By Team JSR

As winter descends upon New Zealand, it’s essential to ensure your home or workplace remains comfortable and cosy despite the chilly temperatures outside. An efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system plays a vital role in maintaining optimal indoor conditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of HVAC systems during winter in New Zealand and provide useful tips to maximise their performance.

1. The Importance of HVAC Systems in New Zealand

New Zealand’s winter weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures varying across regions. While some areas experience mild winters, others face colder climates with occasional snowfall. Regardless of where you are, a well-functioning HVAC system ensures that you and your loved ones stay warm and comfortable indoors during the frosty season.

2. Selecting the Right Heating System

A. Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are a popular choice in New Zealand due to their energy efficiency and versatility. They provide both heating and cooling capabilities, making them suitable for year-round use. During winter, heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air and transfer it indoors, effectively heating the space.

B. Central Heating Systems: If you have a larger property or prefer a centralised heating solution, consider installing a central heating system. These systems distribute warm air or hot water through a network of vents or pipes, providing consistent heating throughout the building.

3.  Maintaining and Optimising Your HVAC System

A. Regular Maintenance: Schedule professional maintenance for your HVAC system before winter arrives. A trained technician will inspect and clean the components, ensuring efficient performance and identifying any potential issues that need addressing.

B. Air Filter Cleaning/Replacement: Clean or replace your HVAC system’s air filters regularly. Dirty filters can obstruct airflow and reduce the system’s efficiency. Clean filters promote better indoor air quality and help the system function optimally.

C. Programmable Thermostats: Invest in a programmable thermostat to regulate your HVAC system more effectively. Set lower temperatures while you’re away or sleeping and raise them when you’re at home. This practice helps conserve energy and reduce heating costs.

D. Weather stripping and Insulation: Ensure your home or workplace is properly insulated and weather-stripped to minimise heat loss. Insulating walls, attics, and floors, as well as sealing gaps around windows and doors, can significantly improve energy efficiency and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

4. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

A. Smart Technology: Consider integrating smart technology into your HVAC system. Smart thermostats and sensors allow you to monitor and control your heating remotely, enabling energy-saving adjustments and reducing unnecessary heating

B. Zoning Systems: If you have a larger property or multiple floors, a zoning system can optimise energy usage. This system divides your home into different zones, allowing you to adjust temperatures independently in each area.

C. Energy Star Certification: When purchasing HVAC equipment, look for Energy Star-certified products. These appliances meet strict energy efficiency standards and can help lower your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint.

Overall

An effective HVAC system is crucial for maintaining comfort during winter in New Zealand. By choosing the right heating system, conducting regular maintenance, optimising your settings, and improving energy efficiency, you can ensure a warm and cosy environment while keeping energy costs under control. Prioritising your HVAC system’s performance ensures that you and your loved ones can enjoy the winter months without any concerns about indoor comfort.

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By Team JSR – Source

Has your power bill increased this winter?

Unsurprisingly, heating is expensive and normally accounts for 30% of a households energy consumption during winter.

For spaces you need to keep heated regularly, it’s worth thinking about purchasing a fixed heating system such as a heat pump. Heat pumps are more energy efficient than any other form of heating and can help reduce your power bill over the winter months.

Heat pumps are very efficient as they have a very high ratio of heat output to energy input. Hitachi’s heat pumps are incredibly efficient, boasting some of the highest energy star ratings on the market.

Undersized or oversized heat pumps will increase your power usage. To maximise the heat pumps efficiency it’s important to get the right sized heat pump that matches the room size. An undersized heat pump uses more power working harder to maintain the temperature setting. An oversized heat pump will use more energy to operate than required. Hitachi has a wide range of heat pump options with a range of capacities and features available to suit your needs. To find out what size heat pump you need Hitachi’s Heat Pump, contact one our JSR’s heatpump specialists to suggest the right options for you.

In regions where the temperature drops significantly for long periods, like many parts of the South Island, you might want to set your heat pump to a low temperature and keep it running day and night. This can be more economical than turning your heat pump on when you are in the room as it will require a long period time using significant amounts of power to bring the room to the desired temperature turning it on multiple times a day. In milder climates such as the upper North Island it is usually better to only turn the heat pump on when it is needed unless it is very cold. You can purchase Hitachi’s premium 7 day remote which allows you to track power usage, this will guide you to the ost efficient way to run your heat pump.

