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1. What is an air conditioner and how does it work?

Air conditioner – a device for cooling a room.

 

It consists of a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser (the latter two equipped with a fan). A radial fan forces air to circulate on the evaporator located inside the cooled room. The room air cools on the evaporator, transferring heat to the intermediate refrigerant, which circulates in a closed circuit. The refrigerant (gas) is then compressed in the compressor (its temperature rises) and pumped to the condenser, which is located outside (in the outside air). In the condenser, the heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the outside air, the gas condenses and becomes a liquid (still under high pressure). The liquid enters the expansion element (capillary or TZR), where it is throttled – its pressure and therefore temperature are reduced. The cooled liquid refrigerant is once again fed to the evaporator, where it is heated by the air in the room and becomes gaseous.

 

Operating diagram of an air conditioner: 1) condenser, 2) throttle valve (or capillary), 3) evaporator, 4) compressor.

 

Air conditioners equipped with control systems can maintain a constant, set temperature in the room, as well as (to a small extent) air humidity.

 

Originally, the air conditioner was a compact device, usually mounted on the facade of the building or on the windows. However, due to the significant noise generated by the compressor, it was decided to split the unit: the evaporator and the fan form the indoor unit, while the condenser and the compressor form the outdoor unit. Both units are connected to each other by two freon pipes (gas and liquid). This solution allows the location of the outdoor unit away from human presence. Air conditioners divided into two parts, i.e. the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, are called split type air conditioners.

 

Nowadays, the indoor unit of an air conditioner – apart from the freon cooler and the fan – is often equipped with an air filter as standard and sometimes with an electric heater. Nowadays, air conditioners are usually also heat pumps, thanks to the reversal of the refrigeration system – the evaporator becomes the condenser. Such devices usually regulate the temperature within the range of +16÷30°C.

2. Which air conditioner is best for me?

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to feeling comfortable, and each room has different requirements. We have a wide range of air conditioners from renowned manufacturers such as Haier, Gree, Hasense, LG, Rotenso and many others. Our experts will advise you which of the devices will meet your expectations, so that the air in your home / company is fresh and clean.

3. Is the air in my house healthy?

Exposure to air pollution indoors can be up to 100 times higher than outdoors. Frequent vacuuming and dust wiping may not be enough. Filtration devices can help eliminate particles that are too small for you to handle manually. Some units are equipped with UV lamps, HEPA air filters, recuperators… etc.

4. What is the impact of air conditioning on health?

Due to energy efficient technologies in the construction of houses and buildings, the natural ventilation of these buildings has been significantly reduced, which can lead to the sick building syndrome. The lack of ventilation in a room or building does reduce the costs of heating or cooling, but the air quality suffers. The air in such a building is the same as it was yesterday, which only keeps its humidity level high, as well as the harmful factors present in it, such as dust, bacteria, viruses, fungi, mould, smoke, etc. High air humidity greatly increases the spread of the flu virus. Air conditioning allows you to reduce air pollution, filter it, and control its humidity, which improves air quality and thus health.

5. How does air conditioning affect productivity at work?

With air conditioning, you can create the conditions in which your employees feel most comfortable. Modern air conditioners produce clean, healthy and fresh air, removing excess moisture and preventing mould from forming. All this can be achieved without draughts and noise.

6. Can air conditioning damage health?

“Only a badly organised air conditioning system can harm your health. With a well organised air conditioning system, the environment can only become healthier”.

 

Air conditioning at work, in offices, shopping centres and in our homes seems to be an essential element. However, there are opinions that it can damage our health. “Does air conditioning damage your health?”- No, if it is properly installed and regularly cleaned by qualified personnel. Why? Well, air conditioning maintenance (recommended twice a year) inactivates the potential threat of fungi that can damage our health.

7. Why do I need to change my filters regularly?

Changing the filters allows the units to operate at their most efficient and optimal level, which also improves indoor air quality. Thanks to regular maintenance, we will ensure proper air flow and get rid of dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the model you have, the frequency of replacement will vary. Our advisors at PROWABLE Sp. z o.o. and fitters will be happy to help you with the choice of unit and its maintenance.

8. What are the types of filters?

Keeping the air clean requires good air filters. Good quality of what we breathe makes us feel better, we can do more. So proper air filtration is essential, not only for the equipment, but also for its proper maintenance.

 

Air fresheners, air conditioners, should be equipped with the right filters. There are several types of filters used in buildings, whose task is to clean the air.

 

What should be taken into account when choosing a filter for air conditioning or ventilation system?

 

First of all, it is worth remembering that there are several types of filters on the market, which are designed for different devices and perform slightly different functions

 

Types of filters:

 

* pre-filters

 

* HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter, trapping most mechanical
impurities)

 

* Electrostatic filters

 

* photocatalytic filters

 

When choosing the right filter, you should consider how often you can afford to replace them. Different models of filters need to be replaced at different intervals, information on filter replacement intervals can be obtained from your advisor. The efficiency of the filter in relation to the given surface is another important topic. The density of the fabric from which the filter is made is of the greatest importance and determines its efficiency.

 

If there is a problem with unpleasant smells in air-conditioned rooms, it is worth investing in special filters, which will be able to clean the air also in this respect. More advanced are antibacterial filters, which are able to clean the air of bacteria, as well as minimise the spread of mites or viruses.

