Eaglereach Mechanical
With our ever-changing climate, more and more people are beginning to make the investment into air conditioning. This is increasing in both commercial properties and personal residences. When researching air conditioning systems, it can be a challenge to decide which one would most suit your needs. There are several different types, and all perform their best in specific environments. One of the most popular options for air conditioning is the split system.
The phrase ‘split system’ simply refers to the fact that there are two components to this type of air conditioning system – an internal unit, and an external unit.
The external unit is called a condenser, and is larger and louder than the indoor one. It uses a condensing coil to dump heat (or cold if the air conditioning is being used to heat the building), a fan to release the heat collected from indoors, and a compressor. The compressor is often referred to as the ‘heart’ of the system as it circulates the refrigerant used to control temperature.
The internal unit is smaller, quieter, and blends in much better with existing interior décor. It can be placed almost anywhere in the room, though it is most optimum when it’s mounted high on the wall. This unit contains evaporator coils, which connect to the condensing coil and complete the air cycling process. It also includes filters which help to catch allergens and dust, increasing air quality and purity.
Both of the units are connected by piping and electrical wires, which feeds the coolant to and from each unit. First, the refrigerant is fed into the compressor in a low-pressure gas state. The compressor then compresses the gas until it heats up. The gas is then run through condensing coils to leach heat and turn the refrigerant into a liquid. From there it passes through an expansion valve, changing to a cold low-pressure gas, then runs through the interior unit’s evaporator coils. Finally, the internal unit absorbs the heat from the room and ejects the cold air back out. The heat that is absorbed runs back to the external condenser and starts the cycle again.
The system essentially takes warm air from the room, cools it down in its internal circuit, and then sends out the cool air into the room. The cycle continues until a set temperature is reached, then the system will shut off to conserve energy. The whole process can be reversed in order to provide heating, which makes the system a good investment to be used year round and keep your space at the ideal ambient temperature. Newer split systems can be remote controlled or set to a timer in order to only be running when needed.
It’s also possible to get a multi-split air conditioning system, in which one external unit is connected to several indoor ones. We discuss this in detail here.
The temperature can be set to whatever and whenever you want via remote control.
The system only uses the energy needed to keep the air at the preferred temperature before automatically shutting off, which minimises power consumption and wasted energy.
The initial cost of an air conditioning system may seem daunting, but it very quickly pays for itself by decreasing heating/cooling bills.
A split system is one of the more straightforward systems to install, as opposed to something more invasive like ducted air conditioning. Always make sure you hire a qualified engineer to install your system.
There is a vast range of styles, sizes, shapes, and colours of indoor split system units, so you can choose the unit that will be least eye-catching in the room. They are smaller than other air conditioning units and easier to blend in with your existing décor.
The noisiest parts of the system are placed outside and the interior unit is as quiet as is possible. As technology develops, quieter and quieter units are being produced.
As with any air conditioning system, you must have qualified engineers to install the system to make sure it is done correctly, legally, and safely.
When installing a split system, you decide where you would like your interior unit to be situated – if you’re unsure where the optimum positioning is, engineers can advise on this. As a general rule, the units shouldn’t be in direct sunlight, and must always be mounted on a wall that can take its weight. There should also be a 15cm open space around the whole unit.
A mounting plate will be placed on the area specified, and a hole created above that to accommodate all of the system’s piping and wiring. After checking the unit’s connections are checked, these pipes and wires will be connected to your outdoor unit. The interior unit also requires a drainage pipe, which is connected to the unit before finally connecting the whole thing to the mounting plate.
The external component of the system must be away from direct heat and lots of foot traffic. There should be at least a 30cm gap around the whole unit. The ground it sits on must be level, and the unit should sit slightly above ground level to avoid flooding – paving slabs are often placed beneath the condenser for this purpose. Once the unit is situated, the wiring and piping fed out from the internal unit are all connected. Air is bled from the outdoor unit to close the circuit and finally, the pipe work is secured and any remaining holes in the wall are sealed.
At Eaglereach Mechanical we offer a friendly, local service. In business for almost 20 years, we only employ the best – Category 1 FGAS engineers with the skills and knowledge to make sure your air conditioning system is installed perfectly. As well as installations, Eaglereach also provides regular maintenance and air conditioning repairs. Our customers benefit from a 24-hour call out service so any problems with the air conditioning can be mended as soon as possible. Call now for a free, no-obligation quote on your new air conditioning system.
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