Technical & FAQ’s

When we meet with you, we will explain how climate solutions work.

Essentially, Air Source Heat Pumps need electricity to run, but because they extract renewable energy from the environment, the heat output is greater than the electricity input. Put simply, for every 1 unit of energy used to extract heat from the outside air, it pumps 4 units of heat energy back into the home.

Let’s get technical.

How does air conditioning work?

An air conditioning system has the following elements: 

• The indoor unit (evaporator)
• The outdoor unit (condenser)
• A compressor (in the outdoor unit)
• An expansion valve

Heat from the air is absorbed at low temperature into a fluid. This fluid passes through a compressor, increasing the temperature, and transfers that higher temperature heat to the heating and hot water circuits of the house.

This is how it works in three simple steps [INFO GRAPHIC NEEDED]

1. The first stage of the process is the refrigerant entering the compressor as an ambient gas. When this gas enters the compressor chamber it becomes pressurised and heats up. This gas passes through a set of copper coils and as the heat disperses into the air (outside through the condenser) the refrigerant gas becomes a warm liquid.

 

1. The next stage is for the liquid refrigerant to travel through the expansion valve, little by little, into the evaporator as a cool liquid. This liquid evaporates at a low temperature and then turns to gas as it passes through the coils in the evaporator. As this process is happening, it draws the heat out of the room and as the fan in the indoor unit blows across the metal fins that cover the coils, it offers the sensation of cooling.

 

1. The last stage of the process is the cool gas passing from the evaporator into the compressor to restart the process again. This cycle will repeat until the thermostat reaches a desired level. When the thermostat recognises that the actual temperature in the room is not matching the temperature specified by the user the compressor will start up again.

 

What types of system are there?

Type of System	Description
Wall Mounted	Fixed to the wall just below the ceiling
Floor Standing	Fixed to the floor or the wall,  just above the skirting board
Under Ceiling Mounted/Ceiling Suspended	Fixed to a solid ceiling eg. if there is no ceiling void
Ceiling Cassette/Compact Cassette	Fitted in the ceiling void, flush with the ceiling
Ducted	Concealed within a ceiling void, loft space or eaves

The most common type of system is a “single split” system whereby one indoor unit serves one outdoor unit. However, other options are available, including a “multi-split” system whereby one outdoor unit serves more than one indoor unit.

What is an inverter?

Constantly regulating the temperature, an inverter is an upgrade on the standard use of air conditioning units that switch on and off when the temperature reaches a certain point. It regulates at a constant rate to ensure consistency, efficiency, and durability.

Inverter driven air conditioning systems make it easy for you to set the compressor anywhere from full capacity to fully off. This depends on how much cooling power is required for the room. Long-lasting and suited to the changing temperatures a room faces each day, an inverter powered air conditioning system could be a great investment. 

Do I require an inverter system?

The evolving industry has made it important that inverter technology is used. Most companies want to offer the best and most energy efficient options for their customers and that’s why our guide explains them for you. Each kind of inverter has been created and designed for a specific purpose and budget.

• Many manufacturers offer a standard inverter as a base model with regard to energy efficiency which is often the most inexpensive to buy. These are ideal for those who don’t want a system that is going to be used regularly and where running costs aren’t going to be a concern.

 

• The most popular is the mid-range set of inverters. While they are slightly more expensive than the standard inverter it is also more efficient which is reflected in the running costs.

 

• Top end inverters are more expensive but can save you money throughout the year. The summer and winter fluctuations will be handled effectively by this inverter with ease.  

It is all about understanding your climate needs and finding the best technology solution. 

Glossary 

There are a few terms you may have seen that you want to confirm. Here is our mini guide:

COP – The ratio that measures the energy efficiency of the heating performance (the higher the better)

EER –The ratio that measures the energy efficiency of the cooling performance (the higher the better)

Energy Label – Rated from A+++ down to G

Annual Energy Consumption – The lower the better.

Energy Efficiency Class	SEER	SCOP
A+++	8.50 >	5.10 >
A++	6.10 < 8.50	4.60 < 5.10
A+	5.60 < 6.10	4.00 < 4.60
A	5.10 < 5.60	3.40 < 4.00
B	4.60 < 5.10	3.10 < 3.40
C	4.10 < 4.60	2.80 < 3.10
D	3.60 < 4.10	2.50 < 2.80
E	3.10 < 3.60	2.20 < 2.50
F	2.60 < 3.10	1.90 < 2.20
G	< 2.60	< 1.90

What’s involved in an air conditioning installation?

As we mentioned above there will be two units: an indoor(evaporator) and an outdoor (condenser). Between these will run two lagged copper pipes, a 3 core and earth power cable and a drain.

‘Back-to-back’ installation: The units are placed adjacent to one another on the same wall. This ‘pipe run’ will be minimal going straight through one hole. In some circumstances, however, it isn’t practical for a back-to-back installation, so pipes may need to be run above suspended ceilings, through lofts or across walls in specialist ‘trunking’.

Multi-split system: This is where several indoor units are served from one outdoor unit. In this set-up, a more complex network of pipe runs will be required. Where the pipes from the indoor unit must run upwards the gravity drain will become ineffective, therefore a condensate pump will be required.

Whichever option you choose, you can be assured of a professional and high quality installation carried out by our expert team of engineers.

How long is the warranty period?

All our installation work is covered by a 12-month guarantee and all installed systems are covered by a standard 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties of 5 or 7 years. 

All warranties are subject to regular maintenance being carried out by F-Gas registered engineers.

We also carry out routine servicing to ensure that your air conditioning systems operate as efficiently as possible. Lack of maintenance and dirty components can increase energy consumption by as much as 60% and increase the possibility of component failure.