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19 Aug

What is a split air conditioner?

Posted at 12:00 AM, 19 August 2014 by acladmin / Category: Articles

Cooling and heating a home is taxing on any budget.  The standard way to cool a home is to have a duct based condenser unit installed.  Not only are condensers often inefficient, though, but the duct work is too.  These two parts lose energy very quickly as heat exchanges happen throughout the system that normally spans the entire home.  In order to keep up with air conditioning needs, the unit constantly has to keep air within the ducts at the desired temperature.  It is a constant drag on the compressor unit.

To battle this, the industry came up with a more efficient means to deliver cool air to a home which is called Split air conditioning. The advantage of Split A/C is that it uses far less electricity, and also a lot less materials and construction resources are needed. There is still a unit that sits on the outside of a home, but the units themselves stay within individual rooms.

Split A/C gives ultimate control to the user as they can cool individual rooms or areas. This gives an advantage for the user and allows everyone to be at their comfort level at a fraction of the cost of traditional units.

Typically, there have been two ways to cool a house, the earlier mentioned standard duct unit and the smaller and much less expensive window based A/C units. If you are on a very low budge, then you may consider window units.  Split A/C will be a substantially higher upfront cost, but cannot be compared to the older duct units. The small units simply cool by using a long fan which distributes the coolness from the coil within.  This gives the home owner complete control of his or her environment.

Split level A/C is much less intrusive as it is mainly a few cables and tubes that are run out to the main unit.  The cost of the insulation and installation is far less than that of new duct work or all the materials needed to upgrade an existing unit.  Not only, will it be far more aesthetically pleasing than a window unit, it will of course be a money saving investment that will keep your home cool.

For a further incentive, these types of units are huge helpers of the environment compared to their predecessors.  Their carbon footprint is a fraction of other products.

6 Aug

A Look At Cool Rooms Throughout History

Posted at 12:00 AM, 6 August 2014 by acladmin / Category: Articles / Tags: ,

Civilisation has depended on ways to store their goods throughout history.  Before refrigeration there were few methods to keep foods fresh for a long time. Often meats would be salted or dried in order to save them.  Most consumables had to be used almost immediately or they would spoil.  Refrigeration has been a mainstream technology for the past years, but there were many attempts to do so before the age of compressed gasses.

Before freezers and refrigeration people found ways to keep food wares cool by using the earth’s natural thermal properties, but this process was only cool and not cold. Food could be kept in the 40’s and 50’s Fahrenheit.  If a group lived in the right region, then often ice was packed in from the mountains and packed into rooms or small storage areas to keep it frozen.  This process was time consuming and costly and often ineffective.

In the 18th century research began on the process of compressing gasses, which suck heat from the surrounding air causing it cool and freeze. Some work was even done by Ben Franklin himself.  Strangely enough, the thing that drove the industry was beer and breweries around the world.  Simply put, the brewers of beer needed an effective way to brew and store their product.  One of the first rooms ever to be continuously refrigerated was in fact on the merchant sailing ship, The Dunlin in 1881.

In 1911 General Electric came out with the first refrigerator which was powered by gas, but it was large and expensive.  In the 1930’s Frigidaire came up with the system that used Freon, a dangerous gas which depletes the Ozone layer. Until this time the main way to keep things frozen was still the archaic and not very sanitary ice box.  Issues with iceboxes included problems with health concerns as they would become mouldy and tainted easily.

In the 1950’s it became relatively common and easy to create and make ice, and in this path, it became common to be able to make refrigerated areas or cool rooms.  Freon (made by the DuPont company) gave rise to these wonders of the modern age.  Due to this great achievement, we can live anywhere, ship frozen foods anywhere and have the ability to have a variety of foods at a fraction of the cost it would have been to ship them using old methods.

As technology and wisdom grows, cool storage rooms get better and more efficient.

31 Jul

How Often Should A Restaurant Change Their Refrigeration Equipment?

Posted at 12:00 AM, 31 July 2014 by acladmin / Category: Articles / Tags:

Most refrigeration units found in restaurants are either for short term food storage or for longer term storage, and most refrigeration units will give many years of trouble-free service with only a need for minimal maintenance. Nevertheless, there are a few things to look out for that could mean that the refrigeration equipment in your restaurant needs maintenance or replacement.

Most refrigeration and freezing units work along the same lines, and there are 3 important parts that when they go wrong could leave you looking for new equipment.

The Compressor

The compressor is basically an electrically powered motor which is encased in a metal container, and can usually be found outside of the unit at the back. This is one of the most vital elements to any refrigeration unit, and you need to think of it as the heart of your appliance, and if it breaks down you may well have to consider whether it is more cost-effective to replace it or just buy a new refrigerator. Due to the fact that the unit is sealed, there is little to no chance of a faulty compressor being repaired.