Here are some other tips to keep your heat pump running costs down and system running efficiently:

1. Decrease your thermostat by a few degrees – adjusting the thermostat down slightly in winter to help the unit save energy and money. Hitachi’s offers a 7 day programmable thermostat allowing you to adjust temperature for different times of the day.

2. Keep your filter clean – Clogged filters make your heat pump work harder than usual. Cleaning them will mean cleaner air for your home and more efficient air flow, reducing energy consumption and saving you money.

3. Clean around outdoor condenser unit – keep debris such as leaves and dirt away from the outdoor unit to keep it running efficiently.

4. Vacuum indoors regularly – this will keep dust around the home to a minimum, keeping your filters cleaner for longer.

If you think you need or would like a maintenance service to keep your unit running efficiently, contact JSR heatpump specialists here.

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By Team JSR – Source

Warehouses are one of the key links in a business’s supply chain, allowing for easier storage, managing and distribution of stock. The need for warehouse climatisation may commonly be undermined, especially when there is no special need for refrigeration of perishable goods. However, the reality is that many non-refrigerated products have temperature requirements for storage to assure quality. Also, the health and comfort of workers should always be a priority, especially in a setting where more physically demanding tasks are performed. In this way, the role of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) in warehouses becomes paramount.

Climate control in warehouses is thought to be very costly and power consuming, which can be true to some extent, but there are some strategies that can increase the efficiency of the HVAC system, which we will touch upon later. Also, it is important to note that investing in an effective HVAC system helps cut down cost from deterioration of products due to inadequate storage conditions.

Of course, the climatisation needs in a warehouse are not the same as those in an office setting, and storage buildings tend to have their own challenges and characteristics, so general climate control recommendations do not always apply in these situations.

Challenges of air conditioning in warehouses

As many other large buildings, warehouse pose challenges for heating and cooling, these are the specific characteristics that make them different to other commercial spaces:

• Large spaces with high ceilings. Warehouses tend to be very large spaces with tall ceilings. Vertical space serves the purpose of optimising storage by fully occupying the area without requiring extra square meters.

• Open spaces with little to no divisions/separation. Walls and separations make it easier to cool and heat certain areas, but storage buildings tend to consist of large open spaces, with few (if at all) divided areas.

• Entrances are usually open for receiving and dispatching goods. Efficient heating and cooling always calls for keeping the air-conditioned area closed to prevent treated air from escaping, but in warehouses this is a great challenge.

• Need for special equipment for perishable products. Refrigeration rooms and equipment need a cool environment to function and keep the ideal temperature of the products. But at the same time, they create higher heat emissions that can negatively affect climate control.

• Poor insulation due to construction materials. The high demand for storage facilities calls for quick and economical infrastructures; due to this reason, the use of metal and other low insulating materials is widespread.

Considerations for workers’ health and safety

As mentioned earlier, comfort and health of workers should be decisive for prioritizing the implementation of an air conditioning system. Many of the aspects specified for workplaces by ASHRAE are applicable for warehouse workers. The difference being in this case, to pay more attention to specific requirements for physical tasks, rather than office work.

• Indoor air quality (IAQ).

This term refers to the quality of elements in the environment and air we breathe inside buildings. Poor IAQ is a serious risk to the health of a building’s workers and visitors. The presence of air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and allergens, lower the IAQ. Many VOCs are gasses emitted from chemicals used in industrial solvents, paints, and dry cleaning products. Another way IAQ can be lowered is through an increase in carbon dioxide concentration and low oxygen due to high occupancy and activity in the warehouse. One of the aims of an HVAC system is to improve IAQ through ventilation and humidity control. Some warehouses may have natural ventilation, as they have an open entrance for shipments, this can help keep air flowing and reduce the concentration of harmful gasses.

