Different Air Conditioners need different levels of service dependant on their usage. A Commercial application puts additional load on a system as it often runs virtually every day of the year – and in some cases 24 hours a day. An Evaporative System requires different servicing from a Refrigerated System as most will only be used for a few months of the year. To help maintain the efficiency of your system and prolong its life there are a few simple procedures to follow:-

Clean Air Filters Regularly
Simply removing the filter from the unit and washing or vacuuming it will ensure maximum efficiency. Disposable filters need replacement.

Outdoor Unit Maintenance –
It is important to ensure that the airflow coming from the condenser unit is not inhibited. Here are a few simple steps to follow:-

• Keep pests i.e. Ants, Spiders, Gecko’s, away from the outdoor unit
• Keep unit free from Debris
• Ensure nearby plants are trimmed to prevent air recirculation around the outdoor unit.

Air Quality
Staying as healthy as possible in the office (and at home) over winter is a mixture of a little planning and some simple lifestyle adjustments. Ford and Doonan
can conduct Air Quality audits on Commercial and Domestic Systems. Some tips for ensure good air quality which can be implemented to both the office and at home is as follows:-

• Aeris Guard Treatments are a critical part of maintaining clean air along with filter upgrades to high efficiency disposable Return Air Filters.
• Ensure your office system has a fresh air intake, or open a window or door periodically to allow fresh air into the occupied space. No fresh air causes stale, un-oxygenated room air over time.
• Make sure filters are cleaned. Typically every 2 – 3 months.
• Add weather seals to any external doors that don’t fit snugly.
• Check for air leaking in through gaps at window frame or at floor skirting boards and ceiling cornices.

Air leaks can account for an increase of up to 30% in energy costs!

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The VRF systems consist of a single large outdoor unit that is piped to a number of indoor units. The indoor units can be operated independently of each other, and at different temperatures. The outdoor unit varies the flow
(quantity) of refrigerant (VRF) it produces, in line with the demands of the indoor units.

Key Features

• Individual temperature control of each space.
• Lower energy costs by isolating un-used spaces.
• Choice of Indoor unit styles,– Ducted, Cassette, floor, wall.
• Design flexibility in diversity factor used.
• Room by room individual units, or combined rooms to each unit.
• Simultaneous heating and cooling, available on 3 pipe VRF systems.
• Single outdoor unit with large capacity.

Most major Japanese manufacturers produce a VRF or equivalent system. They are available in almost any capacity as the outdoor units are modulated to link together to achieve the desired capacity. Also available are mini VRF systems with a capacity of 10kW to 16kW.

Control of the VRF systems can range from individual wall or Infra red remotes through to group controllers, central controllers with LCD touch screens and PC web or BAC net control systems.

Investing in a VRF system is greater than a standard ducted style system by between two to three times dependent on client’s requirements and final brief.

For the ultimate in air conditioning consider investing in VRF.

Advantages of Ducted Air Conditioning

The ducted air conditioning system is the most unobtrusive method of delivering climate control to any home or office. Whisper quite in operation, just enough air movement not to be drafty, are all trademarks of a well designed and installed ducted air conditioning system.

A ducted system with Zoning allows different parts of the home or office to be air conditioned at different times. This reduces the capacity of the air conditioning unit required, and allows for even better control of the system.

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The standard arrangement is for the air conditioner to remain with its factory controller but have all its auxiliary contacts linked to the smart system. This allows the smart system to start and stop the air conditioner, but once started the air conditioner operates from its own controller and PC Board.

An alternative would be to dispense with all the air conditioning system’s own logic and utilize a computer controller. This allows all the air conditioning system’s parameters to be controlled via the computer. This is typical in an office building, but not so common in a light commercial or domestic situation where the standard option is favored.

An example is Daikin (I-Touch™ or Intelligent Manager™) – computer controlled network system. These systems allow for either full multi unit control specific to the system installed, with basic c-bus integration or full computer automation with features such as:

• Fully flexible timer function
• BMS integration available
• Graphical representation showing operating conditions
• Fault display enabling fast trouble shooting rectification
• Remote access via modem link
• Software runs on Microsoft Windows™ (Intelligent Manager™)

Some manufacturers also have SMS control systems which allow you to turn units on and off as well as change temp from your phone, it will then message you back with a confirmation.

With today’s technology in air conditioning systems and computers, anything is possible and usually feasible – the only negative is the initial capital cost.

It is important to advise your ford & Doonan consultant of what you’re considering so that we can tailor the air conditioning system to your current and future requirements.

For more information go to: www.fordanddoonan.com.au

Ducted Refrigerated Systems (Reverse Cycle)

These are the most complex systems to install and may take the longest period of time. It is advisable to at least make provisions if the building is under construction. Generally it will take one to two days to install a complete ducted refrigerated system in existing premises. Large jobs and commercial systems will vary significantly in the duration of installation.

If the house is under construction a few site visits will be required during the building process to ensure access to the appropriate areas. It is necessary to discuss what modifications may need to be done by the builder before final plans are drawn up. General access is required after roof cover is on and before ceilings are installed. Final completion may not occur until just before hand-over of the house.

Existing homes will suffer some disruption, although most work will occur through the roof. Allow two days as access is required for the installers, electrician and refrigeration technician. Ensure all sensitive equipment and furniture are covered or moved, as some dust is inevitable during installation. If you are planning on having air conditioning in your home it is very important
to liaise with your qualified consultant as well as the builder or architect to ensure that the air conditioning will blend with your overall design.

