Tag: Air Conditioner

Owning an AC is a very common practice. While most people tend to forget about their ACs during winter, come summer and the demand for AC rises. They make the summer heat bearable and during this time if the Ac breaks down and the air conditioner repair technician has to be called, it gives rise to anger and frustration. To avoid this, it is best to ensure regular check-up of the AC.

To handle some technical problems, the AC technician has to be called. However, certain common problems can be easily solved at home. They are:

• Water leakage: This can take place inside and outside the house yet the reasons for the two are different. However, care should be taken to ensure that the AC is not switched on in times of heavy water leakage.
  • When AC starts leaking water inside the house, it is a sign that the AC has not been maintained; it has been neglected. Sometimes the pipe clogs up with algae etc and prevents water from going outside, which is then released inside the house as leakage. The breakdown of the condenser pump is also a possibility.
  • Some plausible reasons for water leakage outside the house near the outdoor unit are dry air filter, bad AC seal, broken condensate pipe, improper installation etc. These problems can only be solved by the air conditioner repairs person.
• Leak in refrigerant: Freon or the AC refrigerant is tasked with cooling the hot air within the AC. Such leaks are harmful to the environment and reduce machine efficiency. In case the leak is minor, DIY solutions will prevent this but if it is a major leak, then the repairperson has to be called.
• Dirty filters: With use dust and dirt tends to accumulate in the air filters of the AC. This tends to decrease its efficiency and the room takes longer to cool down. The dry filters need to be taken out from the AC after switching it off. Then the filters are cleaned and re-installed in their correct positions.
• Evaporator coil freezes: In this situation, the AC does not get enough air to function and might stop working completely. If left unchecked, ice sheets accumulate on the coil thereby preventing the absorption of latent heat by the refrigerant. If this problem arises, the AC should be immediately stopped and an air conditioner repair technician should be immediately called to rectify the problem.
• Electrical control failure: The AC functions smoothly only when the compressor, the condenser and blower motors work smoothly. However, there are times when there is a disruption in the connection either due to the wearing out of the wires or separation in the connection. Since this is an electrical problem, the AC repair person should be called and the problem officially solved.
• Failure of the AC fan: The AC fan helps keep the compressor temperature down. This fan is located in the outdoor unit and if it stops functioning, the compressor might overheat and trip the electrical system. This problem needs the intervention of a professional air conditioner repairs technician and he should thus be called.

The above problems are easy to diagnose and deal with. While some require professional intervention, others can be done using DIY ideas. These problems are commonly found in homes with ACs and hence should not be a cause of tensions and frustrations.

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Most people think that the size of the air conditioner refers to its physical dimensions. However, this is not true. The AC size is its cooling capacity that is measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs. Irrespective of which AC one selects, an optimum sized AC that is based on the room size will:

• Ensure its best efficiency performance and
• Lower its operational costs.

Thus, even before looking into the nitty-grities of AC buying, it is important to calculate the space it will have to cool.

Cooling area calculation

This is very simple and can be obtained by multiplying the length and breadth of the cooling area. This area when multiplied again by 25BTUs gives the cooling capacity required from the AC to be purchased.

While the above formula works for a rectangular space, for triangular spaces, the formula for calculating the room size is (length x breadth)/2. For an odd-shaped room, the room needs to be broken down into squares, rectangles, triangles and then measurements taken accordingly to calculate the area.

Purchasing a smaller AC will affect the air conditioner service. Such inverters will only run thereby increasing the energy bills without much cooling the room.

Large-sized ACs will have a higher cooling capacity. Thus, they will cool the room very quickly thereby:

• Making people catch a cold from the extreme difference in temperature and
• Extracting all moisture from the room.

Such large-sized ACs will switch on and switch off with alarming frequency that might harm the compressor of the new machine. Additionally, the user would also have to buy a humidifier thereby adding to the AC costs.

Thus understanding the cooling area and opting for an optimum sized AC based on it will ensure the correct buy.

It is also very important to note here that a higher BTU indicates that the AC will cool the room faster and is hence the better AC. However, in reality, there are very few ACs that match up to the mentioned AC BTU. Thus, the BTU should not be the sole criterion on which to purchase the air conditioner.

