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FAQs

Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about our services. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for please contact us and we would be happy to discuss your query.

General

What is an air conditioning system used for?
An air conditioning system is designed to provide and distribute cooled (and, in some cases, heated) air throughout a room or building. Modern equipment uses filters to remove particulates from the air and the cooling process also helps to dehumidify it. Air conditioning can improve air quality, providing a comfortable, environment for the occupants in the building and ensuring the smooth operation of sensitive equipment.
Are air conditioning units capable of both cooling and heating rooms?
The majority of modern air conditioning units can provide both functions since they tend to include special heat pumps. These are basically machines capable of pumping heat in both directions, resulting in a quick transition from cooling to heating or vice versa.
Is air conditioning expensive to run?
One of the most misinformed air conditioning facts is that it is expensive to run. Although costs can vary drastically from installation to installation and are dependent upon a number of factors, including the running time of the unit and the heating and cooling loads, air conditioning is generally very economical. For additional information on running costs, please get in touch.

Diagnosis & Maintenance 

I have a manufacturer’s warranty, so do I really need a maintenance contract too?
One of our Planned Maintenance Contracts will satisfy the requirements and obligations of all of the major air conditioning manufacturer warranties. It is important to bear in mind that manufacturer warranties are only valid if the equipment has been used and maintained in accordance with their specifications and recommendations, in a similar way in which car manufacturers require that the vehicle be serviced and maintained throughout the life of the warranty.
The air conditioning is running but the airflow is much lower than I remember?
Have you cleaned your air filter? The most important user maintenance is to keep those air filters clean.
The fuse keeps blowing on my air conditioning – why?
It could be that there is a problem with the compressor and you are advised to contact us for further assistance. It could also be that a fuse or circuit breaker has recently been replaced but the wrong replacement (smaller rating) has been fitted. Check, but only if you are qualified to work on electrical systems.
I have lost my operating instructions – Can I get another copy?
Quite possibly; contact our service or sales teams they may be able to send you copies or at least advise you how to proceed.

Legal Requirements

What is F Gas?
HFCs, CFCs and HCFCs all come under the term “F gas”. These gases are used in a variety of refrigeration equipment which includes air conditioning. F gases have long been associated with contributing to ozone depletion and global warming.

Recent EU legislation means that these gases must be limited in use. The release of F gases into the atmosphere is now strictly controlled in order to safeguard the environment. Should air conditioning equipment contain 3kg of an F gas or more, legally, the owner must arrange inspections at least once a year. If the equipment contains 30kg of an F gas or more, quarterly inspections will be necessary.

We are accredited and approved by REFCOM to test F gas equipment. We can also arrange F gas checks as part of your Planned Maintenance Contract with us.

What is VRV or VRF?
VRV is a system developed and designed by Daikin Industries and means “variable refrigerant volume”. Daikin protected the term VRV so other manufacturers use the term VRF “variable refrigerant flow”. In principle they both work the same and are extremely efficient, reliable, energy saving ways to heat and cool all types of buildings with minimum installation time or disruption.

The volume or flow rate of refrigerant is accurately matched to the required heating or cooling loads thereby saving energy and providing more accurate control.

In short, they are probably the best systems currently available for mid to large applications.

What is an air conditioning inspection?
It is now a legal obligation for air conditioning systems with a capacity greater than 12kW to be inspected once every five years in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Owners of the system (or those who control it) are responsible for arranging these inspections to ensure that the system is operating efficiently and correctly and that it is suitable for its intended use. McAlpine Grant Ilco is able to advise customers on when inspections should occur and can also arrange for members of our network of accredited and certified inspection partners to conduct the inspections.
What are the Part L Building Regulations?
The EPBD establishes minimum standards of energy efficiency for new cooling and heating equipment and Part L of the Building Regulations enforces many of its requirements, rated according to its type and its efficiency at full load.

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