The Condenser Coil

Located near to the compressor, the condenser coil is a 12 by 12 inch square and often black coloured unit, which will be placed in front of a fan. The fan has two roles here, and that is to remove heat from the condenser coil, but also to help keep the compressor cool too. This area needs to be kept free from any items that may affect the flow of air, and the condenser coil should be cleaned every 3 months or so.

The Evaporator Coil

Also known as the cold coil, this is to be found inside the compartment that is refrigerated, and in most cases you will not be able to see this coil without removing a cover or two. The purpose of this coil is to distribute the cold air inside the unit, and it is another vital part of the appliance, as well as being one that can require you to replace the whole unit when it malfunctions.

In Conclusion

So, what is the answer to the question of how often should a restaurant replace their refrigeration equipment? Well, there is no definitive answer, and most commercial refrigeration units should give a number of years reliable service. However, depending on how heavy the usage is, and whether you undertake maintenance, 5 to 10 years would seem to be about the right lifespan.

23 Jul

Common Problems Caused By Lack of Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance

Posted at 12:00 AM, 23 July 2014 by acladmin / Category: Articles / Tags: ,

Making sure that you maintain your commercial refrigeration equipment is vital if you wish to extend the working life of your refrigeration appliances. Regular and effective preventative maintenance can also lower the risks of fire that can come about when a refrigeration appliance malfunctions. Keeping your refrigeration and freezing equipment maintained can help to reduce the costs associated with replacing whole units, especially if they become damaged beyond repair. They say that prevention is much better than the cure, and in the case of commercial refrigeration equipment, that statement is truer than most. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most common but preventable problems that can occur through lack of proper maintenance.

Here are some of the common problems that can arise within your refrigeration and freezing equipment if they are not maintained on a regular basis.

Fan Motor Failure

This is a problem that is caused when there is a restricted air flow around the area of the fan, which is usually a problem that is caused by dirty coils. Keeping your coils clean and free from obstruction will help to keep your fan motor from burning out.

Thermostat Failure

This is another problem that can be directly attributed to dirty condenser coils, and it usually comes about by a high amp draw.

Compressor Failure

Again, this is something that is caused by a refrigeration unit that has dirty condenser coils, as well as an excessive head pressure.

Failing and Burning Wiring

This is an additional problem that can come about due to the high amp draw, which will have been caused by dirty condenser coils and a high head pressure. Also, dirty coils can be to blame for a higher amp draw and a higher level of electricity consumption.

In Conclusion

These are just a few problems that can come about due to a lack of proper and regular maintenance, but there are many more, however, the ones listed above are among the most common.

As you can see, there are many things that can go wrong with commercial refrigeration equipment, and that is why it is so vital to make sure that you have a regular cleaning and maintenance program in place. Otherwise, you could find that your refrigeration equipment fails when you need it the most, or at the most inconvenient time.

16 Jul

Commercial Refrigeration Is Essential If You Own a Restaurant

Posted at 12:00 AM, 16 July 2014 by acladmin / Category: Articles / Tags:

If you own or run a food or catering business, you will already know just how vital it is to have reliable and efficient refrigeration equipment. These appliances are vital if you wish to store food at the right temperature, as well as helping you to avoid cross contamination and spoilt foodstuffs. In this article, we will take a closer look at why buying the right commercial refrigeration unit for your business is crucial.

The Various Types of Refrigeration Equipment

There is without doubt a vast array of different types of commercial refrigeration units that are available to buy or rent, and the appliances you choose should depend on what your needs are. Most restaurants for example will need refrigeration and freezers that are located in or near to the main food preparation area, where they can be accessed easily. However, smaller cafe’s and coffee shops may also have a need for display fridges, which showcase the range of canned or bottled drinks that are available to buy. There may also be a need for a cake display or patisserie display unit, which are a great way to show and store food whilst at the same time keeping it free from germs and dirt.

It is for these reasons that commercial refrigeration is an extremely specialist area, and you will need to find a supplier who has a very good level of knowledge about the need for refrigeration units within the catering industry.

Other things to consider

There is much more to commercial refrigeration than simply buying an appliance, as there are a number of rules and regulations relating to the safe storage of foodstuffs that need to be adhered to. Another additional consideration is the energy efficiency rating and safety rating of the equipment, due to the fact that they will be in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days of the week.

Durability is also a necessity, as these are going to be refrigeration appliances that come in for a lot of daily use, which means the ones that you buy, should be built to the highest possible standards as possible.

Finally

The very best suppliers of commercial refrigerators and freezers will be able to advise you on the most suitable appliances for your business, as well as offering you advice on where to locate the units within your establishment.