Factors affecting BTU calculation

However, certain other factors also affect the BTU or AC cooling capacity. They are:

• Ceiling height: For rooms with ceiling height more than the standard 8ft, ACs with higher BTU should be chosen to factor in the room height. Rooms that have a ceiling height of fewer than 8ft should opt for an AC with lower BTU.
• Sunlight: The amount of sunlight entering the room has a strong impact on the cooling capacity of the AC. For sunny rooms, the BTU required should be increased by 10% for optimal air conditioner service. For rooms that are shaded, the BTU should be decreased by 10%
• Occupants: More the number of occupants using the room, the higher should be the cooling capacity of the AC.
• Kitchen: When installing AC in the kitchen, the BTU calculated should be increased by 4000 units.

Buying an undersized or oversized AC is one of the most common mistakes people make when buying an AC. Thus, the size of the room should be taken into consideration and the purchase based on it.

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A reduction in carbon footprint is always a better option but HVAC systems are positioned high on the list of environment polluting gadgets. However, with the introduction of green air conditioning, it is possible to enjoy all AC comforts without increasing the carbon footprint.

The world is becoming environmentally aware and coming up with new laws and regulations to reduce pollution consciously. Under these laws, AC manufacturers are also replacing ozone-depleting refrigerants with eco-friendly ones. Certain technical innovations and improvements too have been added to make the AC more eco-friendly.

The initial cost of installing a green AC is relatively high but eventually, it facilitates a 20 to 50% saving in the utility bills. Thus, in the long run, this AC pays for itself and even earns more. However, going green is so much more than just saving money. Eventually, a green AC initiative will result in:

• A healthier home environment,
• Reduction in consumption of fossil fuels and
• Reduced creation of greenhouse gases.

Tips on how best to use a green AC

The efficiency of the green AC depends on the factors enumerated below.

• Increasing attic insulation:  This investment will reap rich rewards in the future.
• Installing radiant heat barriers: This thin barrier metal insulation, when installed, will reduced heat transfer by almost 95%.
• Installing ceiling fans: On cooler days switching on ceiling fans can help eliminate the need for air conditioning Sydney. It also helps to distribute the cold air thereby enabling the user to set a higher temperature on the thermostat. During winter, ceiling fans will help distribute the warmth evenly throughout the room.
• Ductwork sealing: This is extremely important as poor ductwork sealing will reduce the efficiency of the AC. The ductwork that runs through non-insulated spaces will also harm the AC efficiency.
• Preferring programmable thermostats: Installing these thermostats will automatically scale up and scale down the temperature based on the prevalent room temperature. Thus, the user will not have to take on the responsibility of manually doing the same.

It is a fact that the higher the AC temperature selected, the more will be the reduction in home cooling costs.

Tips to buy a Green AC

Certain important factors need to be kept in mind when buying a green air conditioning system. They are:

• Purchasing an AC unit with higher efficiency will reduce energy usage by about 20% to 50%,
• Optimum sized AC should be purchased since undersized ACs will increase utility bills without cooling the room and over-utilised ones would result in an increase in utility bills.
• Ductless ACs or Split ACs should always be preferred as they allow individual regulation of room temperature.
• Installing whole-house fans cools the house by throwing out warn room air and drawing in cooler outside air thereby:
  • Eliminating the need for using ACs in milder climates and
  • Supplementing the AC during hot climates.

Any step taken towards going green is a smart move. It helps to reduce the high utility bills usually associated with normal air conditioning Sydney.

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The corona virus pandemic has disrupted almost all aspects of our lives. Additionally, with the summer temperatures rising, it has been a difficult situation to tackle.

The urge to switch on the air conditioning in Sydney to gain comfort from the heat is getting stronger. Yet there is also the fear that switching on the AC without proper servicing can lead to electrical problems. Since most people prefer to get their ACs serviced at the beginning of the season, and lockdown norms preventing the servicemen from coming over, getting the aircon service was becoming a problem of huge proportion.

