Heating Mode
Heat pump air conditioning units additionally allow the
cycle described above to be reversed. A heat pump extracts
"free"
heat from the outdoor air and transfers the heat indoors.
This
principle even continues to function on very cold days with
temperatures down to -5 C, -10 C or -15C, depending on
the type
of air conditioning system used. Therefore, heat pump units
eliminate the need for a heating system and allow you to
cool and
heat with the same unit, with savings in costs and energy
throughout
the year.
What is Back-To-Back Installation?
This applies to the installation of a split system.
If the installation is back to back the indoor unit is placed
on the same wall as the outdoor unit reducing the amount of pipe
run required to connect the two units.
What size unit do I need?
Not only the size of the area but also the amount of glass and the heat
load
generated from the number of people occupying the area will determine
the size
of the unit needed. Jec Airconditioning would recommend a site visit by
one of our sales
experts to determine the correct size unit for your home or office. If a
site
inspection is not possible then floor plans will aid in the preparation
of
your quotation.
What is the operating cost?
The most energy efficient method of heating and/or cooling your home or
office is reverse cycle air conditioning. Operating costs are determined
by how long the air conditioning system is running.
It is essential that the correct size unit is installed. An undersized
unit will be significantly more expensive to run taking longer to heat
and cool the area effectively.
The current cost of electricity is 13 cents per kw hour. The average
five horse power ducted unit with a 5.7kw input unit would cost
approximately 75 cents per hour to operate.
What is the difference between a room air conditioner and a split
system?
A room air conditioner is your traditional form of air conditioning
where the
compressor and fan are together in one box. These units are generally
installed
into a window or wall. A split system comprises of two units - the
outdoor
condenser and compressor, and the indoor unit which houses the
evaporator fan.
These units are connected by refrigeration pipes. The design of a split
system
allows the unit to be very quiet, in operation, and generally more
efficient
on electricity use.
What are the benefits of a ducted system over a split system?
A ducted system is designed to air condition more than one room within
your
home. The indoor fan coil unit is situated manually in the ceiling space
and is connected to the outdoor condensing unit. Individual outlets are
situated in each room with the air conditioning controlled by a central
controller. Unlike the ducted system, the split system is primarily
designed
to air condition only one room. If you are looking to air condition the
whole house then you should consider a ducted system.
What is zoning in a ducted system?
Zoning allows you to turn on and off the air conditioning in certain
areas
of the house. This is done through the use of zone controls in the
ductwork
in the ceiling space. For example, a two-storey house may have an
upstairs
and downstairs zone, commonly called a day night zone. A larger house
may
have four or five zones, and depending on the size of the air
conditioning,
there may be a restriction to how many zones can operate at any one
time.
How are the air conditioning units controlled?
Some air conditioning systems are controlled manually, others by
infra-red
remote control. Split systems, for example, have an infra-red remote
control
with functions to control temperature settings, timers and humidity
levels.
Ducted systems are controlled generally through a centrally located wall
mounted controller. This unit controls temperature settings, fan speeds,
humidity levels and timer functions.
What size unit is required for my house?
The answer to this question is difficult without viewing at least plans
of
your home. Ideally an on site visit is required. The size of the air
conditioner is related to several determining factors - the size or the
area to air condition, the aspect of the premises, large amounts of
glass
and the heat load generated from the number of people (as in the case of
a restaurant) or the number of computers and so on. As a general rule,
145 watts per square meter is required to provide year round comfort
conditions.
How much does it cost to run?
Reverse cycle air conditioning is the most energy efficient method of
heating or cooling your home. Running costs are strongly influenced by
how long the air conditioner is running. Therefore, an undersized air
conditioning system will be significantly more expensive to operate than
one that is correctly selected. At the current cost of electricity
(17.5 cents per kw hour), an average five horse power unit with 5.5 kw
power input, would cost approximately 96.25 cents per hour running non
stop.