Over time, with prolonged exposure to poor IAQ, health issues can arise. One of the main concerns for commercial buildings is related to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), and its symptoms vary from headaches and lack of concentration, to cough, nausea, and increased allergy and asthma flare-ups. In the workplace, to have good IAQ means to protect the health and safety of workers.

• Temperature related complaints and thermal comfort for workers.

Heat related accidents are a great concern in physically demanding jobs. Fatigue, heat stroke and dehydration are some of the risks associated with working at high temperatures. The lack of thermal comfort can decrease focus and concentration of office workers, resulting in dips in productivity; and the effects it has on warehouse workers are just as negative. Implementing an effective air conditioning system, especially in older infrastructures, can result in great benefits, both for the comfort of workers and productivity.

OSHA establishes some guidelines to determine whether thermal stress is too high to perform certain tasks. They take into account workload, clothing and temperature to estimate if it is too hot to complete the job without risk of injury. As an example, for strenuous workload, such as movement at a high pace, climbing stairs, or heavy lifting, the temperature limit is at 25ºC (77ºF) for an average sized worker. This means that strenuous work above this threshold is unsafe and not advisable. It is important to take into account all other factors, such as the physical condition of the worker, weight, clothing, and whether the worker is acclimatized to the job or not (OSHA establishes a period of 2 weeks for this).

• Ventilation and how it helps improve IAQ

We have discussed IAQ above and mentioned that ventilation and humidity control can improve it.  Through mechanical ventilation, we can control the amount or fresh air that is introduced indoors and treat it before it is breathed by workers, which is extremely important in spaces where natural ventilation is limited or not possible. The standard for ventilation is expressed as the amount of air that should be introduced per minute (expressed as CFM), and according to ASHRAE, the minimum ventilation rate for warehouses is 0.06 CFM per square foot per person. This means that the larger the building and the more occupants, the more fresh air it needs. The CFM figure helps us find out the airflow needed according to the building’s size and workers. For example, for a 7000 square feet and 30 feet tall warehouse, the result would be 420 CFM per person.

Another metric to take into account is the air changes per hour (ACH) requirement, which is calculated through a formula that converts the minutes from CFM to hours. In our case, 420 CFM with an occupancy of 100 people would be equivalent to 12 ACH. This formula can easily be adjusted using the calculator in the link above.

The lack of proper ventilation can be hazardous to workers. Without it, airborne particles remain in the same environment. With ventilation, contaminants get diluted and significantly reduce any threat to health. Also, in the case of bacteria and viruses, chances of contagion also decrease through correct ventilation.

Tips for efficient and effective warehouse air conditioning

After becoming familiar with the requirements for warehouse HVAC, we can also apply some tips to improve the effectivity of the air conditioning system:

• Optimizing insulation. Even with construction materials that transfer heat (such as metal), there are strategies to improve their insulation. There are many industry standard guides for insulation materials; in general, fiberglass is considered a good insulation material for metal buildings. Another strategy is to keep the product reception and dispatching area separate from the storage area, to prevent cooled or heated air from escaping. This can be achieved through a double entrance, and automatic sliding doors may also be useful in reducing heat transfer.
• Ceiling fans for airflow. Industrial settings can benefit from ceiling fans to ventilate in-between air exchanges. Airflow increases the sense of comfort without the need to lower the temperature, and ceiling fans help even out the temperature as hot air rises.
• Zoning. A zoned air conditioning system consists of dividing a space into various areas or zones, and providing them with their own temperature control. This way, they can be individually cooled or heated accordingly, reducing hot and cold spots. This allows for more even temperature throughout the warehouse, while taking into account each zone’s features and cooling or heating needs.
• System’s energy efficiency. We have touched on a few points on energy saving, but there are even more ways to make the warehouse’s HVAC system more efficient. Looking into AC systems that allow better control of its temperature functions can be key in energy efficiency. For example, functions that allow to reduce the AC activity in low occupancy areas, or heat recovery systems that recycle exhaust heat from cooling one area to heat another area.

Hitachi HVAC technologies for warehouses

Depending on the space that requires conditioning, Hitachi offers a wide range of HVAC solutions to fit all project needs.