9. How to get rid of unpleasant odours?

Many existing methods, such as air fresheners and scented candles, only mask odours, without getting rid of them 100%. They also can’t get rid of bacteria, dust, pet hair, or mould that can cause unpleasant smells. In addition, such measures can have a negative impact on air quality. Our experts at PROWABLE Sp. z o.o. can advise you on the right air conditioning system to clean the air and prevent the growth of pollutants. If you have a problem with unpleasant odours in your home or business, please contact us.

10. How often should the equipment be inspected and what does this involve?

The inspection should take place at least twice a year (spring and autumn), which is a condition for maintaining the warranty of the device. 

 

It consists in:

 

– de-fumigation of the system

 

– cleaning of the condenser/evaporator

 

– tightness check

 

– compressor operation check

 

– electrical system check.

 

– check the condensate drainage system.

 

– air supply temperature control in cooling mode

11. What is the warranty period for the equipment and installation?

The guarantee for the appliance covers 5 years provided that inspections are carried out in accordance with the guarantee card, i.e. every 6 months, which results in the appliance’s guarantee being maintained.

12. How do you know if a device is malfunctioning?

The first thing to look out for is whether the air conditioner is running noisier than usual, or if it is taking longer than usual to cool or heat the room. Another sign could be an increased power consumption (higher bills) for no apparent reason. If this is the case, contact our service department and arrange an inspection visit. Do not delay in reporting a problem with the unit’s operation, otherwise a more serious failure may occur.

13. What is the best temperature to set the thermostat at?

Temperature settings depend on season and individual user needs. The temperature range in summer is usually 22°C – 26°C, in winter: 20°C-22°C. Remember not to turn off the air conditioner completely while you are away from home/business. Because the unit will have to work much harder to cool or heat the room. This can have a negative impact on its operation and service life, as well as significantly increasing your electricity bill.

14. Does the air conditioning allow the room to be heated?

Modern units have the option to switch from cooling to heating. 

 

Heating with an air conditioner is most often used in spring/autumn, where the temperature is not too low to switch on the main heating source.

 

More and more facilities have only air-conditioning heating (air-air type). In PROWABLE Sp. z o.o. we also realize such investments.

15. Is it possible to cool a couple of rooms with one unit?

We say no to the idea of cooling several rooms through an open door. Each device works until the desired temperature is reached (e.g. 23’C), after which its efficiency decreases, maintaining the fan rotation only to measure the temperature. Therefore, the temperature in adjacent rooms may not be so comfortable.

 

Cooling of a couple of rooms may be achieved by means of duct air-conditioning. The disadvantage of such air-conditioning is that the temperature cannot be regulated, but this can be solved by regulating the intensity of air flow to individual rooms. The advantage may be quiet operation and hidden installation, which can be placed e.g. inside the wall, ceiling space, insulated attic.

16. Are the units noisy, will they not disturb the neighbours?

Air-conditioning units that are installed outdoors generate a noise level of approx. 47dB(A), this value varies according to their power. This noise level is generated by a standard refrigerator at around 40 dB(A). The noise level is hardly noticeable if the installation is carried out properly.

17. How does the Wi-Fi module in air conditioning work?

To begin with, it should be noted that not all air conditioners have wi-fi built in, in quite a few it is an additional option. Especially in basic models.

 

Wi-Fi module allows you to control and monitor the operation of the device regardless of where you are using, for example, a smartphone. 

 

Examples of functions that can be controlled:

 

– switching on/off the device

 

– change of temperature

 

– Change of airflow speed

18. How much will we pay for electricity?

Current consumption depends on the capacity at which the unit operates and its efficiency class.

 

An average air conditioner with ~2.5 kW cooling capacity consumes ~800-900W at maximum load, so let’s round it up to 1kW. This consumption will only be for the first ~15-20 minutes after start-up (we assume the air conditioner is correctly sized) to reach the set temperature. After that, most devices, due to the fact that they have infinitely variable output (inverter devices) use significantly less energy to maintain the desired temperature. With this size of appliance, we can assume that on a hot day, maintaining the temperature will use an average of 500W. So, assuming we use the air conditioner for about 8-10h, we will use about 5 kWh. With prices at ~0,65 PLN/kWh, this gives us about 3,25 PLN per day. Counting that there will be an extreme month with all the hot days: 3.25 PLN x 30 = ~100 PLN per month.

19. How to avoid draughts?

Room height is important. Manufacturers of air conditioning equipment usually assume 2.70 to 3.50 m as the optimum room height for an air conditioning system. Cool air of approximately 16°C, delivered from this height, mixes with warmer air before it reaches occupant level, preventing the feeling of draught.

 

For any room that does not meet these general standards, the air conditioning system can always be adjusted to meet expectations. Certainly the position of the unit and the height and shape of the ceiling have a major influence on the appearance or absence of draughts.  Here, the subject of the properties of cold air requires explanation. Such air tends to linger at the ceiling for some time before falling. This phenomenon is known as the “Coanda” effect – it allows the cold air to mix with ambient air before falling to the floor.

 

The appearance of an obstacle such as a ceiling beam, ceiling or other structural element will impair this phenomenon by interrupting the airflow. In this case, the cold air immediately descends upon contact with the beam, which may cause discomfort to the person directly below. Also two units mounted opposite each other will cause the cold air flow to collide in a similar manner. It is therefore very important that the installation is carefully planned by professionals.

20. How often is the gas in the system (refrigerant) changed?

In correctly installed and functioning units, the refrigerant is not replaced. Our fitters will take care of a precise installation and tightness of the system, the same duty the users of the system have.

21. I have a question that is not on the list.

If you haven’t found the answer to your question, please contact us via the contact form, send an email to biuro@prowable.pl or call 503-515-520

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