The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has become a technological milestone and is set to shape the way we fly. It had its first test flight on December 15th in Washington and the successful flight means the start of a brand new generation of air craft.
This aeroplane is the world’s first commercial aeroplane that was created from one piece of fuselage and composite materials. This in turn makes the aeroplane light and therefore fuel efficient although it is just as quick as the others on the market. With more and more of us focused on being eco friendly the Dreamliner was created with this in mind. The decrease in weight has meant that it will use 20% less fuel than a plane of a similar size, it also has lower emissions.
Not only this, but it has larger windows at eye level that don’t have the plastic cover. This is because the windows are designed to act in the same way that tinted windows do in cars. It is possible for the passenger to adjust the amount of light that is shining through the window.
This new plane can carry between 200 and 300 passengers and they will have a much more enjoyable experience than in other planes due to increased humidity which means passengers are less likely to suffer from airsickness and there are also increased levels of oxygen supplies. On top of this they have an air conditioning system which is very advanced meaning the air supplied is of a better quality. This is done by filters which remove bacteria viruses and fungi. All this combined will mean that there will be fewer aeroplane colds.
As well as a reduced risk of becoming ill there is also more storage space on board along with improved lighting. Those that designed the air craft also made sure they made the planes friendlier for those with disabilities. One example of this is that there is a partition between two toilet cubicles that can be removed in order to make one wheelchair accessible toilet.
So far worldwide 57 airlines have put in their orders which total to 876 Dreamliners and it is now the fast selling jetliner to date.
Air conditioning units can be a big investment which is why it is important to keep them maintained to ensure that they run properly and efficiently. As we have moved into spring, summer will be upon us soon enough – which is when many air con unit owners find out they is a problem with theirs.
Even though air conditioning units should be maintained by a professional, there are still a few steps that could be taken to make sure that the air con units are more dependable for years to come! These include keeping your filter clean, clearing your condenser, level the outdoor unit and handling the refrigerant.
Keeping your Filter Clean
Usually air con owners will find out their filter needs changing when there starts to be a bad smell in the air. You can usually smell the dust when they haven’t been cleaned. When it comes to cleaning your window air conditioner, they usually have filters that can be removed and dusted with a clean cloth and running water. Make sure that it is 100% dry before placing it back in the air conditioner. When it is not possible to do this yourself or they need replacing, it’s always best to call a professional.
Cleaning your Condenser
Condensers are usually located on the outside of the building which tends to gather up a lot of dirt. Most air conditioning or fridge retailers will sell a commercial coil cleaner which can be used to easily clean the air con units. Be careful of the fins of the condenser though as they are prone to damage, so just use a soft brush when it comes to cleaning this part. Because of the amount of dirt that usually builds up in the condensers, it’s best not to use water as this dirt can turn into mud when wet!
Level the Outdoor Unit
The units that are outdoors need to be checked to see if they are in a level position as if not, the fan motors and compressor may wear out quicker which is a very costly replacement. If the unit is slightly out of place you can place a temporary shim to hold it up until a professional can come to fix it before it gets severe. If proper caution isn’t taken then trying to level the unstable unit can lead to the copper lines being damaged.
Handling the Refrigerant
The refrigerant used in most air-con units is called Freon, which is if this is too high or too low then there is a possibility that it won’t work. Checking the refrigerant lines running from the condenser to the evaporator will help to see if they are worn and need replacing. However, if there is a suspected Freon problem then a professional will need to sort this out for you.
Remember, it’s always best to call a professional if you are unsure about something to help reduce the risk of any accidents.
Yesterday was officially the start of spring but it still feels like winter although we like the fact that it is staying lighter for longer!
This time last year, we were all in our gardens with flip flops and the air conditioning on. This year we still have the heating and jumpers on. This doesn’t look like it is going to change in the near future as this week it is predicted that we may see some small snow falls in some parts of the country. The rest of us will see sunny spell with the odd patches of rain. It is also predicted that we will have fog and frost and the most noticeable will be the wind chill towards the end of the week.
As we live in hope for warmer weather we can be thankful for the clocks going forward which will mean longer days so we will at least have the impression that summer is nearly here. The north will be worst affected by the cold and the south may see some resemblance to a spring time in terms of temperature.