For warehouse offices and meeting rooms, where there is continuous occupancy for long periods of time, the Hitachi range of VRF and Commercial systems are highly suitable, especially Heat Recovery type VRF that allows for simultaneous heating and cooling. You can read more about the benefits of Heat Recovery VRF, here.

When considering whole buildings, including warehouse storage spaces, larger HVAC systems are required, and large Commercial units or Chillers alongside VRF are ideal, especially if an air handling unit can be integrated into the system. Within the ranges offered, there are specialized systems to match the needs of all sized projects.

If Hitachi VRF systems are the ideal choice for your project, you can enhance their operation with the use of airCloud Pro, letting you monitor and control multiple and entire Hitachi VRF systems from one access point, anytime. It gives you visibility of operational status, troubleshooting, scheduling and cleaning reminders, and more.

To get more information about each HVAC model, get in touch with JSR on this website and tell the team which model interest you the most.

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By Team JSR – Source

Comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) are both linked to key elements that can improve our experience with air conditioning: temperature, ventilation and humidity. The latter is an element that sometimes gets overlooked in households. Humidity deeply affects our feeling of temperature, as higher humidity levels can make the environment feel stuffy and uncomfortable, while low humidity enhances cooling. There is of course an ideal range that reduces the impact of humidity on comfort. In this article we will be focusing on humidity, for comfort and health, its impact, and ways to manage it to suit household needs.

What is Relative Humidity?

When we talk about humidity, we are referring to the presence of water vapour, or moisture, in the air. Water evaporates from any source of water when heated, whether it is from directly boiling a pot of water in the kitchen, or from hanging wet laundry indoors, and the surrounding air then holds it. Warm air can actually hold more moisture than cool air; so to measure humidity in a practical way, we use the term relative humidity (RH), which is the water vapour concentration in the air in relation to the temperature. Relative humidity is expressed as a percentage; for example, 50% RH means that half of the volume of air consists of water vapour.

To measure relative humidity indoors, a hygrometer or a humidity monitor is used. They provide humidity readings for the room where they are installed. It’s recommended to install them away from known humidity sources, windows, heaters, etc, because their accuracy can be affected by surrounding factors.

Ideal indoor humidity level

What is the ideal range of humidity indoors? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), indoor relative humidity should be kept below 65%, to prevent mould growth, and to maintain comfort. Their guidelines do not specify a minimum value, but they advise monitoring any comfort related issues, such as skin or eyes dryness, nasal or throat irritation, which indicate humidity is too low.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends a relative humidity minimum of 30% and maximum of 60%, which ensures comfort for most people in the office setting, although this can be applied to other indoor spaces, such as homes.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) comments that, ideally, relative humidity indoors should be kept below 50% whenever possible, to discourage pests attracted to moisture. The minimum they recommend is 30% RH.

As relative humidity takes into account temperature, these general recommendations can be applicable all year round. However, for more accurate values, optimum relative humidity during summer is around 40%-50%, and during winter between 30%-40%. Most people feel comfortable in these ranges, but individual preferences may be different, so it is a case of finding the range that suits you best.

Effects of unsuitable humidity levels

Now that we have a better idea of what the ideal humidity level is, let’s take a look at the effects of relative humidity when it is too high and when it is too low. We consider that humidity is too high when it is over 80%, and too low when it is below 20%, at these values the negative effects of unsuitable humidity levels are more pronounced. Both situations pose some health-related issues, but there are also some symptoms that can be observed in our homes and furniture.

• What happens when there is too much humidity?

When a space has too much humidity, it can easily manifest in the form of mould or mildew growth. Dark spots may start appearing in ceilings, wall paint can start to bubble up or chip off, wood furniture can start to show moisture stains or, worse, rot.

Condensation and rust around electrical components and appliances is also caused by an excess of humidity. It can cause electrical malfunctions, raising the risk of short circuits and fire.

Excessive moisture also attracts pests, such as insects, rodents and mites that need water to survive.

The effects of high humidity on our health are just as serious: respiratory infections, worsened allergies due to the presence of mould or mites, more frequent asthma flare-ups, respiratory tract irritation, etc.