Split System Air Conditioners

These require the services of a qualified refrigeration technician and an electrician. It is often advisable to have the installation coordinated by a specialist company if the house is under construction or if it is a complex installation. Simple installations can occur in half a day, some take longer. The indoor unit is typically located on an external wall and a penetration of approximately 70mm diameter will be required to connect the indoor and outdoor unit. Customised refrigerant pipe, condensate drain and electrical connections all pass through the penetration. Often a special power supply is required for larger wall split systems. These cannot be plugged into power points.

For more information about both ducted air conditioners and split systems click here

Alternatively go to our website www.fordanddoonan.com.au

For more information go to www.fordanddoonan.com.au

Refrigerated air conditioning system is “true” air conditioning. The definition of air conditioning is “the science of maintaining internal conditions regardless of the external conditions”. For performance air conditioning a refrigerated system is the only choice, although it can be twice the price of evaporative cooling. A reverse cycle system is a year round system and the price is quite favourable when taking into account the need to purchase other forms of heating.

Health

Refrigerated air conditioning is a healthy choice. By controlling the humidity and temperature, the air you breathe is healthier and cleaner. Fresh air can be introduced. The Allergy Research Foundation recommends reverse cycle
refrigerated air conditioning as the most effective means to create a low allergen home. Regular cleaning of the return air and fresh air filters is crucial to maintain a healthy indoor air quality.

Maintenance

Refrigerated air conditioning is very reliable and cost effective to maintain. Depending on the application, a domestic system may only require a service once per year. The return air and fresh air filters (if installed) must be cleaned more often than the unit is serviced. Ford & Doonan recommend domestic filters be cleaned every two months and commercial filters monthly. These cleans can be done by the client or by Ford & Doonan. The actual equipment services are mostly preventative maintenance, therefore the service costs are not expensive.

Running Costs

The power consumption of a refrigerated air conditioner depends directly on the size of the equipment. As a guide only, approximately 10 cents of electricity is required for each horse power (HP) every hour.

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Your final decision on the brand and model of air conditioning will need to take into consideration many factors, one of the most important being the use of the rooms requiring temperature control. Determining your exact temperature control requirements will determine the make and model of system you should
choose.

1. Performance – This is often the most important question – What do you actually want your air conditioning system to do? In which area do you need it to be effective?
2. Heating and Cooling – In our environment both aspects should be addressed. Have you a plan which requires your air conditioning to cool only or will it be your method of heating as well?
3. Aesthetics – Do you want your air conditioning to be a feature of the building, or to be discreet? There is a huge range of outlets and types of air conditioners, all of which will look different when installed. Modern systems are designed to be installed in the smallest of places and look like a fixture of the building. It is imperative that you liaise with a qualified representative to assist with your final decision.
4. Brand - There is a variety of brands and types of air conditioning. The choice of a brand can be influenced by factors such as your own previous experience or a friend’s recommendation. Any of these may have a bias. It is worth looking closely at a range of options and selecting the features that suit you and your budget. Select a company that offers a range of brands to choose from.
5. Budget - Air conditioning is becoming more commonplace in our society and it is now more affordable than ever before. The initial cost of an air conditioner is still quite significant and it is an area where the cheapest is generally not the best option. Your air conditioning system may be designed to last from 5 years to 20 years, so a small saving initially may be an expensive mistake. If budget constraints mean you cannot afford a complete system, then you are better off air conditioning a smaller section of the building than accepting a sub-standard design. Your qualified representative will provide advice on provisions only, which may enable you to install only the essential components, so that completion may occur easily in the future.
6. Running Costs – Any form of environment modification will consume energy in one form or another. Modern air conditioning is possibly the most efficient form of climate control. The running costs of cooling systems vary significantly between brands and types of air conditioners. It is best to determine what level of climate control is required or desired.
7. Acoustics – A correctly designed and located unit will be quiet both inside and outside the building which will keep the neighbours happy! Local councils have guidelines to assist with location of air conditioning units. In simple terms the less obtrusive and quieter the system, the better the environment for everyone.

Your final decision on the brand and model of air conditioning will need to take into consideration factors such as the application of the rooms requiring temperature control. Determining your exact temperature control requirements will determine the make and model you choose.

For more information go to: www.fordanddoonan.com.au

Ford & Doonan clients can be confident that they will receive an air conditioning system of the highest quality in design, equipment, materials and installation, backed by a proven record in competent after sales maintenance and service.

In 1994 Ford & Doonan won the Western Australian Small Business Award for a business with less than 6 employees. In 1996 we were finalists in this award for a business with less than 50 employees, followed in 1997 as the winner of this category, at the same time being named overall state winner and national finalist.

Again in 2001 Ford & Doonan were the winners of the Telstra Small Business Awards for a business with less than 50 employees. 2001 saw Andrew Ford recognised with an Entrepreneur of the Year award in his category.

For 5 years Ford & Doonan were listed in the BRW Top 100 “Fastest Growing Private Companies” in Australia.

Ford & Doonan have continued to build on their successful business strategy to become one of Western Australia’s leading air conditioning companies. Today the company employs a team of staff and contractors of over 80. The foundation of the success of Ford & Doonan is attributed to a genuine commitment to designing and installing only the highest quality air conditioning systems.

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