Frequently Asked Air Conditioning Questions

What is Air Conditioning?

Air Conditioning is becoming quite a popular feature in homes and businesses in the UK, particularly in the warmer months of the year. It provides a comfortable and controlled environment by regulating the temperature and humidity of a space. The main type of air conditioning systems in the UK are 'split systems'. Split systems consist of an indoor unit that is installed inside the building, and an outdoor unit - the correct name being a Condensing Unit - that is installed outside. These systems can be expensive to install, but they offer efficient cooling, and heating, and are quite unobtrusive. Air conditioning systems work by drawing in hot air from the room and passing it over a refrigerant, which circulates throughout copper pipes called an evaporator coil, and which absorbs the heat and cools the air. The cooled air is then blown back into the room, while the heat is released outside through the condensing unit. In the UK, air conditioning units are rated using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is. It's important to choose an air conditioning system with a high SEER rating, as it can save money on energy bills in the long run. Units may also have a COP (Coefficient Performance) rating and this can also be used to decide energy efficiency. Air conditioning systems can be used to cool and dehumidify a space, as well as to heat it. In the UK, air conditioning systems that can heat a space are known as "reverse cycle" or "heat pump" systems. These systems work by reversing the flow of the refrigerant, allowing them to extract heat from the outside air and bring it into the building via the indoor unit. It's important to properly maintain an air conditioning system to ensure it runs efficiently and effectively. This includes cleaning or replacing the filters regularly, checking for and sealing any refrigerant leaks, and having the system serviced by a professional on a regular basis. Overall, air conditioning is a convenient and effective way to regulate the temperature and humidity in a space in the UK. By choosing an energy efficient system and properly maintaining it, it can provide comfortable and controlled indoor environments all year round.

How Noisy are Air Conditioning Units?

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 noise 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.

Do I Need Planning Permission to Install A/C In My House?

This is one of the most common questions we get asked here at Quantech Environmental. In general, Planning Permission is not required for Air Conditioning units in domestic properties as long as the unit is installed in accordance with the conditions set down under Permitted Development Rights. This means you won’t have to apply for planning permission but there are exceptions, for example; If your house is in a Conservation Area, or in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or, if your house is a listed building. So, what are the conditions of Permitted Development Rights?

The external unit is not installed on a pitched roof or a chimney breast
There is no wind turbine at the property
The external unit is not installed within 1 metre of the edge of a flat roof
The volume of the external condensing unit (the outdoor unit) is not more than 0.6m³
The condensing unit is more than 1 metre away from the boundary of the property
The condensing unit is sited at ground floor level
There is only one condensing unit on the property.

Whilst neighbours cannot complain to the council about the appearance or the aesthetic of your outdoor unit, they can do so on the grounds of it being too noisy. This can be complicated to get right, as noise levels are subjective so please do get advice from us at HAC on this matter.

What is The Environmental Impact of Air Conditioning?

Modern air conditioning units have made significant advancements in recent years in terms of environmental friendliness, compared to older models. However, their environmental impact can still vary based on several factors: Energy Efficiency: Many modern air conditioning units are designed to be highly energy-efficient. They use advanced technologies like inverter compressors, variable speed fans, high pressure/lower volume refrigerants and smart controls to adjust cooling output according to demand. This reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Refrigerants: The choice of refrigerant used in air conditioning units can greatly affect their environmental impact. Older refrigerants, like R-22, had a higher potential to contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. Modern units use more environmentally friendly refrigerants, like R32, with lower global warming potential (GWP). Design and Insulation: Well-designed and properly insulated units can minimise the need for excessive cooling, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to maintaining the efficiency and environmental friendliness of an air conditioning unit. A well-maintained unit will operate optimally and use less energy. Lifecycle Considerations: The manufacturing, transportation, installation, and eventual disposal of air conditioning units all contribute to their overall environmental impact. Units with longer lifecycles, lower manufacturing emissions, and recyclable materials can be more environmentally friendly. Alternative Cooling Technologies: Some areas are exploring alternative cooling technologies such as evaporative cooling, geothermal cooling, and solar-powered systems, which can have lower environmental impacts in certain conditions.To make an environmentally friendly choice, you should consider factors like the energy efficiency rating (SEER or EER), the type of refrigerant used, the manufacturer's environmental policies, and - critically - whether the unit is properly sized and installed. Regular maintenance and responsible disposal of old units also contribute to the overall environmental impact.

MVHR’s – What are They?

MVHR stands for "Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery." It is a type of ventilation system that is used to provide fresh air to a building while also reducing energy loss. MVHR systems work by drawing in fresh air from the outside and passing it through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger captures the heat from the outgoing air and transfers it to the incoming air, warming it up before it is distributed throughout the building. This process helps to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, and humidity, while also reducing energy loss. MVHR systems can be used in both new and existing buildings. They are particularly useful in buildings that are airtight and energy efficient, as they can help to maintain good indoor air quality without compromising the building's energy performance. There are two main types of MVHR systems: decentralised and central. Decentralised systems have a unit installed in each room, while central systems have a single unit that serves the entire building. MVHR systems are a cost-effective and energy efficient way to provide fresh air to a building, as they help to reduce energy loss, maintain a comfortable indoor environment and minimise odours. They are also low maintenance and easy to operate, making them a popular choice for many homeowners and building owners

What is S.B.S?

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.

What are The F Gas Regulations?

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 Gases 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 Gases 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 Gases 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 Gases 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 Gases 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 Gases and to use alternatives with a lower Global Warming Potential.

What are TM44 surveys?

And are they compulsory? Air conditioning Energy Assessments are now a legal requirement under The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 SI 2007/991 amended by SI 2007/1669, SI 2007/3302 and SI 2008/647. As your Maintenance provider we would like to make you aware of Legislation which is relevant to your site and your equipment. It is a Legal requirement in the U.K to have an Air Conditioning Assessment, most commonly known as a TM44 inspection, carried out on Air Conditioning systems with more than 12kw of combined Cooling Capacity. The inspections are required to be carried out in an independent manner every five years by a qualified assessor with a Government Accredited Certificate. The aim of the report is to look for energy saving opportunities relating to the system within the building. Sampling can be used depending on the make, model and age of the units on site. A site survey is carried out, an extensive report is compiled and lodged on the Landmark portal, and a Certificate is issued which is valid for 5 years. We are able to offer you TM44 inspections, if you wish to find out whether your building meets the threshold for this requirement please get in touch.

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