use and very small spaces, in these cases the window unit can be very energy efficient. The window unit is also very easy to install which adds to time efficiency.
Inverter Air Conditioners
Inverter air conditioning units is built to control the speed of the air conditioner motor. This ultimately helps to serve efficiently regulated air. These system also include timers and automatic features that will allow you to program your unit to work more efficiently for your needs.
Reverse System Air Conditioners
A reverse air conditioning unit is made to provide both cooling and heating and cooling services. These are most efficient in homes located in places with changing climates, and without a central heating system in the home. Of all of the aforementioned options, reverse systems are typically the most expensive, but in some situations, they can save you money and add efficiency for use all year round.
Recent Energy-Efficient Air Con Initiatives
There are many green and environmentally friendly initiatives that are dedicated to energy efficiency for home heating and cooling systems. One recent initiative was the amendment of the Montreal Protocol. This amendment banned the use of hydrofluorocarbons which are found in many air conditioning and refrigeration units. Hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs are a group of gasses that can cause harm to nature and ultimately decrease energy efficiency of electrical units. The Montreal Protocol is internationally recognised, it is an agreement in favor of the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer. Considering the efficiency of your air condition unit can ultimately be beneficial to the environment as well as your pockets.
Is It Worth Buying An Energy-Efficient Air-conditioner?
Buying an energy efficient unit is definitely worth it! Energy efficiency is great for you, and your environment. Be sure to ask yourself these 3 questions when you are considering which energy efficient unit is right for you:
What is your budget? – How much are you willing to spend on a unit? Be sure to consider your monthly electricity bill when you think about your budget. An inefficient unit may cost you more in the long run
What sized room are you cooling? Is this a very large space? Would you benefit from a split room system, which is recommended to cool larger spaces, or would you benefit from a small window unit?
How often will you use your unit? If you love to run the air conditioner all day every day, you may want to consider a unit that can handle such use.
If you are in Australia and you are looking for the ideal air conditioning unit, contact Air Con Sunshine Coast. The awesome customer service team will help you pick the most efficient unit for your personal needs. You’ll also find great prices and an easy shopping experience with the Air Con Sunshine Coast team.
The post All About Energy-Efficient Air-Conditioners appeared first on Air Con Sunshine Coast.
It’s a real pain when your air con does not work at its best on hot summer days even when nothing seems to be obviously broken. You may ask yourself: Why is the air conditioner not blowing cold air? What is wrong with my AC? What causes AC to stop working? Wonder no more as here we discuss the most common issues with Air conditioners that we have experienced throughout our years of service.
Like all appliances, air conditioners also need maintenance and occasional care to extend its life and performance. AC units that are neglected in the hot weather of the Sunshine Coast tend to be more troublesome than others.
Here is a list of common air conditioner problems and solutions that you can try for yourself or get repaired by professionals.
Air Conditioner Not Turning On
A circuit breaker is an electrical switch that works to prevent damage caused by sudden and excessive current automatically. If your AC and the circuit breaker is in the on position and there happens to be a short-circuit, the circuit breaker will trip cutting off power to your AC and preventing electrical damage. Now when your AC circuit breaker trips, inspect your home’s main electrical panel and look for a labeled circuit breaker with ‘AC’ or ‘Air Conditioner’. Turn it back on to restore the connection. But if you see frequent trips, it is not recommended to turn it on manually every time. There may be a deeper more dangerous issue causing the trip such as power surges, clogged air filter, compressor failure, frozen evaporator coil, electrical component failure, etc. Leave this repair to the professionals as the high voltage environment can be dangerous to amateurs.
