What is Air conditioning?

Air conditioning is based on the precise control of temperature, humidity, air flow and air cleanliness.Split system air conditioners regulate these elements around the clock to provide you with a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Day and night, year after year. Cooling Mode: Excess room heat is absorbed by a special liquid – a refrigerant – sealed within the system. As the refrigerant in the indoor unit absorbs the room heat, it changes into a gas and is carried through small, copper tubes to an outdoor unit which releases heat into the atmosphere.The gas is converted into a liquid again and flows back to the indoor unit where air is fanned over it and out into the room. This cycle is repeated until the pre-set temperature is reached. – Top

What is a Heat Pump?

Heating Mode: Heat pump units also allow the cooling cycle to be reversed.A heat pump extracts “free” heat from the outdoor air, even on the coldest dayswhen the outside temperature may fall as low as -10°C, and transfers the heat indoors.Heat pump units therefore avoid the need for a boiler and allow you to cool and heat with the same unit,with savings in costs and energy throughout the year. A simple principle developed to perfectionAir conditioning works like your refrigerator which removes heat continuously from the cabinet and discharges it into the kitchen. You can feel this “free” heat by touching the coil on the back of your refrigerator.In summer, the heat pump extracts heat from the warm air in your home and pumps it outside. Your home stays comfortable & cool.In winter its the reverse. Natural heat in the outdoor air – even when its freezing – is extracted and moved indoors. Wonderful warmth when you need it. Comfort that costs less Three kilowatts of heat for each kilowatt of electricity used… Heat pumps are up to three times more economical than conventional gas fired or electric central-heating systems.Even in bitter cold snaps you will save money.Installation costs are lower too. With just one system, for cooling in summer and heating in winter, you save on equipment outlay. – Top

How do I calculate the cooling or heating capacity of my room ?

Multiply the length x width x height of the room in metres multiply the total by 40, this will give you the answer in “watts” (please note this calculation is only a guide) – Top

How cold can I make my room?

The lower limit for comfort cooling is 20 degrees. – Top

How much will it cost to run?

Take the “input power” (normally around 30% of the output of the unit) multiply this figure by the cost per unit of electricity allowing for diversity (thermostatic control) – Top

Where does the heat go?

Normally by an outside condenser. – Top

Can I put the outside condenser in another room?

The ideal place is outdoors, however some applications are suitable for the condenser to be located indoors, an example being a small room with a large warehouse area adjacent. – Top

What is the maximum separation I can have between the indoor and outdoor unit?

This can be up to 50 metres dependent on the size of the unit and the manufacturers specifications, also the amount of “lift” involved (indoor lower than outdoor or visa versa) Units under 3.5 kw normally have a maximum of 15mtrs. – Top

Can my outdoor unit be mounted higher or lower than the indoor unit?

Yes, this will vary again dependant on make and size, rule of thumb small units are allowed 5 mtrs of “lift” more detail on pipe separation horizintal and vertical here. – Top

What about fresh air?

Normally on small wall type and ceiling type units there is no provision for fresh air on the actual unit, on the ducted and cassette type provision is made in most cases. – Top

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a reverse cycle airconditioner, modern heat pumps are very efficient and one of the most cost-effective methods of heating. – Top

Will a heat pump work in severe weather conditions?

An ” air to air” heat pump will not perform at 100% efficiency during these conditions, the system should be” sized” using a higher calculation method to compensate for this. – Top

I have an office 8mx4m should I use a 5kw wall type unit?

No. This length of room should have 2 x 2.5 kw wall units or 1 x ceiling unit or cassette type this is because wall unit air “throw” is only good for approx. 4 metres. – Top

What about noise?

The noise of the indoor unit is less than a pc base unit in most cases, The outdoor units are also extremely quiet in operation. – Top

What about refrigerant, which one do I go for ?

Refrigerant 22 has been in use for many years, it will be illegal to import heat pumps into the EEC with this type of refrigerant after December 2003 although it will be around for some time for servicing a good “drop in alternate is Isceon 59 (R417a). – Top

Can I use other types of refrigerant in my R22 system?

There are “drop in refrigerants” available now that will replace R22 without modifications to the system. – Top

Can I use the new refrigerants in my R22 air conditioner?

No.! The oil in a R22 refrigerant compressor is mineral oil and in the new types it is synthetic. – Top

Can I buy “too big” a system for my room?

Yes, too large a system will result in short cycling. – Top

Can I get Legionnaire’s disease ?

This has been traced to poorly maintained water based commercial cooling systems. – Top

What is “latent heat” ?

Latent heat is sometimes called “hidden heat” – Top