Although predictions can’t be accurate this far in advance there are indications that April will have a chill to it which after the lack of sunshine last summer time this will be disappointing. We hope to see the sunshine soon! Let us know your plans for the summer buy tweeting us @GTRefrigeration
With the world very eco and money conscious at the moment it is no surprise that when it comes to cars everything is looking to reduce their CO2 emissions and their costs. However Volkswagen have come up with an unusual solution to going green. When we think of CO2 we usually associated this with having a negative impact on the environment but Volkswagen have decided that they are now going to use it in their refrigerant in mobile air conditioning systems across all of its vehicles.
They reached this decision because the refrigerant known as R744 actually has low global warming potential of just “one”. This figure is 99.3% below what the EU specify which is 150 in MAC (mobile air conditioning) systems. In most MAC systems at the moment the refrigerant used, R134 and according to statistics reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency has a global warming potential of 1,300.
Investigations into reducing emissions from MACs have been ongoing since the 1990s. There was nearly a decision for the refrigerant R1234 to be chosen although Daimler found safety issues with it. This was discovered in September of last year through their internal tests so decided against using the refrigerant and BMW and Volkswagen also chose not to.
The chosen refrigerant by Volkswagen is CO2 because it is viewed as an A1 refrigerant and is also not flammable with limited amounts of toxicity. It is also the least likely refrigerant to have an impact on the environment.
Last week we wrote about how you can personally maintain your air conditioning systems but there is a time when you will need to call a professional in. Well we are going to give you a few tips that will help you choose the right air conditioning tech for you.
Mechele Agbayani Mills has highlighted the importance of proper care by saying, “Residential heating and cooling units are expected to last 15 to 20 years, s choose a good HVAC tech is vital to your homes comfort for years to come.
One of the most common problems that occur for consumers and business owners is that they hire the first contractor that they come across because they don’t have enough information to make an informed decision as a result of a lack of research.
Before you choose a contractor it is essential that you research the company and their licensing. Word and mouth is often a great way of referrals but you also need to do your research into them. If not it could mean costly repairs for damage they create or small problems they have quoted too much for. Another thing to research is what the problem could be. Make sure you have a rough idea of what could be wrong with you air conditioning system so you can talk to a prospective contractor with some knowledge. This could also save you money.
It is advised that you get at least three quotes for any repair work you want doing to your HVAC system but don’t just compare the cost of each of them. Cheapest isn’t necessarily best. If you are unsure on what each contractor is proposing, ask them and then you can make an informed decision.
Some companies may offer warranty for the maintenance they carry out. If this is the case, make sure that you have completely read and understood the terms and conditions. It is also a good idea to check the terms and conditions of the actual air conditioning unit, if warranty was included in the purchase, you may be covered for maintenance.
Overall it is essential to have some information and knowledge on what you want repaired. This will help you communicate with contractors better and therefore can get the best price and the best service for the work.
Although we are only just at the end of February, if the last couple of years are anything to go by the warmer weather is very nearly here! This means it is time to start that vital preparation work on your air conditioning systems.
Franks Landwehr is the vice president at Emerson Climate Technologies and he has said “Learning what maintenance steps you can take on your own and what questions to ask your air conditioning contractor can save you time, money and keep you comfortable this season.” Emerson Climate Technologies are a huge provider of HVAC and Refrigeration systems.
Of course there are some things that need to be outsourced and dealt with by a professional but there are some things you can do to extend the life of your air conditioning systems. Changing air filters is essential and it is recommended that the indoor ductwork filters are changed every three months. If you are doing this yourself make sure you have the correct fitting filters so they fit properly. Make sure there is a reliable air flow so the amount of moisture is reduced which could potentially lead to mould. The duct grills need to be cleaned once a year to clear and debris or dust. You don’t want this circulating as well as cool air!
It is inevitable that at some point you will need to replace your system with a new one, how soon after purchase depends on how well it is looked after. Landwehr suggested a few tips when it comes to buying a new system. One of these was to make sure you know what you are talking about when buying a new air conditioning unit. This will mean you will have a better idea of what you are being sold and it could end up saving you money.
This week at GT Refrigeration we have seen a weird and wonderful story on playhouses. Now when you think of a child’s play house you think of either a wooden shed at the bottom of the garden or big plastic structures in red or blue. Well these are on a whole new level; these playhouses even come equipped with air conditioning and electricity!
