Ducted Air Conditioning hints & tips for a long hot Summer

A good taste of summer has hit for many of us this year already, so it's a good time to make sure you are set to have a reliable cooling system and get a good nights sleep. In this article we focus on Ducted Air Conditioning.

General Air Conditioning operation

• During the summer cooling period your indoor unit produces condensation, which drains away via the main condensate line. To prevent damage to your ceiling, your system should be fitted with a ‘Safety Condensate Tray’. Should this main drain become blocked you will notice constant dripping from the safety drain outlet and should contact your local air conditioning dealer for service.
• During periods of high humidity, a small amount of condensation may drip from the outlet which is most likely normal.
• Your system is not an instant cooling or heating system. Please allow sufficient time for the system to heat or cool your home. Remember, heat builds up in the build, walls, floors and furniture. This heat needs to be removed as well as from the conditioned space, the hotter you allow the building to get and the hotter it is outside, the longer the system will take and the more power it will consume.
• Temperature settings and expectations should not be excessive. We recommend Cooling set point is within the range of 22 to 25 degrees celsius
• Your system is affected by the outside temperature - when extreme conditions exist, the system will run more frequently or even continuously to maintain conditions.
• Your zones are controlled by motorised controllers. Allow sufficient time to open approximately 3 to 5 minutes.

Do's & Dont's

• If the system is turned off, wait approximately 2 or 3 minutes before re-starting, as compressor damage or blown fuses may occur.
• Whilst the air conditioning is operating, do not move the thermostat setting more than 2º C at one time, to avoid a sudden change from heating to cooling or vice versa, as compressor damage or blown fuses may occur.
• Your filter needs to be kept clean – we suggest it be cleaned at the start of each cooling and heating period.
• Always use a minimum of one zone.
• Trim trees and shrubs from growing over or too close to the outdoor unit. Always keeo this area clear and clean.

Before calling for service please check the following:

• Have all the items, mentioned above, been checked and adhered to?
• Has the main isolating switch/circuit breaker been turned off?
• If the outdoor unit will not operate, is the thermostat set too high in summer or too low in the winter?
• Is the filter clean?
• Have any fuses in the switchboard blown?
• Have you reset the system? (more info http://www.ampleair.com.au/support/)

Save power, think smart

Timers are handy, but can also be a costly way of running ducted air conditioning, as can turning the system on and off particularly if left too late on a hot summer’s day. For the most efficient performance of your ducted air conditioning during the peak Summer temperatures we recommend setting a 'climate' with a low temperature of 25 degrees celsius and a high of 29 degrees celsius. The system remains on ‘standby’ throughout this period, only consuming power when the set point is reached.

When going to bed or heading out, raise the temperature to around 29 degrees to maintain a reasonable working temperature when you return home that doesn't waste power whilst you are not at home.

A timer doesn't know when you are running late from work and could cost you hours of unnecessary running expense, when you arrive home, simply lower the temp to 24-25 degrees and in no time you are enjoying air conditioned comfort at minimal energy expense.

This article was brought to you by Ample Air Conditioning Sydney
http://www.ampleair.com.au