FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We receive a number of frequently asked questions about our services. This FAQs section puts all of those questions into one place, providing air conditioning facts and figures. If you can’t find the answer to your question, please feel free to contact us. What is an air conditioning system used for? An air conditioning system is designed to provide and distribute cooled (and, in some cases, heated) air throughout a room or building. Modern equipment uses filters to remove particulates from the air and the cooling process also helps to dehumidify it. Air conditioning can improve air quality, providing a comfortable, environment for the occupants in the building and ensuring the smooth operation of sensitive equipment. Do air conditioning units provide cooling and heating? Modern units that include heat pumps provide heating in addition to cooling. This is often very economical to run when compared to other forms of heating systems. Why do Andrews Air Conditioning Services use products from different manufacturers? We’re an independent company which means that we’re able to select equipment that is energy-efficient and environmentally- responsible. We supply equipment from world-leading manufacturers, which enables us to provide our customers with a comprehensive choice for use across a wide range of air conditioning applications. Our contracts also include through-life repairs and maintenance, which means that we install equipment manufactured by only the very best quality suppliers with proven track records. Is it necessary to obtain planning permission before having air conditioning installed? Before air conditioning equipment can be installed, planning permission will usually have to be obtained. However, as there are a vast number of potential installation settings and circumstances, it is advised that you discuss the proposals with your Local Planning Authority before appointing an installer. Is air conditioning expensive to run? One of the most misinformed air conditioning facts is that it is expensive to run. Although costs can vary drastically from installation to installation and are dependent upon a number of factors, including the running time of the unit and the heating and cooling loads, air conditioning is generally very economical. For additional information on running costs, please contact us today. Will you repair any air conditioning system? Andrews Air Conditioning will maintain and repair air conditioning systems manufactured by any supplier. We commonly repair air conditioning systems that we have not installed and take over the repair and maintenance of systems that may have been in situ for quite some time. At the first maintenance visit, Andrews will assess your current air conditioning system and will make recommendations should any replacements or repairs be necessary. I have a manufacturer’s warranty, so do I really need a maintenance contract too? One of our Planned Maintenance Contracts will satisfy the requirements and obligations of all of the major air conditioning manufacturer warranties. It is important to bear in mind that manufacturer warranties are only valid if the equipment has been used and maintained in accordance with their specifications and recommendations, in a similar way in which car manufacturers require that the vehicle be serviced and maintained throughout the life of the warranty. Can I make amendments to change or cancel the planned maintenance contract during its term? You can make amendments to change or cancel your planned maintenance contract with us at any time. Please provide us with at least 3 months of notice in writing. However, if the contract contains any overriding or special provisions, they will still stand. Which regions do you cover? Andrews covers all of the mainland UK (including Northern Ireland, using carefully selected and vetted sub-contractors). What is F Gas? HFCs, CFCs and HCFCs all come under the term “F gas”. These gases are used in a variety of refrigeration equipment which includes air conditioning. F gases have long been associated with contributing to ozone depletion and global warming. Recent EU legislation means that these gases must be limited in use. The release of F gases into the atmosphere is now strictly controlled in order to safeguard the environment. Should air conditioning equipment contain 3kg of an F gas or more, legally, the owner must arrange inspections at least once a year. If the equipment contains 30kg of an F gas or more, quarterly inspections will be necessary. We are accredited and approved by REFCOM and DEFRA to test F gas equipment. We can also arrange F gas checks as part of your Planned Maintenance Contract with us. What is an air conditioning inspection? It is now a legal obligation for air conditioning systems with a capacity greater than 12kW to be inspected once every five years in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Owners of the system (or those who control it) are responsible for arranging these inspections to ensure that the system is operating efficiently and correctly and that it is suitable for its intended use. Andrews Air Conditioning is able to advise customers on when inspections should occur and can also arrange for members of our network of accredited and certified inspection partners to conduct the inspections. How does air conditioning impact the environment? Andrews Air Conditioning is passionate about providing our clients with the very latest environmentally responsible equipment. We only install systems that contain the latest non ozone-depleting refrigerants. These refrigerants not only provide a number of environmental benefits, but they also offer increased thermal transfer and therefore enhanced energy efficiency. The use of these new refrigerants, combined with new inverter-controlled technology can result in 50% lower energy consumption compared to equipment that is just ten years old. The Building & Engineering Services Association (of which Andrews Air Conditioning is a founding member), usually recommend at least two maintenance visits each year, dependent upon the application of the equipment. In high pollutant, high use and high dependency environments, we may recommend more frequent visits to ensure that the equipment operates reliably and effectively at all times. For more air conditioning facts, or if you have any questions, please contact the friendly team at Andrews Air Conditioning today. 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