It is amazing at how real they look and the inside of many also have full working kitchens. They can come in all shapes and sizes from market shops to castles. They can cost anything from £1,000 to £25,000 and come with the option of running water, heating, sun rooms and even a media room.
This child’s playhouses are built by Sweet Retreat Kids and they come with the option of picket fences and landscaping for the playhouse garden. Although this is a little bizarre and not within most of our budgets they are great to look at, and the designs are very creative.
In my day we were happy with a duvet and a dining room chair to build a fort with. I wouldn’t mind living in one of these let alone having it in the back garden as a playhouse!
Finally we can report on some nicer weather! Our blustery winter conditions are soon to be replaced by some slightly warmer weather. Ok so probably not warm enough to get our swimsuits out and the air conditioning on but we are in England; let’s take anything we can get!
Many parts of the country last night were disrupted with heavy snow fall and those who were travelling on high ground were left stranded but all this is set to change!
According to Sally Webb at the MeteoGroup, “Heavy rain falling across much of England and Wales this morning will clear through the south-east around noon, leaving a largely dry and sunny day. There will be isolated showers along western fringes, particularly in Scotland.
“It will stay dry overnight with clear spells and widespread frost and temperatures getting down to 0C in most places, and minus 2C in places like Cheshire. Tomorrow there will be sunny spells, though Scotland is still likely to see some showers over into Saturday, but elsewhere it will be largely dry and sunny throughout the weekend.”
Despite this promising weather to come, it will probably be short lived as towards the end of next week things will start to get cooler again.
In East Yorkshire yesterday gritters and snow ploughs were called to help reduce the reduction to some of the inevitable disruption to travel. 40 vehicles had been stuck on the road until they were rescued. As most of the country will be experiencing warmer weather, other parts will just be getting rain instead of snow which could mean icy conditions.
Just when we thought things were starting to brighten up it is predicted that we are going to have even more snow fall on Sunday. I for one have had the air conditioning on in the office all week (probably due to sickness from all the cold weather rather than the actual temperature!) Forecasters predicted today that temperatures will be plummeting to -5 which will mean dangerous icy conditions and more blustery winds.
A Cold Weather Alert was issued by the Met Office today which will no doubt cause chaos on our roads once again and leave those who are most vulnerable exposed to dangerous situations. ON top of this there have also been weather warnings issued for ice in the south west and the west midlands.
Some parts of the UK had snow today and will still have some tomorrow although the worst of the weather is expected on Sunday and is predicted to continue into Monday.
In some parts of the country people have actually been able to ski and snowboard on certain slopes they have already seen that much snow!
Gareth Harvey is a forecaster at the MeteoGroup and he has said, “The next few days will only see a few light snow flurries affecting mountains in Wales and Scotland and the Pennines, in northern England, while temperatures will stay cold.
“The weather will change on Sunday when a front coming in from the west meets cold air.
“It looks like there will be some rain before it progresses to snow over large parts of Scotland and the eastern half of England, particularly the north east.
Last week we were all recovering for the blistering cold of the snow and preparing for the rain and potential floods and the ice melted. It was even suggested we slow down the thaw process by building snowmen! Well after some brighter weather this week and the remainders of any snowmen well and truly gone, this weekend looks to be the same.
It is predicted that there will be more showers and a lot of wind with even the chance of hail. This is likely to affect most of the west whilst in Scotland there may still be some snow in some of the higher areas.
As of 8am this morning there were 36 flood warnings that had been issued by The Environmental Agency, most of which were in the Midlands and North West regions.
Tonight there should be clear but there will be some persistent rain. On top of this the clouds are becoming thicker in the south will also bring heavy rainfall. In the Northern Isles there were winds of between 75 and 85mph.
Much of the country will be experiencing bright and breezy weather for the next few days which should bring warmer temperatures. Although, like last week, probably still not air conditioning weather. With January blues out of the way it should be the time for planning holidays to warmer climates, if the purse strings will allow it!
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has become a technological milestone and is set to shape the way we fly. It had its first test flight on December 15th in Washington and the successful flight means the start of a brand new generation of air craft.