9 Jul

4 Key Points to Remember For Air Conditioning Installation

Posted at 12:00 AM, 9 July 2014 by acladmin / Category: Articles / Tags:

As a business owner, it is important to consider the working environment of your employees, and their comfort levels. That is why a lot more companies are now looking to install air conditioning in to their workplace, so that their employees can work in greater levels of comfort. In addition to which, if you are a shop owner, it is also important to consider the needs of your customers, and having an air conditioned shop or restaurant can really make a difference in how people feel about visiting your establishment.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the 4 most important things to consider when you opt for a new air conditioning system.

Choosing a Reputable Company

There are many different companies that offer their services for air conditioning installation, and it is important that you do as much research into each company as possible. It is a good idea to make up a shortlist of air conditioning installation companies in your area, and then ask them to provide you with a quote for the job. You should also take the time to look at reviews and testimonials that have been left by people or businesses that have used their services in the past.

Get an Inspection

Once you have found a suitable and reputable air conditioning installation company, it is important that no work takes place until a detailed inspection of your premises is carried out. The benefits of this inspection will be to make sure that your air conditioning system reaches the areas of your business where you need it most, as well as helping them to provide you with a realistic quote for their services.

Size of the System

Owning an air conditioning system that is too small or too big is not going to be much use. Too small and it won’t be effective enough, too big, and it will just waste both energy and money.

Maintenance

Once your air conditioning unit has been installed, it is going to be in need of regular maintenance to make sure that it runs to maximum efficiency. Unfortunately, problems can arise, and air conditioning systems can break down, that is why it is vital that the air conditioning maintenance service that you provide is able to offer a 24/7 call out service. If they do not, and your system malfunctions, your lack of air conditioning could have an impact on your business operations.

25 Jun

Is Your Air Conditioning Unit Leaking Water? What Does It Mean?

Posted at 12:00 AM, 25 June 2014 by acladmin / Category: Articles / Tags: ,

Although owning an air conditioner can be quite advantageous for homes that generally experience an ample amount of warm weather, they can be equally confusing for first-time air conditioner owners.  If you notice that your air conditioner is leaking water, there could be a numerous amount of different reasons as to why.  With that being said, it can be advantageous to seek the assistance of an air conditioning professional to repair the conditioning unit as soon as possible.

Below are typical reasons as to why your air conditioner is leaking.

Note:  It is normal for your air conditioner to cause a small amount of condensation due to the dehumidifying process, though puddles of water are not normal.

Broken Pumps

The most common issue with air conditioning units is that their pump may be broken.  In order to determine whether this applies to you, pour water into the condenser pan to see if it can sufficiently pump out the excess water.  If it doesn’t, check the power to the pump, if it has enough power it could be the condenser or the motor.  At this time, consult a professional to determine what the source of the issue may be.

Improper Installation

Although you may have assumed that you could have installed the air conditioning unit on your own, leaking water is a tell-tale sign of a unit that has been improperly installed.  If the unit isn’t level or is receiving too much pressure, it may begin to create pools of water.  First check to see if the air conditioner is level, if it is then consider checking if any vents in your home are closed.  Generally closed vents put more pressure on the air valves, causing them to leak.

Blockage of the Drain Hole

Each air conditioning unit is equipped with a drain hole that can sometimes be blocked with dirt and other types of debris.  Considering that your unit is outside, it is quite likely that you could be experiencing a drain hole blockage.  In order to determine whether this is the problem or not, consult the tubing of your unit.  If there is a blockage, clear it out and you could notice if the water exits the condenser pan properly.  If so, the pooling of water should stop.

With the use of an air conditioning unit, you can experience comfort during the summer and winter.  With the use of the above tips, you may be able to diagnose the problem with your air conditioning unit if you are noticing that it is leaking.

18 Jun

How A Cold Storage Room Is Designed

Posted at 12:00 AM, 18 June 2014 by acladmin / Category: Articles

Cold storage rooms can be a great addition to any home as it provides home owners with the opportunity to store goods that do not need to be completely refrigerated but that could benefit from cooler air.  As an example, if you are entertaining a house full of guests and want to have soft drinks cool enough for consumption without having to take space in your refrigerator, a cold storage room could be quite advantageous.  With that being said, cold storage rooms aren’t just a hollowed room in the basement of a home, they are constructed a specific way to both protect the inside of your home and to provide air circulation for stored objects.

Wall Thickness and Insulation

The first factor that is taken into consideration when a cold room is designed is the thickness of the walls and the insulation (if any) that should be installed.  It is advised that if you are building your own cold storage room to use insulation.  The thickness of the walls will help to ensure that the room does not get affected by harsh weather and temperatures.  As an example, if you reside in an area that is prone to deep-freezing, you will want to ensure that your cold storage walls are thick and insulated to protect your stored goods so that they don’t freeze.

