Close-up view of an air conditioner remote control

A Summer 2023 Guide To Air Conditioning

Whether you’re overseeing the facilities of a large building, spending your first Summer in a busy office, or simply looking to improve the general conditions of a busy commercial space, the impending change in weather conditions and humidity may spell trouble. Heat can have a surprising effect on staff productivity, the functionality of appliances and essentials, as well as customer behaviour – so why not combat these issues before they’re even given the chance to occur?

At Ian Hobbs Technical Services Ltd, we’ve long been the local favourite for HVAC maintenance. Whether overseeing fridge hire in Somerset, organising a visit for when you require an electrician in Yeovil, or maintaining and servicing air conditioning set-ups in Bristol. From the minor to the complex, read ahead for our detailed guide, including an explanation of how air conditioning systems work, benefits, unit types and much more.

Air Conditioning Explained

Put simply, air conditioning (AC) units are devices which draw in surrounding air, change it, treat it, and then circulate or expel it for the advantage of individuals within a space. They typically operate in enclosed interior spaces, though complex networks of these AC devices can be efficiently installed and maintained within more expansive spaces. Another way of understanding air conditioning is that these essential devices share many of the working principles and fundamental parts of a common domestic fridge. An air conditioner utilises energy to transmit heat from the inside of your building to the comparatively warm outside environment, much as refrigerators use energy to move heat from their cold interior to your surroundings.

Suitable Locations For Aircon Installation

A monumental task in theory, commercial systems must cool an entire floor or building, significantly greater in size than a home in most cases. Whereas a manageable domestic AC system will frequently come in the form of a central air conditioning unit, used to chill an entire house, commercial air conditioning equipment features larger evaporators, compressors, fans, and blowers, while multiple units may be necessary. When determining where to install these air conditioner units, several factors frequently come into play, and these elements differ from setting to setting. Your air conditioner’s efficiency will depend on where you position it, though the optimal conditions for an air conditioner are open spaces with ample airflow. If the area is overcrowded, a unit won’t be able to control the temperature very well, leading to a lack of performance. General locations and specific settings which may benefit from installation include:

  • Commercial premises

  • Offices

  • Factories

  • Large homes

  • Industrial buildings

  • Controlled environments

Genuine Benefits

A space with air conditioning installed is almost always going to be more comfortable than one without it, and AC systems of all kinds (from basic split systems to more elaborate heat recovery systems) are continually developing thanks to advances in technology. The very newest set-ups can effectively cool and heat a building at the press of a button, maintaining a steady and pleasant temperature while using the least amount of energy possible, cutting utility bills and carbon emissions.

On the personal side of things, The Facilities Management Journal has reported that a poor office climate can reduce productivity, with 29% of office workers surveyed indicating that unpleasant office temperatures can prevent them from working effectively for an average of 10 to 30 minutes every day. Workplaces and other business interiors are kept comfortable and healthy with good air conditioning, even improving customer satisfaction and staff retention. Such conditions are also helpful for maintaining the functionality of other equipment, processes, and products.

Types Of Unit

It’s hardly surprising that there are a wide variety of AC units and system configurations given the variety of home and office environments air conditioning units are deployed in. The diverse range of temperatures and humidities they’re expected to maintain in various locations also require flexibility and an element of choice. Together with their fundamental cooling capabilities, many systems also have significant extra features and functionalities. A free site study from Ian Hobbs Technical Services may help you choose which of our many air conditioning options will work best in your building, while of course we’re happy to outline recommendations, which may include the following:

  • Inverter energy-saving systems

  • Multi split systems

  • VRV and VRF systems

  • Close control systems

  • Server room and data centre cooling solutions

  • De-humidifiers

  • Total heat exchangers

  • DX and chilled water systems

  • Water and air-cooled systems

  • Factory temperature control systems

  • Clean room solutions

  • Hydronic systems

  • Air source heat pumps

  • Ground source heat pumps

  • Portable air conditioning

Repairs And Possible Issues

Concerned about the possibility that devices might malfunction or stop working properly? We offer a first-rate, around-the-clock service. Enduring and affordable solutions will let you and your company operate at peak efficiency, avoiding the disruptive effects of a flawed installation. Subpar servicing methods and insufficient maintenance can lead to frequent air conditioning problems, which may include inadequate airflow, leaking ductwork and low refrigerant in the system. If in doubt, always seek expert advice. If you’re unsure, Ian Hobbs Technical Services Ltd can ensure usual service resumes as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Weighing up the perks of having an air conditioning network installed will no-doubt make for a tempting prospect, but you may still have questions which remain unanswered. Here are just a selection of frequently asked questions we regularly encounter – though if you have any more immediate queries, we would be more than happy to answer you directly.

Is Planning Permission Required?

Generally speaking within domestic settings, as long as your outdoor unit complies with rules, you may install an AC system in a residential house – all without needing planning approval. On the other hand, if your property is on designated land or if the network of units might cause an obstruction, you probably require approval from your local planning authority. Before beginning any installation work, speak with your local authority to discuss the intended project. Once approved, we can cooperate with you to guarantee that your system design complies with all applicable laws.

How Expensive Are These Units To Run?

Formerly seen as a luxury, available exclusively to those in larger homes, or within factory and large retail environments, initial costs of air conditioning utilities need not be offputting. Installation and operating costs have decreased thanks to advances in technology and design – which has also increased their appeal. The type of air conditioning unit, its output, and the size or layout of the property are only a few of the variables that affect the cost of operating an AC system in 2023. Summer of this year may be the perfect time to take the plunge.

Is Air Conditioning Harmful To The Environment?

If we’re to collectively achieve net zero emissions by 2050, electricity needs to come from renewable sources as an absolute must, and thankfully, air conditioners offer a low-carbon method of cooling and heating any sized space. Although heat pumps and AC systems utilise electricity, they are significantly more efficient than other types of heating system, as they generate more heat than they use. Much better for the environment than other means of cooling a home, air conditioning innovations are constantly improving.

How Can I Ensure My Air Conditioning Unit Remains Functional?

Replacing or cleaning an air conditioner’s filters on a regular basis will help to maintain the effectiveness of your AC, as filters that are clogged or unclean restrict airflow and dramatically lower efficiency. If the surrounding area is dusty or there is vegetation, outdoor condenser coils can also get quite dirty, and impact the efficiency of a system. The attached condenser coils are notoriously flimsy and prone to bending, which can obstruct airflow – though D.I.Y maintenance can often worsen matters if you aren’t 100% sure what you’re doing.

Ian Hobbs Technical Services Ltd: Trustworthy Electrical Contractors

At Ian Hobbs Technical Services Ltd, we retain the industry knowledge you require for AC installation in Summer 2023. Whether you only require a single store air conditioning unit or a full office space solution, you can be sure that when you choose us, you’ll always get top-notch goods and dependable services. We’re pleased to offer the very best air conditioning installation for companies all around the South West and throughout Bristol, Bath or surrounding areas. Installations, maintenance, and repairs compliment our 24-hour emergency call out services, giving customers peace of mind that assistance is on hand in case of an urgent emergency.

Searching for ‘electrician Yeovil’ or ‘fridge hire Somerset’? Satisfy your demand for anything from plumbing and heating to air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation – simply call us right now to learn more about our selection of services, and to receive individualised advice and direction from our staff.