This aeroplane is the world’s first commercial aeroplane that was created from one piece of fuselage and composite materials. This in turn makes the aeroplane light and therefore fuel efficient although it is just as quick as the others on the market. With more and more of us focused on being eco friendly the Dreamliner was created with this in mind. The decrease in weight has meant that it will use 20% less fuel than a plane of a similar size, it also has lower emissions.
Not only this, but it has larger windows at eye level that don’t have the plastic cover. This is because the windows are designed to act in the same way that tinted windows do in cars. It is possible for the passenger to adjust the amount of light that is shining through the window.
This new plane can carry between 200 and 300 passengers and they will have a much more enjoyable experience than in other planes due to increased humidity which means passengers are less likely to suffer from airsickness and there are also increased levels of oxygen supplies. On top of this they have an air conditioning system which is very advanced meaning the air supplied is of a better quality. This is done by filters which remove bacteria viruses and fungi. All this combined will mean that there will be fewer aeroplane colds.
As well as a reduced risk of becoming ill there is also more storage space on board along with improved lighting. Those that designed the air craft also made sure they made the planes friendlier for those with disabilities. One example of this is that there is a partition between two toilet cubicles that can be removed in order to make one wheelchair accessible toilet.
So far worldwide 57 airlines have put in their orders which total to 876 Dreamliners and it is now the fast selling jetliner to date.
Maintaining your Air Conditioning Units
Air conditioning units can be a big investment which is why it is important to keep them maintained to ensure that they run properly and efficiently. As we have moved into spring, summer will be upon us soon enough – which is when many air con unit owners find out they is a problem with theirs.
Even though air conditioning units should be maintained by a professional, there are still a few steps that could be taken to make sure that the air con units are more dependable for years to come! These include keeping your filter clean, clearing your condenser, level the outdoor unit and handling the refrigerant.
Keeping your Filter Clean
Usually air con owners will find out their filter needs changing when there starts to be a bad smell in the air. You can usually smell the dust when they haven’t been cleaned. When it comes to cleaning your window air conditioner, they usually have filters that can be removed and dusted with a clean cloth and running water. Make sure that it is 100% dry before placing it back in the air conditioner. When it is not possible to do this yourself or they need replacing, it’s always best to call a professional.
Cleaning your Condenser
Condensers are usually located on the outside of the building which tends to gather up a lot of dirt. Most air conditioning or fridge retailers will sell a commercial coil cleaner which can be used to easily clean the air con units. Be careful of the fins of the condenser though as they are prone to damage, so just use a soft brush when it comes to cleaning this part. Because of the amount of dirt that usually builds up in the condensers, it’s best not to use water as this dirt can turn into mud when wet!
Level the Outdoor Unit
The units that are outdoors need to be checked to see if they are in a level position as if not, the fan motors and compressor may wear out quicker which is a very costly replacement. If the unit is slightly out of place you can place a temporary shim to hold it up until a professional can come to fix it before it gets severe. If proper caution isn’t taken then trying to level the unstable unit can lead to the copper lines being damaged.
Handling the Refrigerant
The refrigerant used in most air-con units is called Freon, which is if this is too high or too low then there is a possibility that it won’t work. Checking the refrigerant lines running from the condenser to the evaporator will help to see if they are worn and need replacing. However, if there is a suspected Freon problem then a professional will need to sort this out for you.
Remember, it’s always best to call a professional if you are unsure about something to help reduce the risk of any accidents.
Spring is here but Winter won’t Leave
Yesterday was officially the start of spring but it still feels like winter although we like the fact that it is staying lighter for longer!
This time last year, we were all in our gardens with flip flops and the air conditioning on. This year we still have the heating and jumpers on. This doesn’t look like it is going to change in the near future as this week it is predicted that we may see some small snow falls in some parts of the country. The rest of us will see sunny spell with the odd patches of rain. It is also predicted that we will have fog and frost and the most noticeable will be the wind chill towards the end of the week.
As we live in hope for warmer weather we can be thankful for the clocks going forward which will mean longer days so we will at least have the impression that summer is nearly here. The north will be worst affected by the cold and the south may see some resemblance to a spring time in terms of temperature.