Door Frame Heater and Floor Heating System

Depending on your use for the cold storage room, you may want to consider installing a door frame heater.  For cold storage that is expected to reach -0°C a door frame heater will help to ensure that the door does not freeze shut.  The majority of homes do not require a door frame heater as their cold storage will not reach such a significantly low temperature.  Another component to consider is a floor heating system.  Although the walls of your cold storage may not reach below 0°C, your floors might.  With the use of a floor heating system you can prevent the build-up of ice through your floor.  It is important that you consult your contractor to determine if it is a viable component for your home.

Air Exchange

The final and one of the most important components to a cold storage room is some type of air exchange system.  In order to ensure that air is sufficiently cycled in and out through the walls of your cold storage, have your contractor install an air exchange.  Plus, this will help to keep energy costs low because you won’t be wasting any excess energy with the use of a two-way pressure valve or another type of economically safe ventilation system.

11 Jun

What Are The Different Types of Commercial Refrigeration?

Posted at 12:00 AM, 11 June 2014 by acladmin / Category: Articles / Tags:

Commercial refrigeration can be quite advantageous, especially for food manufacturers and distributors.  With the opportunity to keep food cool from the warehouse to the final destination, companies do not have to worry about thawing meats and cheeses.  With that being said, there are several different types of commercial refrigeration that are commonly used by a variety of different companies such as florists, food processors, and restaurants.

Walk-In Refrigerator/Freezer

This type of commercial refrigeration is the most popular as the majority of companies that require cold storage find it the most advantageous to install a walk-in refrigerator and freezer.  With the opportunity to have the unit installed within the building, employees will have simple and constant access to hundreds of refrigerated products.  Also, since these units are so large in size, they provide owners with the opportunity to store an ample amount of goods.

Display Case Refrigerators

If you have ever been to a gas station, the refrigerators that house drinks and other cold goods are known as display case refrigerators.  These can be quite beneficial for customers as it provides them with the opportunity to access the merchandise on their own.  With the use of display case refrigerators, owners are able to show the products that they are currently offering to customers meanwhile ensuring that they remain cold via the cold air inside.  These units are generally the most energy efficient products in cold storage.

Refrigerated Trucks

For companies that are looking to transport cold goods such as florists, caterers, or cake makers, using a refrigerated truck can be quite advantageous.  The cold air units that are installed in the truck ensure that the entire storage compartment receives an even amount of cold air to preserve the integrity of the products that are being transported.  There are many different door-to-door grocery delivery companies that also use refrigerated trucks to provide customers with fresh goods.  One of the largest benefits associated with refrigerated trucks is that they can be driven for an extended period of time to get goods from one location to another without having to worry about thawing.

There are dozens of different companies and industries that use commercial refrigeration on a daily basis.  Whether it be a gas station with display case refrigerators or a meat packing plant with walk-in refrigerators and freezers, commercial refrigeration can be quite advantageous for a numerous amount of reasons.

4 Jun

Is Air Conditioning The Only Option To Keep A Conservatory Cool?

Posted at 12:00 AM, 4 June 2014 by acladmin / Category: Articles / Tags:

A conservatory can be a great way to add extra space to your home whether it be traditional or modern.  As a room that is typically used for entertainment or pure relaxation, a conservatory usually offers an abundance of light as they are mainly constructed out of glass.  The reason as to why you may want to consider keeping your conservatory cool is because during the summer, the glass can soak in an ample amount of heat, making the room uncomfortable to be in.  Although you may assume that air conditioning is the only method available to keep a conservatory cool, there are a couple additional options to be aware of.

Air Conditioning

As previously mentioned, air conditioning is thought to be the sole method for keeping a conservatory cool.  Although air conditioning is the most effective method, there are others to consider.  One of the largest benefits associated with air conditioning is that it can not only keep your conservatory cool during the summer, but it can also keep it warm during the winter.  With the use of a professional installation company, you will be able to entertain in your conservatory with a reliable air conditioning unit during the warm months.

Awnings and Blinds

If you are looking for a less expensive way to keep your conservatory cool, consider purchasing awnings or blinds.  The majority of the heat in a conservatory is derived from sunrays beaming into the glass, therefore if you are able to cut off the light source, the room will become far more enjoyable.  A benefit to be aware of in regards to awnings is that depending on weather conditions, you can extend your conservatory into your back yard so that there is even more room for enjoying the summer months.  Blinds are also a great addition as they not only help to keep the heat out, but they give you privacy as well.

Window Film

As the essentially maintenance-free way to keep your conservatory cool, window film is an incredibly popular option.  The majority of window films help to reflect over 75% of solar radiation, helping to keep the room at a comfortable and cool temperature.  When you install window film it will remain on your conservatory windows throughout the year, helping to shield the sun even in the winter time.  Window film is also an extra source of strength for the windows as it helps to provide a higher grade of impact performance.