• What happens when there is too little humidity?

When humidity is too low, the effects can be seen on wood flooring and furniture, which may start creaking, showing cracks or discolouration. Wallpapers start peeling off, while wall art, books and photographs can also suffer chipping, discolouration or become brittle.

With low humidity, there is also more static electricity, which can damage appliances and exposed cables, increasing its risk as a potential electrical and fire hazard.

Health wise, low humidity can cause respiratory irritation and infection, sore throats, eye dryness, nosebleeds, dehydration, eczema flare-ups, and skin irritation, which can show up like dry skin or chapped lips.

Humidity, mould and allergens

The presence of mould or mildew lowers our home’s IAQ, causing respiratory issues and allergies. High humidity is the main culprit for bacterial or mould growth. To keep them at bay, it is important to monitor humidity and keep RH below 65%, as per ASHRAE’s guidelines, or below 50%, the recommendation of EPA. With existing mould or mildew issues, you may need to inspect what the source of humidity in the affected room or area is, then look at your options to improve it or get rid of the root cause.  

In the case of existing dust or seasonal allergies, humidity can also play a role in aggravating these. When humidity is very low, allergens and particles easily flake off and can stay longer floating in the air, instead of settling down on flat surfaces. Because of this, many allergy sufferers can find their symptoms worsen in low humidity conditions.

On the other hand, too much humidity can also be detrimental for people with allergies. Even though humidity makes particles and allergens clump up and remain on flooring and other surfaces, very humid environments are ideal for mites and other allergen carrying insects. So, there can be a higher presence of allergens in high humidity spaces.

The key is to keep RH at a level that does not invite mites, mould spores and other allergens, and at the same time keeps dust particles away from the air. This balance is achieved between 40% and 50% RH, according to the Clinical Research Centre.

Humidity and sleep

According to the Sleep Foundation, high humidity increases wakefulness, reducing the time of crucial sleep stages when recovery and memory consolidation happen. Low humidity does not seem to have any direct impact on sleep, but the health issues we listed above can make it more difficult to get a comfortable sleep. They indicate that the ideal range of humidity for sleep is around 40% to 60%.

However, there are many other factors that affect the quality of our sleep, check our article on improving your sleep with environmental adjustments for more information and tips.

Household sources of humidity

As we mentioned earlier, any body of water in our homes can evaporate and become water vapour, adding up to the humidity levels. Aside from that, what are other household sources of humidity? Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones:

• Cooking without ventilation. Even if you are not boiling a pot of water, any type of cooking (baking, frying, microwaving, etc.) produces steam and humidity, along with other fumes. This is why it is so important to have exhaust fans or an overhead range hood or extractor hood in the kitchen.

• Hot showers and baths. Steamy hot showers can feel comforting and relaxing on a winter day, but they produce a lot of steam that gets into every crevice, condensing especially near corners and other hard to reach places. Turning the exhaust fan on or opening a window to let the water vapour escape is helpful, but you will need to pay special attention to those nooks and crannies while cleaning the bathroom area, to prevent any chance of mould growth.

• Leaky taps and pipelines. Mould and water damage around sinks is not uncommon, but it can be prevented. Periodically checking the sealing of water pipelines, such as around sinks and wash basins, and maintaining taps will avoid humidity issues.

• Hanging laundry indoors. Some homes do not have balconies or exterior spaces to hang wet laundry, and hanging it indoors may become the easy solution, however it can cause excess humidity. If there is no other viable alternative, such as a tumble dryer, wet laundry indoors is best hung in a room that can be closed off from the rest of the house and either with a window or exhaust fan turned on to get rid of moisture.

• Appliances malfunctioning. Some appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and air conditioners, if not maintained properly can have issues with excess moisture or water leakage. Schedule regular revisions to prevent any malfunctioning to keep them running as efficiently as possible, and don’t delay any repairs or servicing.

Natural ways to manage humidity

To lower or increase humidity, a humidifier and a dehumidifier can be used to adjust humidity, and are very useful for extremely dry or extremely humid environments, or situations where accurate humidity control is needed. However, many households need minor humidity adjustments that can be done naturally.

