Frequently Asked Questions
How can I save on my energy bill?
Energy savings can be realised in many ways:
- Set your thermostats to maintain 24°C in summer and 20°C in winter
- Make sure your filters are clean
- Ensure your condenser and evaporator coils are clean
- If any of your motors are belt driven, ensure that the belt is in good condition and is not slipping on the pulley
- If you are unable or are unsure about any of the above call a professional to implement a maintenance program tailored to meet your desired outcomes
How do I know that my air conditioning system is performing to the manufacturer’s specifications?
As part of your maintenance requirements your service provider should log and record the system’s actual readings against the manufacturer’s standard or the accepted Industry Standard.
How can I be sure that I will not contract Legionella?
Legionella is an airborne bacteria that causes the disease. Being airborne there is no 100% guarantee that it can be prevented as it can be transmitted from cooling towers in your vicinity. If you have an air-cooled system, your risk is greatly reduced. A well-implemented maintenance program will also ensure greater risk minimisation.
How often should my filters be changed?
Filter changes can vary depending on system operation (whether it is used 5 or 7 days, 9 am to 5 pm or only used as required) and the surrounding environment. A well-planned and implemented maintenance program will ensure the filters are changed/cleaned as and when needed.
The temperature is set down to the lowest setting but still feels warm. Why?
If there is nothing wrong with the system, an air conditioner that has been well-designed and installed to suit the room size will not achieve the same temperature on a 40°C⁺ day as it would on a 30°C day, because it if it were to, it would be sized for the exception and not the norm. This would cost more in installation and operational costs. 40°C outside and 28°C inside is not a cause for alarm.
What can be done about varying temperatures throughout the office?
There can be many reasons for this. It would need a professional to come out and diagnose the problems and issue a report with recommendations.
Why are my staff getting lethargic in the afternoons?
This could be the result of a number of reasons:
- Temperature is too warm
- Not enough airflow to the area
- Not enough fresh/outside air being drawn in and mixed with the return air
Have a professional look into the problem.
What do I have to do to ensure my air conditioning system complies with regulations?
A service provider of good repute will ensure that a maintenance program that is provided will have been put together following the guidelines of institutions such as AIRAH (Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating) and will have all regulations covered.
Can I save money on my service?
Yes. This depends on the system you have and the resources you have in-house (for example, staff who are capable of carrying out filter or vee-belt replacements). There are also savings to be made by dealing with specialists like Chemical Treatment specialists directly instead of going through a third party.
Do I have to replace my old R22 systems?
No.
What maintenance is needed for cooling towers now?
Cooling Tower Maintenance is fairly complex taking into account the regulations and should be left to a reputable Service Provider.
What are reasonable man-hour rates for the air conditioning industry?
This can vary greatly depending on the company and their capabilities in terms of the service provided. In 2001 the AMCA (Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association) issued a publication that recommended then that the charge out rate should be $72.28/per hour. (Multiply this by inflation year-on-year and you will have some idea.)
I need to see all service dockets and reports, how can this be done?
Request that your service provider provides the dockets and reports in a manner and format that suits your requirements.
How do I know I am getting what I paid for with the service?
You need a maintenance contract/proposal that clearly states what will be done, when it will be done and how much time per annum will be spent executing the proposal. In additional to this, service dockets must be produced confirming that the work has been carried out and, if required, six monthly or annual summarised reports issued.
I don’t know what equipment is on site, how can an asset list be made?
As part of a well-planned maintenance program your service provider should draw up an assets list and should update it as equipment is changed. (You may have to pay extra for the initial list.)
Why does my air conditioner keep breaking down?
If you do not have a maintenance program you should implement one. If you have one, you should be asking your service provider for answers.
How quickly can you respond?
Depending on the severity of the problem, response can be from 1 – 8 hours.