Andrews Air Conditioning Services | Page 4

Is Building Regulations Approval Required for New Air Conditioning?

The UK Planning System is generally administered by local government and provides guidance, plans and strategies to control what and where new development takes place.

As part of this, the Building Regulations are a set of nationally enforced minimum standards which control the quality and performance of all elements of new construction. The Building Regulations are comprehensive, covering a broad range of issues such as thermal insulation, electrical and gas safety and structural integrity.

Enforcement is by Local Authority Building Control Departments whose inspectors visit sites to ensure the building regulations are being adhered to and provide formal approval when satisfied that the required standards have been met. read more

Is Planning Permission Required for New Air Conditioning?

The UK Planning Permission System operates to ensure that building plans contribute to the delivery of sustainable development so that new homes, businesses, shops, offices and public buildings are built in such a way as to protect and improve the environment.

Typically, planning permission applications from businesses relate to the building of new premises, alterations or extensions to existing premises, or the change of use of premises. To extend shops or offices you will always need planning permission. If you are altering or extending a listed building or a building in a conservation area you may also require conservation area and listed building consent before you proceed. read more

Further Investment in Field Sales Capability

Andrews Air Conditioning Services is delighted to announce a further expansion of its sales expertise and capability with the appointment of Steve Evans to the position of Business Development Manager. Steve, who lives in Cannock Staffordshire, will take responsibility for the vitally important territory encompassing the East & West Midlands, Mid and South Wales and much of the West Country.

Steve Evans – Business Development Manager

His move to Andrews Air Conditioning continues a highly successful career spent primarily in the dehumidification and property restoration sector. Commenting on Steve’s decision to join the company, Martin Willis, National Sales Manager of Andrews Air Conditioning said, ‘’Steve brings a wealth of experience in surveying projects for existing properties, which is a key area of focus for Andrews Air Conditioning. His expertise in the equipment hire industry will also enable him to quickly build relationships with our colleagues in Andrews Sykes Hire to ensure we offer our customers a seamless temporary and permanent solution for all their cooling and heating requirements’’. read more

National Installations Manager Completes the Team

Andrews Air Conditioning Services is delighted to announce the appointment of Tony Marsh to the position of National Installations Manager.

With a long and successful background in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector, Tony will lead a nationwide team of Project Managers and Installation Engineers. ‘Tony’s expertise in working directly with customers to deliver technical expertise and clear, no–nonsense advice will be a huge benefit and I’m looking forward greatly to working with him’, explained Andy Whiteley, Divisional Director. read more

Endless Cooling at Infinity Fitness

When the owner of an innovative new 24-hour fitness studio in Kent was considering air conditioning providers he didn’t need to ponder for long. As an experienced electrical contractor he had worked with Andrews Air Conditioning in the past and, knowing our commitment to service and quality workmanship, was keen to do so again.

Andrews Air Conditioning installed unobtrusive, energy-efficient comfort cooling using 5x10kW Toshiba ceiling cassette systems to transform a former office building into a smart multi-purpose fitness centre and dance studio. As owner Dean Smith explained, ‘’We suffered some unexpected delays in obtaining planning permission but Andrews Air Conditioning were fabulous in helping us achieve our opening date’’. read more

Heat pumps play vital role in emissions reduction targets

In a new report suggesting the UK will fail to meet its carbon emissions target, the Government Committee on Climate Change criticised inadequate investment in heat pumps, described as an important option for meeting carbon budgets.

Heat Pump Technology makes great sense

According to the Committee on Climate Change, the UK is not on track to meet carbon budgets and suggests it will be necessary for Government to develop and implement further policy measures over the next two years to meet its commitments. Calling on the government to extend the Renewable Heat Incentive to the residential sector and ensure funding beyond 2015, it suggests allowing the Green Deal finance scheme to cover up-front costs of purchasing heat pumps. Current incentives are described as weak. read more

Air Conditioning Is Not To Be Sneezed At!

This year’s long cool spring, followed by a hot summer period has resulted in a particularly miserable time for hay fever sufferers as airborne pollen concentrations have hit unusually high levels.

Many of us will simply put up with the discomfort, whilst others will resort to antihistamine sprays and tablets. But there is another option. In this extreme hay fever season, many people are discovering the air purification benefits provided by air conditioning.

As Martin Willis, National Sales Manager of Andrews Air Conditioning Services, explains, ‘‘Modern air conditioning, in addition to delivering a steady stream of refreshing, cool air, is also fitted with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems. Capable of removing 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 micrometres in diameter, this technology purifies the indoor environment by removing a vast range of pollen, dust, mould spores and other pollutants. The advantages provided by air conditioning of effective summer comfort cooling and highly energy-efficient winter heating are well established, but they’re not the whole story.’’
So, to discover more about the environmental benefits of air conditioning, call Andrews Air Conditioning on 0800 731 8833. It’s not to be sneezed at! read more

Informed Advice About Inflammable Refrigerants

The R22 ‘Swap Out’ deadline is approaching, but some alternatives being considered may not be the most responsible choice. Propane based refrigerants are appearing, however “The use of these substances poses a potential fire or explosion hazard for owners and service technicians,” according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (equivalent to UK’s DEFRA) warning that most air conditioning systems aren’t designed for propane or similar flammable refrigerants and the EPA is currently investigating instances where propane has been a substitute for R22. The “EPA is aware of incidents…. where injuries have occurred as a result of the use of propane or other unapproved refrigerants…” read more

Taking the Con Out of Air Conditioning

The issue of inferior products being passed off as quality brands is worryingly common in consumer market sectors. However, on the basis of recent evidence, it is now becoming a problem for buyers of air conditioning systems too.

Even ‘Up Close’, sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish fake from genuine equipment

Most major air conditioning brands have experienced the issue and recently Toshiba, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of quality air conditioning, warned of its increasing prevalence. Toshiba first identified the issue around three years ago following an unusually large number of calls from users whose equipment had failed or was not performing as expected. read more

Why Does Air Conditioning Sometimes Smell?

During normal operation, air conditioning units tend to accumulate a wide variety of dirt, fibres, dust & pollen. If the unit is not properly and regularly maintained, this accumulation will combine with moisture in the environment, providing the perfect home for bacteria and mould. These organisms can emit nasty odours, spoiling the pleasant indoor environment the air conditioning is intended to create.

Regular Maintenance, Service & Repair Makes Good Business Sense
Saving Money and Energy and Preventing Disruption

Avoid air conditioning smells with the following tips :

• The air filters in both the indoor and outdoor units must be kept clean and clear of debris. If filters become blocked, the equipment will not only deliver reduced performance and consume more energy than necessary, it is much more likely to emit unpleasant odours. Inspect air filters regularly, particularly if the system operates in damp or dusty conditions.
• Ensure the condensate water drains and collection trays are not blocked and any condensate drain pumps and float switches are working properly. Drain lines on infrequently used systems, or those which are not flushed through frequently, can block leaving behind stagnant water.
• Clean heat exchanger coils and fins regularly. Dirt and grime may accumulate on the coils of the air conditioner which will also harbour odour-producing bacteria.
• Most important of all, have air conditioning professionally serviced on a regular basis to maintain performance, reliability and energy efficiency (generally at least twice per year). A Planned Maintenance Programme gives peace of mind and avoids the hassle of remembering to maintain and service equipment properly. read more