Taking this into account most AC manufacturers came forward with detailed steps to clean and maintain ACs at home. Cleaning the indoor unit of the AC is quite simple and involves following the below given steps:

• The AC needs to be switched off before performing any other function. It is best to take off the plug too.

• Then the Air conditioning Sydney panel needs to be opened. Different ACs have different ways by which they can be opened. Generally, a simple push at both sides is enough to lift it.

• Now the two filters present inside need to be removed. These filters must be washed using a soft brush and soap. Once cleaned and after proper drying, they can be put back into the AC.

• The evaporator also attracts dirt, and it is normal to see dirt webs on it. This can be cleaned using a toothbrush and soap water. The dust needs to be gently rubbed with soap water and cleaned further with a soft cloth. Extreme care needs to be taken while doing this otherwise the sharp fins might cut the skin of the fingers and hand. A vacuum cleaner can also be used to remove most of the dirt from the evaporator coils. But to reach the extreme top corners of the Air conditioning in Sydney, it is best to use a soft toothbrush. Keeping the AC panel open to let the evaporator dry is not mandatory but it is a good and safe practice.

• The filters need to be placed back into the relevant groove after they are dried.

• The AC panel should be carefully closed, the opened plug put back into the socket and the AC switched on.

This will enable the percolation of cold air into the room thereby bringing down the temperature considerably and making the room comfortable.

The outdoor unit needs to be cleaned next. The AC needs to shut down and the plug removed from the socket. The MCB controlling the AC also needs to be switched off. The top of the outdoor unit is then unscrewed and the condenser fins present need to be vacuumed. The soft-bristled attachment of the vacuum cleaner should be used to rid the fan of anything that might hinder airflow. Once cleaned, the fan needs to be removed, and the interior washed with a high-speed water jet. It needs to be left to dry completely before switching on the Air conditioner Sydney.

If the air conditioner still does not function to capacity, it is best to get in touch with Endeavour Air Conditioning at (02) 9585 9955.

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As people become increasingly concerned about the planet and environment, sustainable, green solutions are becoming very popular. The significant growth in the use of air conditioning in Australia has caused many to begin considering the idea of eco-friendly or sustainable air conditioning solutions. We at Endeavour Air Conditioning get many enquiries from clients that are interested in these systems. Here is some information about them.

Some Sustainable Air Conditioning Options

There are many different eco-friendly HVAC options, such as:

• Solar-powered air conditioning systems
• Geothermal heat pumps
• Ice battery power

Solar-powered AC units and geothermal heat pumps use natural alternatives to systems that are artificially-powered. The latter circulates naturally cooled air from underneath the earth’s surface and solar-powered systems utilise the sun’s power which also reduces the cost of running the air conditioning.

Ice battery power units are a little different. They make ice in the night-time, which is when the air is much colder. The ice then helps to reduce the total amount of power required to cool buildings. This form of sustainable air conditioning is currently in the experimental stages. But it can save property owners a significant amount of money once the technology is fully developed and the systems are launched in the market. 

The Importance Of Environmental Sustainability Air Conditioning

There are many distinct benefits to opting for sustainable air conditioning systems, such as:

• Reduction in Energy Bills- These systems need less power to operate their pumping system and to cool the air. They conserve energy and cool air to be used later. Most people in Australia are habituated to using air-conditioning and being able to save money on these bills becomes an appealing option.

• Reduction in Harmful Emissions- When you use less energy, you are also reducing the total amount of harmful emissions released into the atmosphere by power plants in the local area. Air conditioning units also have their own emissions and sustainable solutions either eliminate or reduce those emissions entirely.

• Increased Lifespan- Geothermal heat pumps last much longer than window units or conventional central air systems. According to rough estimates, geothermal heat pumps can easily last for up to 30 years because they don’t have moving parts.

Some AC manufacturers offer 50-year warranties on specific geothermal heat pump system components. All parts of the geothermal heat pump system is installed indoors, which protects them from the elements, extending its life.

These systems also have a quieter operation and are an excellent long term investment. For any more information about most sustainable air conditioning, feel free to call Endeavour Air Conditioning at (02) 9199 0372 or send us your queries through this Contact Us form, and we will respond shortly.

