The 2024 Guide to Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is the process of removing heat and moisture from the air inside the building. These systems come in different types: Single-Split System, Multi-Split System, VRF System and a Hybrid System. Your choice in air conditioning system will depend on the size and shape of your building, as well as what you want to achieve from your system.
Chillaire has been installing and servicing air conditioning systems for commercial and industrial buildings for over 30-years. Read on to learn everything you need in Chillaire’s 2024 Guide to Air Conditioning.
What is air conditioning?
Air conditioning, also referred to as AC or air con, is a system used to cool down the temperature within a space by removing the existing heat and moisture. To put the process simply, an air conditioning unit takes in warm air and disperses cold air, however there is much more to this process than meets the eye.
How does air conditioning work?
The first modern air conditioning system was developed over 100 years ago, and although modern-day systems have developed significantly since then, they still operate on the same principles.
A standard air conditioner works by using a chemical called refrigerant and has three main mechanical components: a compressor, a condenser coil and an evaporator coil. These components work together to convert the refrigerant from gas to liquid and back again.
During the process, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the warm indoor air, turning it into a gas. The gas is then compressed which increases its temperature before being sent to the condenser coil in the outdoor unit. The refrigerant is condensed and cools (cooled) to become a liquid. The process continues and repeats, with the cool air being sent back into the building.
Types of air conditioning systems
Air conditioning systems come in many different styles, all with slightly different functions or designs. Chillaire are here to help you understand the types of air conditioning systems and which may be best suited to your commercial or industrial property.
Single Split Systems
A single split system consists of two main parts, an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. They are usually wall-mounted and connected by pipes which carry the refrigerant between the units. This air conditioning system is ideal for cooling a single room or space and is the most common system.
Multi Split Type Systems
Multi-split systems, or twin-split systems, are similar to single-split systems but are more suited to commercial and industrial application. Multi-split systems have an outdoor AC unit but have multiple indoor units, all connected with their own pipework connecting to the outdoor unit.
Multi-split systems are best suited to offices, retail stores and industrial spaces with larger spaces and many rooms.
Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) & Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems refer to the same technology. The difference between the two is that VRV was created and trademarked by Daikin Industries in 1982. Other companies then followed suit and thus became the more general name – Variable Refrigerant Flow.
These systems use advanced technology that controls the flow of the refrigerant to serve different temperatures throughout the building. This gives greater flexibility and can save energy costs. With up to 64 indoor units that can be connected to one outdoor unit, VRV systems are the perfect air conditioning solution for large commercial and industrial buildings.
Being a Daikin D1 approved installer, Chillaire has extensive experience installing VRV systems into commercial and industrial buildings across the Midlands. Get in touch with our team for more information.
Hybrid Air Conditioning Systems
Hybrid VRF, or HVRF, is an innovative air conditioning system that uses water as well as the standard refrigerant. The refrigerant is kept in the outdoor system, and the energy is then passed onto water which serves the indoor units.
By switching part of the refrigerant to water, this reduces the environmental impact of the air conditioning system and also increases the safety in the event of leaks. Mitsubishi Electric are a leading manufacturer of HVRF systems; and Chillaire are proud to be an accredited installer of Mitsubishi Electric products.
How to maintain your air conditioning
Much like any system or product, air conditioning units are subject to wear and tear, which leads to reduced efficiency and increased costs. Air conditioning systems should be inspected, cleaned and serviced at least once per year.
Here at Chillaire, we cannot stress enough the importance of having planned maintenance to ensure your air conditioning is working correctly. We offer a comprehensive annual planned maintenance service to check over your system and make sure it is working efficiently and effectively.
Speak to our team to find out how you can save money in the long-term with Chillaire’s servicing.
How Chillaire can help with your air conditioning
Here at Chillaire, we specialise in the supply, installation and maintenance of commercial and industrial air conditioning systems. We offer air conditioning service and repair for all our customers, with our contract customers receiving 24-hour air conditioning servicing and support.
Chillaire is proud to be a Daikin D1 Business Partner and an accredited installer of Mitsubishi Electric systems, but we also install and maintain various other popular air conditioning brands. For any air conditioning maintenance or installation, please give us a call, or get in touch with us here.
