Air Conditioning Service

Heat pumps play vital role in emissions reduction targets

Posted Date 26/08/2013

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!

Posted Date 20/08/2013

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

Taking the Con Out of Air Conditioning

Posted Date 12/08/2013

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?

Posted Date 05/08/2013

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

Daikin Announce Introduction of environment friendly ‘mildly flammable’ Refrigerant

Posted Date 30/07/2013

As worldwide regulations curb the use of environmentally damaging chemicals, the air conditioning industry continues to innovate in the field of refrigerants. One example is the refrigerant Difluoromethane, also known as R32.

Replacement of Refrigerant should always be undertaken by a Specialist Contractor

Leading air conditioning manufacturer Daikin has announced that it intends to introduce R32 refrigerant in new air conditioning units manufactured for the Japanese market, with a planned roll-out into other regions, including Europe.

R32 is a single-component refrigerant, and although it is listed as “mildly flammable”, it has zero Ozone-depleting potential (ODP) and a much lower global warming potential (GWP) than R410A, one of the most commonly used air conditioning refrigerants throughout Europe and North America. R410A’s GWP is at 2088, whilst R32’s is significantly lower at 675. read more

Andrews Sykes Air Conditioning Services – Good Practice Notes: Legionnaires’ Disease

Posted Date 23/07/2013

One year on from outbreaks in Edinburgh and Stoke-On-Trent, Legionnaires’ disease, whilst increasingly less common, remains a potential issue for building owners, facilities managers and occupiers – especially in commercial and public buildings

Legionellosis is an infection caused by a bacterium named Legionella Pneumophila. Legionella are natural inhabitants of water and can be detected in rivers, lakes and streams.

Patients with Legionnaires disease usually have fever, chills and a cough. Some patients have muscle aches, headache, tiredness and loss of appetite. Chest x-rays will often look like pneumonia, even to the trained eye, therefore it is difficult to distinguish Legionnaires disease from other types of pneumonia by symptoms alone. read more

Andrews Air Conditioning staff member raises over £13,000 for Children’s charity

Posted Date 04/10/2012

Andrews Air Conditioning employee Angelina Van Zyl has been actively fundraising for children charity ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ raising a total of £13,500 so far! Following the death of her son, aged 4, earlier this year to cancer, Angelina wants to make sure ‘this wonderful charity’ receives all the help they need with children’s wishes.

When You Wish Upon Star aims to makes wishes for children suffering with life threatening illnesses come true and whether that be a trip to Disney Florida or Paris to meet their favourite characters, or a chance to get up close to a favourite pop star or sporting hero, the charity aims to make this a reality. read more

Keep Moving To Stay Cool

Posted Date 03/10/2011

Air conditioning is increasingly becoming an essential element of our modern lifestyles. But, if used carelessly, it can result in a significant waste of energy. That’s why Andrews Air Conditioning Services is offering Passive Infra-Red (PIR) motion sensors to its customers.

Discussing the technology, Andy Whiteley, Divisional Director of Andrews Air Conditioning says, ”The technology isn’t new, we’re all familiar with its use in burglar alarm systems, but its application to reducing energy consumption is less well-known”. read more