How to lower humidity naturally:

• Encourage natural ventilation through windows and doors.
• Remove rugs and other unnecessary decorative textiles.
• Hang laundry outdoors or use a tumble dryer.
• Let more sunlight in.
• Get humidity-absorbing plants: such as English ivy, peace lily, Boston fern, to name but a few.
• Place a box or bowl of baking soda or rock salt near windows in humid rooms.

How to increase humidity naturally:

• Boil more water.
• Take hot showers with the door open.
• Place bowls or pans of water around the room.
• Introduce indoor plants(watering and misting keeps them healthy and adds moisture to the air).
• Dry your clothes indoors.
• Get decorative and install a small indoor fountain.

JSR Solution to Managing Humidity

JSR recommends installing Hitachi cooling system in your home. They not only provide comfort by adjusting the temperature to your liking, they also treat the air by removing excess moisture and filtering allergens and other particles.

In every Hitachi air conditioning, especially for residential models, the Dry Mode is ideal to quickly remove excess humidity from your space by just pressing a button. Another key feature is the mould guard, a function that periodically dries the AC’s internal components, to prevent the growth of mould and other moisture-loving bacteria.

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By Team JSR

After a tiring day from work, the feeling of entering an air-conditioned house cannot be matched. It is especially comforting when the weather is extremely warm and humid. In some cases, you may find your air conditioner (AC) running more often than necessary, or it could be struggling to work. Issues like these could indicate that something is wrong, and you should consider having it serviced.

In this article, we’ll go into detail on the causes of a heat pump running continuously, and provide solutions to solve it. Many of these issues can be resolved easily through regular maintenance. When all else fails, a professional’s help might be required.

Should you run AC continuously?

Generally, an air conditioning unit operates in recurring cycles under normal conditions. The cycle of heating and cooling continues until it reaches your desired temperature when you turn it on. If you have inverter AC model, they are energy efficient and cost-effective as they are designed to run at a lower power consumption. The way inverter works is by controlling the compressor’s speed to keep the temperature steady and allowing you to run fewer cycles, reducing your energy consumption.

When the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperature is larger, it’s natural for your heat pump to cycle more often or for longer duration. This is because the AC has to run more frequently and with more effort in order to keep up with the desired temperature. Setting the temperature to economical is often the key to making an air conditioner run smoothly again.

In another scenario, if your AC unit is running cycles more often than necessary, it’s likely due to an open door or window that’s allowing the conditioned air to quickly escape. To fix this issue, check for any open spaces that could be letting the air out and close them. Doing so should help your heat pump cycle less frequently and save you energy in the process.

If your AC runs constantly despite the mild weather or keeps running no matter what, you might need to look into the root of the problem.

Why should you be concerned if the AC runs constantly?

Ignoring an AC issues can create serious problems in the long run. It’s always best to take care of these issues as soon as possible. Here are some issues that can arise:

• Your AC losing its effectiveness – AC units are meant to make our homes more comfortable and enjoyable. However, when they start malfunctioning, they become unreliable and unable to carry out their primary role effectively.

• Fast energy consumption – The more AC cycles, the higher amount of energy it consumes. Thankfully, modern AC models are designed to be more energy efficient than their older counterparts, allowing you to save on electricity bills. For maximum efficiency, AC must be maintained annually.

• Malfunctioning AC parts – It may seem inconvenient to service your AC, but not resolving the problems can cause even more damage and significantly decrease the lifespan of it.

What causes AC to keep cycling constantly?

Common issues for constant AC running:

• Clogged air filters – The AC’s filters have an essential role to keep dust and particles away, improving indoor air quality, and letting clean air flow through. The issue is that they can get clogged when they have too much debris or dirt trapped, and airflow becomes much more restricted, meaning your AC has to work harder and longer to reach desired temperatures.

• Dirty evaporator coil – The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air that is blown onto it. Because of this, it is susceptible to dust build-up; and over time, it can become an issue, as the coil gets covered in particles, reducing the AC’s ability to cool, and causing it to consume more energy. You may even notice the AC blows warm air instead of cool air. This can also happen if the evaporator coil is frozen.

