Affordable air con installations in St Albans

When it comes to efficient cooling and heating solutions for buildings, VRV and VRF systems often come into the conversation. While they share similarities in their operational principles, there are key differences worth exploring. Let's dive into the nuances of these systems to help you make an informed decision for your cooling and heating needs.

1. Terminology:  The primary distinction between VRV and VRF lies in terminology. VRV, which stands for Variable Refrigerant Volume, is a trademark of Daikin Industries, Ltd. On the other hand, VRF, or Variable Refrigerant Flow, is a generic term used to describe similar systems from other manufacturers.

2. Manufacturer: VRV systems are specifically manufactured by Daikin, while VRF systems are produced by various manufacturers. Despite this difference, both systems operate on the same fundamental principle of using refrigerant as the cooling and heating medium.

3. Flexibility and Control: Both VRV and VRF systems offer individual control of indoor units, allowing for customized temperature settings in different zones of a building. This flexibility enables occupants to adjust the temperature according to their preferences, leading to enhanced comfort levels.

4. Energy Efficiency: One of the most significant advantages of VRV and VRF systems is their energy efficiency. By adjusting refrigerant flow based on the actual cooling or heating demands of each zone, these systems optimize energy consumption and reduce wastage, resulting in lower operating costs and environmental impact. Like most modern a/c systems, the compressor is equipped with an inverter which allows the compressor to speed up, or slow down, depending on the demand. This equates to greater, or lesser refrigerant, flow through the system, thus offering more cooling, or less, respectively.

5. Application: VRV and VRF systems are almost always used in commercial applications only. Their ability to provide precise temperature control, energy efficiency, and scalability makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from small offices and retail spaces to large commercial complexes and residential condominiums. It's important to recognise that VRV and VRF systems come in two different types of system: Heat Pump or Heat Recovery. The former will offer heating and cooling, but not at the same time, whereas Heat Recovery systems will allow their indoor units to operate independently and will therefore allow the indoor units to simultaneously heat or cool, depending on the setpoints set by the end user. 

In conclusion, while VRV and VRF systems share many similarities in their operation and benefits, understanding the subtle differences can help you select the right solution for your specific requirements. Whether you opt for a Daikin VRV system or a VRF system from another manufacturer, investing in a reliable and energy-efficient air conditioning system can significantly enhance comfort and productivity while reducing operational costs.

What is the duct cleaning process?

The TR19 guidelines state the recommended intervals between cleans. However, the cleaning intervals for kitchen extract flues depend on the types of duct, the cooking methods used, and the volume of airborne grease contaminants. Depending on how much grease there is, you might need to scrape it off the ducting by hand. Grease in kitchen extraction systems can cause fires, so a new specification called TR19 Grease was published in July 2019.

Why is TR19 duct cleaning required?

Duct Cleaning to TR19 standards is essential in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, and visitors. Ventilation systems must be checked and maintained regularly to meet these standards. Complying with TR19 guidelines allows property owners to maintain their ventilation systems free from dust, grime, grease, and other pollutants that could potentially distribute contaminants or pose a fire risk.

A regular ductwork inspection and cleaning helps to protect the integrity of the ventilation system and prolong its lifespan. Regular cleaning is also necessary to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of bacteria, fungi and viruses spreading through the air. Failure to adhere to these standards could result in potential health hazards as well as expensive fines or legal action.

Why is a TR19 Air Duct Cleaning Report Required?

Insurance companies impose policy conditions on appliance maintenance and system cleaning. In order to meet insurance company requirements and to provide an accurate record of cleaning performance, a report is necessary as a record for the client. At Hertfordshire Air Conditioning we provide a full TR19 Report, containing before & after photographs and schematic drawings.

"Buy It Direct (BID), the holding company for Appliances Direct has been fined £37,500 following legal action taken by the Environment Agency for breaching F-Gas Regulations.

Acting on information provided by F-Gas certification scheme REFCOM, in 2020, the online sales company was found to be in breach of F-GAS Regulation Article 11 Paragraph 5, which seeks to ensure that non-hermetically sealed equipment charged with fluorinated greenhouse gases shall only be sold to an end user whereby installation is to be carried out by someone holding a valid F-Gas handling certificate or F-Gas registered contractor.

According to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), which operates REFCOM, BID chief executive Nick Glynne had argued in the company's defence that purchasers "could not proceed to actual purchase without agreeing contractual terms which included installation by a relevant qualified engineer."

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe a condition where occupants of a building experience a range of symptoms that are associated with the time spent in that building, but for which no specific illness or cause can be identified. The symptoms of SBS typically improve when the occupants leave the building and worsen when they return.

The symptoms of SBS can vary and may include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Skin irritation or rash
• Dizziness
• Nausea

The exact cause of SBS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of factors, including poor indoor air quality, inadequate ventilation, and the presence of certain chemicals or pollutants in the indoor environment. Other factors that may contribute to SBS include high levels of humidity, temperature fluctuations, and inadequate lighting.

The average person breathes 13kg of air, per day, so the quality of the air is important. Contaminants like Nitrous Oxide, Sulphur Dioxide, Ozone and Particulate Matter can ingress a building from the outside but buildings can also generate their own contaminants, such as Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Volatile Organic Compounds, Radon as well as mould and excess humidity.

