In a commercial environment it is important for all equipment to be maintained appropriately as the cost of repairs and the effect a non-functioning piece of equipment can have on a business can be huge. If your refrigerator is properly maintained this will increase efficiency, reduce running costs and longevity of the unit.
It is important that you carry out some maintenance on your refrigeration unit, not only to keep it running but to ensure you are adhering to the Environmental Health Organisation’s regulations.
Here at G T Refrigeration we have put together some quick tips for you to ensure your units are kept up to a high standard.
It is important that you check your door seals regularly. This is because if they are split, cracked or not fitted correctly, this is the perfect breeding ground bacteria and it will also lead to loss of energy which isn’t efficient. Continue reading →
Summer time is here (although it may not feel like it sometimes) if you haven’t got an air conditioning unit installed in your office or house yet now is the time do to so. However, there are many makes and models all capable of doing lots of different things so how do you know where to start? Well here at G T Refrigeration we have written a breakdown for you to get you started!
First of all you need to know how they work. Once the unit is on and running the air that passes through goes through the unit and over a cold evaporator coil. Here the air is cooled and the moisture that is in the air that often causes the feeling of humidity is removed. This air is then blown back into the room making it a cooler environment for it to be in. Continue reading →
Temperatures are on the rise (thankfully) so it is important that you don’t forget the machine that is going to keep your employees comfortable and productive throughout the summer; your air conditioning unit.
There have been reports that 40% of air conditioning units that are not maintained properly and need a repair leave users without a cooling unit for at least a day, which during a day that reaches record temperatures, it is a very long day.
The president of Sig Cox Heating and Air Conditioning is John Haynie and he has suggested that the average lifespan of a unit is between 10 and 13 years. The best way to ensure that your unit last this long is through preventative maintenance and regular servicing. Continue reading →
Energy, and more to the point, energy efficiency, has been a constant topic for the last couple of years not only because the public had to become more money conscious during the recession but also governments are putting in schemes around Europe in order to lower carbon emissions. “Being green” has become a fashionable, hot topic and it seems there is no slowing down.
However, even though it is a very popular topic, there are also issues in the industry that simply aren’t working for consumers and supply chains. The first being regulations surrounding being green. There are a few out there such as the green deal and Part L however, both have their problems. For example the green deal is great in the short term although in the long term there are high interest rates which has meant that few have joined up to the scheme. Continue reading →
If you are a building owner and you manage an air conditioning system it is important for you to know if it operates a cooling capacity above 12kW or not. This is because if it does there are statutory obligations that need to be adhered to in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. This means that air conditioning inspections need to be carried out regularly by professionals that are accredited and qualified.
The reason that your air conditioning unit needs to be inspected and serviced is to improve the efficiency by reducing the consumption of energy, improving the operating costs and reducing the amount of carbon emissions that are produced. Whilst there are plans for the R22 refrigerant phase out, this is restricted on older units so if you have a unit that cannot use the R22 alternative you may want to consider updating your system in order to improve your efficiency long term. Continue reading →
Who knows what is happening with the weather nowadays? April has so far bought us sunshine, snow and showers so that means being prepared for the summer is essential as no one knows when it is going to turn up. Having sweltering staff in your office is not the best recipe for success so making sure your air conditioning unit is working is essential for the “just in case.” Some of the main reasons that air conditioners don’t work is because they have been installed wrong, or aren’t well serviced or maintained. There are some issues that can be fixed by yourself and for others you will need to call a professional but we have listed the top five issues that could go wrong with your unit and what can be done to fix it. Continue reading →
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.
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.
ECEX are engineering specialises and they have launched a new product, air intake screens. There is a range and they are available for all types of heating ventilation and air conditioning.
By protecting the air intake equipment could reduce the amount of preventative plant maintenance by 70 per cent which in turn will extend the life of the HVAC internal air filters by 60 per cent.
Richard Betts is the managing director at ECEX and he has said, “Protection of air intake systems helps reduce energy and maintenance costs.
“Particles of airborne debris are drawn in HVAC equipment which can cause filters to clog up and increase airflow resistance.
“Over time, machinery will become less efficient and, in some cases, the airborne waste can cause failure. Air intake screens offer a simple and cost-effective preventative solution to these problems.”
The actual air intake prevents the growth of bacteria that is usually found in water cooling towers. It does this by stopping external nutrient sources, getting into the equipment in the first place.
The screens can also increase the efficiency of cooling towers by improving the airflow. By having a screen for the air intake it stops clogging occurring around the coils in condensers, air cooled chillers and dry air coolers. This means that cleaning them regularly isn’t necessary and means less damage will be caused by cleaning chemicals.