Although predictions can’t be accurate this far in advance there are indications that April will have a chill to it which after the lack of sunshine last summer time this will be disappointing. We hope to see the sunshine soon! Let us know your plans for the summer buy tweeting us @GTRefrigeration
Volkswagen choose CO2 as a Refrigerant
With the world very eco and money conscious at the moment it is no surprise that when it comes to cars everything is looking to reduce their CO2 emissions and their costs. However Volkswagen have come up with an unusual solution to going green. When we think of CO2 we usually associated this with having a negative impact on the environment but Volkswagen have decided that they are now going to use it in their refrigerant in mobile air conditioning systems across all of its vehicles.
They reached this decision because the refrigerant known as R744 actually has low global warming potential of just “one”. This figure is 99.3% below what the EU specify which is 150 in MAC (mobile air conditioning) systems. In most MAC systems at the moment the refrigerant used, R134 and according to statistics reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency has a global warming potential of 1,300.
Investigations into reducing emissions from MACs have been ongoing since the 1990s. There was nearly a decision for the refrigerant R1234 to be chosen although Daimler found safety issues with it. This was discovered in September of last year through their internal tests so decided against using the refrigerant and BMW and Volkswagen also chose not to.
The chosen refrigerant by Volkswagen is CO2 because it is viewed as an A1 refrigerant and is also not flammable with limited amounts of toxicity. It is also the least likely refrigerant to have an impact on the environment.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Last week we wrote about how you can personally maintain your air conditioning systems but there is a time when you will need to call a professional in. Well we are going to give you a few tips that will help you choose the right air conditioning tech for you.
Mechele Agbayani Mills has highlighted the importance of proper care by saying, “Residential heating and cooling units are expected to last 15 to 20 years, s choose a good HVAC tech is vital to your homes comfort for years to come.
One of the most common problems that occur for consumers and business owners is that they hire the first contractor that they come across because they don’t have enough information to make an informed decision as a result of a lack of research.
Before you choose a contractor it is essential that you research the company and their licensing. Word and mouth is often a great way of referrals but you also need to do your research into them. If not it could mean costly repairs for damage they create or small problems they have quoted too much for. Another thing to research is what the problem could be. Make sure you have a rough idea of what could be wrong with you air conditioning system so you can talk to a prospective contractor with some knowledge. This could also save you money.
It is advised that you get at least three quotes for any repair work you want doing to your HVAC system but don’t just compare the cost of each of them. Cheapest isn’t necessarily best. If you are unsure on what each contractor is proposing, ask them and then you can make an informed decision.
Some companies may offer warranty for the maintenance they carry out. If this is the case, make sure that you have completely read and understood the terms and conditions. It is also a good idea to check the terms and conditions of the actual air conditioning unit, if warranty was included in the purchase, you may be covered for maintenance.
Overall it is essential to have some information and knowledge on what you want repaired. This will help you communicate with contractors better and therefore can get the best price and the best service for the work.
Sprucing up your Air Conditioning Unit
Although we are only just at the end of February, if the last couple of years are anything to go by the warmer weather is very nearly here! This means it is time to start that vital preparation work on your air conditioning systems.
Franks Landwehr is the vice president at Emerson Climate Technologies and he has said “Learning what maintenance steps you can take on your own and what questions to ask your air conditioning contractor can save you time, money and keep you comfortable this season.” Emerson Climate Technologies are a huge provider of HVAC and Refrigeration systems.
Of course there are some things that need to be outsourced and dealt with by a professional but there are some things you can do to extend the life of your air conditioning systems. Changing air filters is essential and it is recommended that the indoor ductwork filters are changed every three months. If you are doing this yourself make sure you have the correct fitting filters so they fit properly. Make sure there is a reliable air flow so the amount of moisture is reduced which could potentially lead to mould. The duct grills need to be cleaned once a year to clear and debris or dust. You don’t want this circulating as well as cool air!
It is inevitable that at some point you will need to replace your system with a new one, how soon after purchase depends on how well it is looked after. Landwehr suggested a few tips when it comes to buying a new system. One of these was to make sure you know what you are talking about when buying a new air conditioning unit. This will mean you will have a better idea of what you are being sold and it could end up saving you money.