AC Not Blowing Cold Air
With most AC’s in the market have a or programmable thermostat, it is easy to monitor the temperature in your space so that it’s at a low setting when you’re there and a higher when you’re not. If the temperature doesn’t seem right, ensure that it isn’t facing the sun which may cause it to register the wrong temperature. Or it’s quite common for owners to set the AC incorrectly to the ‘Fan Setting’. This is a simple fix and all you need to do is set the ‘AUTO’ feature on. If that doesn’t seem to be the issue, check if the thermostat is receiving power. Dead batteries or a blown fuse may cause it to stop working. Shut off the breaker to safely examine the inner components. If you find a coating of dust or debris, carefully wipe it off with a soft brush. If nothing seems to work, call our technicians who can inspect or replace your thermostat. The condenser placed usually placed outside the room/home, plays an important role in the process of cooling as it absorbs the hot air from the Evaporator allowing cool air inside. Being placed outside, the condenser is prone to be covered with debris causing the unit to malfunction. Ensure that there are 2-3 feet of space between the compressor and plants, pots or any other article. If this is something you feel confident of cleaning on your own, use a hose to remove the debris. For deeper cleaning, call our professionals to have the compression back in top condition.
Air Conditioner Leaks
An AC is a permanently sealed system which means whatever Freon is in there stays in there for the life of the unit.Freon is the refrigerant that absorbs the heat from your air.It differs from gasoline which you have to occasionally pour some in. So if some liquid is missing, this guarantees you have a leak somewhere. When your unit is low on Freon, the coil that’s inside on top of the furnace will freeze over. This can either be in the outside unit, in the coil on top of the furnace or in the line set in between usually in the braze joints. You can call a technician and get it refilled but keep in mind that inevitably it will leak out sometime as the AC is a pressurized system.
Air Conditioner Running But Not Cooling The House
If you’re wondering: Why is my air conditioner running but not cooling the house? You’re not alone as many homes face this issue. A low refrigerant level is the most common reason why this happens. This causes a reduced heat exchange between the condenser coil and the hot air outside and between the then cooling coil and the air inside the room. Other possible causes are
A faulty thermostat that hinders or stops the cooling cycle
Defective parts such as a faulty motor, bad control board or a choked capillary
Wrong size AC unit for your space to be cooled
Damaged compressor or
Dirty evaporator coils which make it harder for the AC to dissipate heat
Dirty Air Conditioner Filter
A filter is a very easy thing to forget about but it does much more than just keep the air pushed out clean. A clean air filter facilitates the outflow of air and a dirty one does the opposite by restricting cold air from flowing out, causing it to built up inside and lowering the inner temperature. Over time, this can cause ice to form on the coils. A dirty filter will hamper its primary functioning of removing dirt and allergy-causing pollutant from the air that can linger for months. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, bad air quality can make your symptoms worse. You might even end up with a mold problem in the ducts. We hope we have provided answers to your question ‘How do you fix common AC problems?’ But if you feel underconfident to DIY the repair, contact Air Con Sunshine Coast for your AC troubleshooting needs. Air Con Sunshine Coast can troubleshoot and repair any air conditioner problem that is troubling you. We serve the areas in and around the Sunshine Coast and are known for our quick turnaround time. Contact us to get started and we’ll send our friendly and experienced technicians down to your place in no time.
The post 5 Signs Your Air Con Needs Servicing appeared first on Air Con Sunshine Coast.
One of the most helpful things you can do to keep your air conditioner working is to clean its filters. If the filters are clogged or dirty, they may become blocked up which will prevent normal airflow and have a significant effect on the efficiency of your air con. Along with decreased efficiency, air that goes through a dirty filter may carry the grime directly into the evaporator coil of your system, which will impair the coil’s ability to absorb heat. Changing out your soiled filter for a new one can lower the energy your air conditioner consumes by up to 15%.
When you’re picking out your air conditioner, make sure to think about how efficient it is. There’s a system in place called the energy star rating, and it is an Australian federal initiative that was made to clearly and concisely indicate how energy efficient an item is.
Your air conditioner efficiency can also be measured by the stars on your unit’s rating label. The energy rating labels is used to explain the official energy efficiency of electrical appliances. The number of stars and the display of annual energy consumption is used to show an measure efficiency.
Buying an energy efficient unit is definitely worth it! Energy efficiency is great for you, and your environment. Be sure to ask yourself these 3 questions when you are considering which energy efficient unit is right for you:
A filter is a very easy thing to forget about but it does much more than just keep the air pushed out clean. A clean air filter facilitates the outflow of air and a dirty one does the opposite by restricting cold air from flowing out, causing it to built up inside and lowering the inner temperature. Over time, this can cause ice to form on the coils.