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Choosing the perfect air conditioning unit can be quite challenging. To help you make a well-informed decision, here are a few useful tips from the specialists at Endeavour Air Conditioning.

The Types of Air Conditioners

There are three basic types of air conditioners that you can choose from:

The Split System

This air conditioner is perfect for compact spaces, and cooling or heating rooms in your house. In split system units, the compressor is set up outside your property, and a separate indoor unit passes the air into your home.  The two main advantages of the split system are:

• Economical – You are buying and setting up a single unit at a time. These systems are energy-efficient compared to other systems.
• Selective – You can choose to install this system in any room.

The Multi-Split System

These systems require a single compressor to run several air conditioners throughout your house. The three main benefits of installing a multi-split system include:

• Comfortable, convenient, and economical
• The climate of each room can be controlled as needed
• With a single outdoor compressor, you can select up to five individual units for rooms. This includes wall-mounted, duct-connected, celling-suspended, cassette-type, or floor-standing units.

Ducted

This air conditioning system offers all-in-one climate control. It has an outdoor unit and another indoor one with flexible ducting that effectively cools or heats your rooms via vents. Here are the advantages of ducted systems:

• Can be tailor-fitted for a new or existing house
• Quieter than other air conditioning units
• Aside from the controller and grilles, the rest of the components are not visible.
• Adds to the value of your property
• You maximize energy efficiency
• You can also zone-control your house.

Selecting the Right Air Conditioning Capacity

There are several factors that you have to take into account while calculating the exact capacity you require, it includes:

• The size of your room – the height, length, and width
• The size and positioning of the windows and glass doors. Large windows let in a lot of heat during summers
• Insulation of the floor, walls, and ceiling
• The type of room – living room, bedroom, or kitchen
• Shading and curtains on the windows
• The local climate

Besides, you will also have to choose whether you require an inverter or non-inverter model and whether you need cooling, heating, or both. Since there are so many aspects to consider while selecting an air conditioning unit, its best to get help from experts like us at Endeavour Air Conditioning. Feel free to call us at (02) 9199 0372 or send us your queries through this Contact Us form, and we will respond shortly.

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Once they’re installed, homeowners often forget carrying out routine maintenance of their air conditioning units. They become appliances that are taken for granted. Most people believe that the systems will work perfectly well without proper care.

At Endeavour Air Conditioning, we believe that besides preventing and minimising problems later down the track, routine maintenance of air-conditioning units has several other payoffs as well, including:

• Lower energy consumption means reduced electric bills
• Reduced maintenance costs in the lost run
• Cooler and cleaner air

Tips for Air Conditioning Maintenance

1. Filter Cleaning

When the filters of air-conditioning units are blocked or obstructed by debris, it decreases the intake of air into these units. It increases the power consumption to compensate.  Routine cleaning of filters ensures that the air runs smoothly through the unit. In turn, this helps to keep electric use down to a minimum.

You will need your AC to perform optimally during the summer months. For peak energy efficiency have the air filter cleaned every two weeks. Here are a few tips on how to clean the filter:

• Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the dust in the filter, or wash the screen in warm water. If it’s excessively dirty, use some natural detergent as well. Note- You should avoid using hot water while cleaning the filter.
• Dry the filter, but keep it away from direct sunlight.
• Change the air purifying filter every three years, and wash it in water every six months.

2. The Cooling Fan

To keep your energy consumption down to a minimum, regular cleaning of the cooling fan (at the back of the unit) is essential.  Once summer starts, inspect your fan for dirt and contact a licensed professional to have it cleaned if you notice any.

Maintenance of Exterior Air Conditioning Units

• Use a soft cloth to clean the air outlet and exterior. Use warm water and add natural detergent to clean dirt build-up. Dry your air-conditioning unit using a dry cloth.
• Avoid using harsh cleaning agents, sponges, or cloths to clean the exterior.
• Only use warm soapy water for cleaning purposes.

These simple maintenance tips can go a long way in ensuring that your air-conditioning system functions well right through the summer. For any more information, feel free to call Endeavour Air Conditioning at (02) 9199 0372 or send us your queries through this Contact Us form, and we will respond shortly.

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