Playhouses with Air Conditioning and Heating
This week at GT Refrigeration we have seen a weird and wonderful story on playhouses. Now when you think of a child’s play house you think of either a wooden shed at the bottom of the garden or big plastic structures in red or blue. Well these are on a whole new level; these playhouses even come equipped with air conditioning and electricity!
It is amazing at how real they look and the inside of many also have full working kitchens. They can come in all shapes and sizes from market shops to castles. They can cost anything from £1,000 to £25,000 and come with the option of running water, heating, sun rooms and even a media room.
This child’s playhouses are built by Sweet Retreat Kids and they come with the option of picket fences and landscaping for the playhouse garden. Although this is a little bizarre and not within most of our budgets they are great to look at, and the designs are very creative.
In my day we were happy with a duvet and a dining room chair to build a fort with. I wouldn’t mind living in one of these let alone having it in the back garden as a playhouse!
Is the warmer weather finally here?
Finally we can report on some nicer weather! Our blustery winter conditions are soon to be replaced by some slightly warmer weather. Ok so probably not warm enough to get our swimsuits out and the air conditioning on but we are in England; let’s take anything we can get!
Many parts of the country last night were disrupted with heavy snow fall and those who were travelling on high ground were left stranded but all this is set to change!
According to Sally Webb at the MeteoGroup, “Heavy rain falling across much of England and Wales this morning will clear through the south-east around noon, leaving a largely dry and sunny day. There will be isolated showers along western fringes, particularly in Scotland.
“It will stay dry overnight with clear spells and widespread frost and temperatures getting down to 0C in most places, and minus 2C in places like Cheshire. Tomorrow there will be sunny spells, though Scotland is still likely to see some showers over into Saturday, but elsewhere it will be largely dry and sunny throughout the weekend.”
Despite this promising weather to come, it will probably be short lived as towards the end of next week things will start to get cooler again.
In East Yorkshire yesterday gritters and snow ploughs were called to help reduce the reduction to some of the inevitable disruption to travel. 40 vehicles had been stuck on the road until they were rescued. As most of the country will be experiencing warmer weather, other parts will just be getting rain instead of snow which could mean icy conditions.
Even more Snow!
Just when we thought things were starting to brighten up it is predicted that we are going to have even more snow fall on Sunday. I for one have had the air conditioning on in the office all week (probably due to sickness from all the cold weather rather than the actual temperature!) Forecasters predicted today that temperatures will be plummeting to -5 which will mean dangerous icy conditions and more blustery winds.
A Cold Weather Alert was issued by the Met Office today which will no doubt cause chaos on our roads once again and leave those who are most vulnerable exposed to dangerous situations. ON top of this there have also been weather warnings issued for ice in the south west and the west midlands.
Some parts of the UK had snow today and will still have some tomorrow although the worst of the weather is expected on Sunday and is predicted to continue into Monday.
In some parts of the country people have actually been able to ski and snowboard on certain slopes they have already seen that much snow!
Gareth Harvey is a forecaster at the MeteoGroup and he has said, “The next few days will only see a few light snow flurries affecting mountains in Wales and Scotland and the Pennines, in northern England, while temperatures will stay cold.
“The weather will change on Sunday when a front coming in from the west meets cold air.
“It looks like there will be some rain before it progresses to snow over large parts of Scotland and the eastern half of England, particularly the north east.
“There could be some significant, heavy amounts.”
More Blustery Weather!
Last week we were all recovering for the blistering cold of the snow and preparing for the rain and potential floods and the ice melted. It was even suggested we slow down the thaw process by building snowmen! Well after some brighter weather this week and the remainders of any snowmen well and truly gone, this weekend looks to be the same.
It is predicted that there will be more showers and a lot of wind with even the chance of hail. This is likely to affect most of the west whilst in Scotland there may still be some snow in some of the higher areas.
As of 8am this morning there were 36 flood warnings that had been issued by The Environmental Agency, most of which were in the Midlands and North West regions.
Tonight there should be clear but there will be some persistent rain. On top of this the clouds are becoming thicker in the south will also bring heavy rainfall. In the Northern Isles there were winds of between 75 and 85mph.
Much of the country will be experiencing bright and breezy weather for the next few days which should bring warmer temperatures. Although, like last week, probably still not air conditioning weather. With January blues out of the way it should be the time for planning holidays to warmer climates, if the purse strings will allow it!