• Clogged or leaky vents – Clogged or leaky vents. Vents and ducts enable air to flow and allow the AC to run as it is designed to. When there are obstructions or leaks in the vents, air may not flow correctly, or it may even leak, preventing the AC from working properly.

• Thermostat issues – The thermostat gives readings of the temperature, and thanks to it, the AC can stop the cycle when the temperature is adequate. In some cases, it is possible that the thermostat stops working correctly, and gives incorrect readings, thus not allowing the AC to stop the cycle even if the room has been cooled off.

• Low refrigerant level – An AC’s refrigerant level can become low when there is a leak. The refrigerant is what enables the AC to cool warm air off, so if there is not enough, even when the AC runs constantly, it won’t get to the desired temperature.

• Incorrect AC size – The AC’s size should be suitable for the room’s size and features. An AC that is too small may run constantly to cool a room that is too big for its capacity. And an AC that is too large is no good either, as it can waste more energy to cool a small space.

What if the outdoor AC unit is running continuously? 

It may happen that it’s not the indoor unit that keeps cycling, but rather the issue is that the outdoor unit keeps running. It can be more difficult to notice malfunctions in the outdoor unit, as we look less at it, and thus do not think much about it. But some of the symptoms of an outdoor unit running constantly are also noticeable in the way your AC cools. It may not cool entirely, or you may notice it is not as effective as it used to be, or there is a sudden increase in its energy consumption.

Dirty condenser coil. In some cases, you may notice the outdoor unit keeps running even if the temperature indoors is adequate. This can happen when there is dust build-up on the condenser coil. The condenser coil releases the heat that is absorbed from your home’s air. As it is in the outdoor unit, it is more susceptible to external factors. Not only dust and particles, but rainwater, frost, and insects can also get in between the outdoor unit’s components. Dust and dirt covering the condenser coil prevent it from letting the heat disperse, and thus the outdoor unit keeps running.

What can be done to fix AC from running constantly?

Many of the causes listed above are easily prevented by maintenance checkups. The aim of preventive maintenance is to keep the AC functioning smoothly for as long as possible. It reduces the need for repairs and replacement of components that could have been saved if serviced sooner. These are some of the routine maintenance tasks that prevent issues down the road.

Filter maintenance and cleaning. Fortunately, this task can be easily done by yourself, if you closely follow the appropriate directions. Keeping the air filters clean will not only let the AC run better, but you will also notice improved indoor air quality.

Routine cleaning and checkup. You can perform a basic checkup by cleaning the outer casing of the AC unit with a damp cloth to remove dust. And look for any obstructions around the vents, leakage or unusual noises or smells. Remember to do this both for the indoor unit and outdoor unit.

AC unit maintenance. This is a task a professional should perform, as they will not only solve any issues that need immediate attention, such as cleaning the dirty condenser and evaporator coils, but also find any irregularities that could be overlooked if not observed with expertise.

Duct maintenance. Usually, if the AC’s installation is properly made, the system’s ductwork will remain optimal for years, as filters keep particles and debris out. Most of the time, the only maintenance ducts need is a checkup to see everything is in order and some occasional cleaning.  But sometimes, ducts can present leaks that need to be caulked, or they may need to be insulated if extreme weather conditions affect them. In any case, an expert’s advice is needed for ductwork maintenance.

When should you contact a professional?

If regular maintenance fails to resolve any errors with your heat pump, you might need to consider contacting a certified technician for further assistance. An AC repair expert might be the only solution if your thermostat or refrigerant is not working as it should. They can efficiently fix the issue and provide useful advice regarding further steps you can take.

The emphasis on hiring an experienced professional for the installation of an air conditioning system is important. Doing this will ensure that you get the maximum benefit from your HVAC system. A qualified AC technician company like the JSR will make an efficient and reliable installation, helping you save money in the long run. They have the experience required to ensure the installation is optimal for your home’s needs, which could lead to money-saving benefits. For example, an AC fitted in your home might be an incorrect size; the technician can recommend replacing it. This situation would have been avoided with the advice of a credible professional, who considers your home’s size, ceiling height, sun direction, insulation, and other suggestions, to recommend the appropriate AC with the correct capacity.