To prevent SBS, it is important to ensure that buildings are well-ventilated and that indoor air quality is maintained at a high level. This may involve regular cleaning and maintenance of HVAC systems, the use of air purifiers or other air-cleaning devices, and the use of low-emitting building materials and furnishings. Additionally, promoting healthy habits such as regular cleaning, proper ventilation during cooking and cleaning, and smoking bans can help to reduce the risk of SBS.

The F   Gas  Regulations are a set of rules in the UK that are designed to reduce the use and release of fluorinated greenhouse gases  ( F   gases ), which are potent contributors to climate change. The regulations apply to businesses and individuals who use, handle, or release F   gases , and they set out a number of requirements that must be followed.

The main F  G ases  regulated by the regulations are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems. The regulations require businesses and individuals who use these systems to:

• Keep records of the amount of F   gases  they use and release
• Repair and maintain the systems in a way that minimises the release of F   gases
• Replace systems or parts that are likely to fail with alternatives that have a lower global warming potential (GWP)
• Recover and recycle F  G ases  when systems are decommissioned or disposed of
• Train employees who work with F   gases

The F   Gas  Regulations are in place for a number of reasons, including:

• To reduce greenhouse gas  emissions: F  G ases  are potent contributors to climate change, and reducing their use and release can help to reduce greenhouse gas  emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

• To protect the environment: F  G ases  can have a number of negative environmental impacts, including damaging the ozone layer and contributing to air pollution. The regulations aim to minimize these impacts.

• To promote the use of alternatives: The regulations encourage the use of alternatives to F  G ases  that have a lower GWP, which can help to reduce greenhouse gas  emissions and the environmental impacts of these substances.

Overall, the F   Gas  Regulations are in place to reduce the use and release of F   gases  in the UK, which are potent contributors to climate change. They set out requirements for businesses and individuals who use refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems to minimise the release of F  G ases  and to use alternatives with a lower Global Warming Potential.

In short - no. It's not a problem.

An air conditioning unit produces condensation as a natural part of its cooling process. When warm air passes over the evaporator coil inside the unit, moisture in the air condenses into water droplets on the cold aluminium fins of the evaporator coil. This is similar to how moisture forms on a cold glass of water on a hot day.

The condensed water - or, condensate as we sometimes call it - typically collects in a drip pan or tray below the evaporator coils, and then it's channeled away through a drain line. You will often see this water discharging near your outdoor unit, or, it may discharge in to a drain within the building somewhere. For units which don't have the ability to have a gravity drain run the condensate water away, they will will require a condensate pump. This is the small device mounted in or near the indoor unit, which can sometimes make a small 'humming' noise.

However, if the drain line becomes clogged or the drip pan overflows, or the condensate pump fails, you might notice water dripping or leaking from your air conditioning unit. In this instance you do have a problem and you should call us out straight away, but, generally speaking it's perfectly normal for your a/c system to be generating condensate water and for this to be discharging from the condensate drain.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the coils, ensuring proper drainage, and changing air filters, can help prevent issues like water leakage. If you're experiencing excessive water leakage or other problems with your air conditioning unit, we recommend that you have it inspected and serviced by one of our qualified HVAC technicians.

The noise level of modern air conditioning units in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of unit concerned, its size and the location where it is installed.

Some modern indoor air conditioning units are designed to operate quietly, with noise levels typically around 19-20 decibels (dB) at low speed. This is about the same level of noise as a whisper or a quiet library. Modern outdoor units are, depending on the size and the manufacturer, typically around the 50dba mark, though its important to remember that rating is when the unit is running at maximum capacity and is measured one metre in front of the unit; the reality is the unit will hardly ever run at maximum capacity and nor will any person be standing in one metre in front of said unit.

However, if the air conditioning unit is not installed properly or is too small for the space it is intended to cool, it may have to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, resulting in increased noise levels. Additionally, older or poorly maintained air conditioning units may also be noisier than newer models. 

New models have compressors which use inverter technology and these are really very quiet; if your unit doesn't have inverter technology then you should consider replacing it, if not for the energy efficiency savings then for the lower nosie levels!

It's also worth noting that noise tolerance can vary greatly among individuals, so what one person finds noisy may not be a problem for another. 

If you're concerned about noise levels, it's always a good idea to ask your air conditioning installer or supplier for information on the noise level of the specific unit you're considering, and to seek professional advice on the best installation and maintenance practices to minimise noise.

Fresh Air is important in buildings because it helps to maintain good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and it provides numerous health benefits for the people who live or work in those buildings. Here are some reasons why Fresh Air is so important:

1. Removes indoor pollutants: Fresh Air helps to remove pollutants from the indoor environment, such as mold, dust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can accumulate indoors and cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues and allergies.

2. Prevents stale air: Without Fresh Air, the air inside buildings can become stale, malodorous and unpleasant. This can cause discomfort, lack of concentration and even headaches for the occupants of the building.

3. Regulates humidity: Fresh Air can help to regulate humidity levels inside buildings, which can help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

4. Provides oxygen: Fresh Air is a source of oxygen, which is essential for our bodies to function properly. Inadequate levels of oxygen in the air can cause fatigue, headaches, and other health problems. It does this by diluting the CO and CO2 within the room

5. Boosts mental clarity: Studies have shown that Fresh Air can improve mental clarity and productivity, which is important for people who work or study indoors.

In summary, Fresh Air is important in buildings because it helps to maintain good Indoor Air Quality, provides health benefits, and promotes a comfortable and productive indoor environment