In a commercial environment it is important for all equipment to be maintained appropriately as the cost of repairs and the effect a non-functioning piece of equipment can have on a business can be huge. If your refrigerator is properly maintained this will increase efficiency, reduce running costs and longevity of the unit.
It is important that you carry out some maintenance on your refrigeration unit, not only to keep it running but to ensure you are adhering to the Environmental Health Organisation’s regulations.
Here at G T Refrigeration we have put together some quick tips for you to ensure your units are kept up to a high standard.
It is important that you check your door seals regularly. This is because if they are split, cracked or not fitted correctly, this is the perfect breeding ground bacteria and it will also lead to loss of energy which isn’t efficient. Continue reading →
Choosing an air conditioner
Summer time is here (although it may not feel like it sometimes) if you haven’t got an air conditioning unit installed in your office or house yet now is the time do to so. However, there are many makes and models all capable of doing lots of different things so how do you know where to start? Well here at G T Refrigeration we have written a breakdown for you to get you started!
First of all you need to know how they work. Once the unit is on and running the air that passes through goes through the unit and over a cold evaporator coil. Here the air is cooled and the moisture that is in the air that often causes the feeling of humidity is removed. This air is then blown back into the room making it a cooler environment for it to be in. Continue reading →
Service your Unit
Temperatures are on the rise (thankfully) so it is important that you don’t forget the machine that is going to keep your employees comfortable and productive throughout the summer; your air conditioning unit.
There have been reports that 40% of air conditioning units that are not maintained properly and need a repair leave users without a cooling unit for at least a day, which during a day that reaches record temperatures, it is a very long day.
The president of Sig Cox Heating and Air Conditioning is John Haynie and he has suggested that the average lifespan of a unit is between 10 and 13 years. The best way to ensure that your unit last this long is through preventative maintenance and regular servicing. Continue reading →
The Energy Efficiency Debate
Energy, and more to the point, energy efficiency, has been a constant topic for the last couple of years not only because the public had to become more money conscious during the recession but also governments are putting in schemes around Europe in order to lower carbon emissions. “Being green” has become a fashionable, hot topic and it seems there is no slowing down.
However, even though it is a very popular topic, there are also issues in the industry that simply aren’t working for consumers and supply chains. The first being regulations surrounding being green. There are a few out there such as the green deal and Part L however, both have their problems. For example the green deal is great in the short term although in the long term there are high interest rates which has meant that few have joined up to the scheme. Continue reading →
Why should inspections be carried out on your air conditioning unit?
If you are a building owner and you manage an air conditioning system it is important for you to know if it operates a cooling capacity above 12kW or not. This is because if it does there are statutory obligations that need to be adhered to in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. This means that air conditioning inspections need to be carried out regularly by professionals that are accredited and qualified.
The reason that your air conditioning unit needs to be inspected and serviced is to improve the efficiency by reducing the consumption of energy, improving the operating costs and reducing the amount of carbon emissions that are produced. Whilst there are plans for the R22 refrigerant phase out, this is restricted on older units so if you have a unit that cannot use the R22 alternative you may want to consider updating your system in order to improve your efficiency long term. Continue reading →
Five Common Issues with your Air Conditioning
Who knows what is happening with the weather nowadays? April has so far bought us sunshine, snow and showers so that means being prepared for the summer is essential as no one knows when it is going to turn up. Having sweltering staff in your office is not the best recipe for success so making sure your air conditioning unit is working is essential for the “just in case.” Some of the main reasons that air conditioners don’t work is because they have been installed wrong, or aren’t well serviced or maintained. There are some issues that can be fixed by yourself and for others you will need to call a professional but we have listed the top five issues that could go wrong with your unit and what can be done to fix it. Continue reading →
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.
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.
New Air Intake Screens
ECEX are engineering specialises and they have launched a new product, air intake screens. There is a range and they are available for all types of heating ventilation and air conditioning.
By protecting the air intake equipment could reduce the amount of preventative plant maintenance by 70 per cent which in turn will extend the life of the HVAC internal air filters by 60 per cent.
Richard Betts is the managing director at ECEX and he has said, “Protection of air intake systems helps reduce energy and maintenance costs.
“Particles of airborne debris are drawn in HVAC equipment which can cause filters to clog up and increase airflow resistance.
“Over time, machinery will become less efficient and, in some cases, the airborne waste can cause failure. Air intake screens offer a simple and cost-effective preventative solution to these problems.”
The actual air intake prevents the growth of bacteria that is usually found in water cooling towers. It does this by stopping external nutrient sources, getting into the equipment in the first place.
The screens can also increase the efficiency of cooling towers by improving the airflow. By having a screen for the air intake it stops clogging occurring around the coils in condensers, air cooled chillers and dry air coolers. This means that cleaning them regularly isn’t necessary and means less damage will be caused by cleaning chemicals.