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 Ask our lovely team at JSR about choosing cooling system of your home. They’ll help you with the maintenance, provide the right solution for your comfort, and cost-effective results.

By Team JSR

There are many creative, practical ways you can keep cool and save money in the summer. But once the NZ summer cranks up, you’ll be obliged to crank up the AC even more. Learning about how you can save costs with your air conditioner while yielding its benefit is valuable knowledge to have that’ll last throughout summer.

While you may search online for cooling system hacks, they are inexpensive and effective methods to help you cool your home easier. Some hacks encourage you to close vents or moving furniture around the home also helps with cooling. To help you become a cooling expert this summer, we’ve huddled 11 quick tips for running your AC in the most cost-effective ways possible.

1.  Avoid Thermostat Temperature Confusion

As the reception of central air units has proven, a big downside to how smart thermostats generally are is that they cannot apprehend the cause of the heat. They just know it’s hot and may display inaccurate temperatures of your home. To fix this, move away the electronic items that get warm like the lamps or TVs away from the air conditioner or the thermostat. These items can make the room warmer than it actually is.

2. Cover your AC unit from Sun

If your outdoor AC is exposed to the sun (which it shouldn’t), it might be in a risk of overheating and may not run as efficiently as it normally would. Overheated AC is less efficient and will work much effectively if it’s cooled by shading or protection from the sun. Make sure it has a good cover.

3. Clean Air Filters

Dirty AC air filters can make your system run overtime. Replacing and cleaning it regularly helps make sure your system is running smoothly and without problems; saving you costs in the long-run.

4. Abstain From Heat Generating Tasks

Cooking and baking are the main source for generating the most heat in your home. Although, other home activities also generate excessive heat, like the dishwasher or ironing clothes. Try to reduce these tasks until the temperatures cools off at evening time.

5. Set Thermostat Once and Ignore It

To cool down a room economically, set the temperature to your liking and ignore it. Although it will take time to cool off, your home will maintain a comfortable temperature.

6. Check Your Indoor Humidity Levels

Many people consider that a HVAC unit alone will cover all the heating & cooling solutions in your home. However, this is not true. Your unit cannot cover everything by itself. Humidity levels, for example, plays a critical role in providing comfort, especially in summer. If you have a dehumidifier, use it to reduce the amount of moisture in the air while eliminating potential allergens like mould and mildew. You’ll be surprised how much moisture there was in your home when the dehumidifier produces litres of water.

7. Get yearly maintenance for your AC

A properly maintained unit will ease your energy bill throughout the summer and the year. The easiest way your AC system can operate inefficiently is by letting the cool air escape from your household. Your local Hamilton AC technician can inspect your insulation, leaks and tear of your AC system to ensure it’s not causing any problems, thus lowering the energy bill annually. Get in touch JSR heat pump & AC specialists.

8. Observe Your Ducts

Ducts can often get clogged and dirty, resulting in a decrease in cold airflow being cold as it should be. If you want to tidy these up yourself, do lots of research first, but in most cases, an HVAC company will be your safest bet.

9. Reorganise Your Furniture

Although it may sound unusual, but the airflow can be impacted by the placement of your home furniture. It is something to think when you are setting up that new couch or bed you just bought. Double check to make sure you’re not trapping cool air from getting into your rooms. You can fix this by moving furniture away from central air vents and ensuring nothing is blocking the pathway of the cool air.

10. Don’t forget to turn it off when going out

While you might want the room to be cool when you arrive from outside, you can save a lot of money on your energy bills by turning off the AC whenever you leave the house and keeping windows closed. You should also close your shades to not have direct sunlight heating up your place when you’re not there.

11. Use Your Fan To Your Advantage

Fans are a great tool to expand the reach of cool air from your AC. Strategically placing fans throughout your home can keep the cold breeze flowing into rooms without having to run AC all day.

Get Air Conditioning Maintenance from JSR

 Ask our lovely team at JSR about choosing cooling system of your home. They’ll help you with the maintenance, provide the right solution for your comfort, and cost-effective results.