Category: Air Conditioning Tips

Tips for Energy Efficient Air Conditioning

Posted on by Climachill

 

With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, maximising your air conditioning system’s efficiency has never been more important. An energy-efficient AC unit doesn’t just reduce your carbon footprint—it can dramatically cut your monthly energy bills whilst maintaining optimal comfort throughout your home or business.

The good news is that improving your air conditioning efficiency doesn’t require a complete system overhaul. Through a combination of smart maintenance practices, strategic usage, and simple home improvements, you can significantly enhance your AC’s performance. Here’s our comprehensive guide to getting the most from your cooling system whilst keeping costs down.

Professional Maintenance

The foundation of any efficient air conditioning system is regular professional servicing. Much like your car needs an MOT, your AC requires periodic check-ups to maintain peak performance. During a professional service, technicians will inspect refrigerant levels, check electrical connections, clean filters, and identify potential issues before they become costly problems.

A well-maintained system operates more smoothly, uses less energy, and lasts significantly longer than a neglected one. We recommend annual servicing before the summer season begins, ensuring your system is ready when you need it most.

Maintain a Clean Air Filter

Your air filter works tirelessly to keep dust, pollen, and debris from entering your system. However, a clogged filter forces your AC to work harder, consuming up to 15% more energy. The solution is simple: replace or clean your filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and environmental factors.

If you have pets, suffer from allergies, or live in a dusty area, you may need to change filters more frequently. High-quality filters not only improve efficiency but also enhance indoor air quality, creating a healthier environment for your family.

Smart Temperature Control

Installing a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the most effective ways to boost efficiency. These devices allow you to schedule temperature changes throughout the day, ensuring your AC only runs when needed. For example, you can programme the system to reduce cooling when you’re at work and restore comfort just before you return home.

The optimal temperature setting is typically around 24-26°C during summer months. Each degree you raise the thermostat can save 6-8% on your cooling costs. Smart thermostats take this further by learning your habits and adjusting automatically, some even using geofencing to detect when you’re away from home.

Seal Windows and Doors

Even the most efficient air conditioning system will struggle if cool air is escaping through gaps and cracks. Inspect your home for air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings. Simple solutions like weatherstripping, caulking, and door sweeps can make a substantial difference.

Pay particular attention to areas where different materials meet, such as where the foundation meets the walls, or around window frames. These are common leak points that can significantly impact your system’s efficiency.

Manage Internal Heat Sources

Your air conditioning system has to work against all heat sources in your home, including appliances, lighting, and electronics. During peak cooling hours, avoid using heat-generating appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and clothes dryers. Cook outdoors when possible, or use smaller appliances that produce less heat.

Switch to LED lighting, which produces significantly less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. Turn off electronics when not in use—even in standby mode, they generate heat that your AC must counteract.

Keep Your Outdoor Unit Happy

Your air conditioning system’s outdoor unit needs proper care to function efficiently. Keep the area around the unit clear of debris, leaves, and vegetation. Maintain at least two feet of clearance on all sides to ensure proper airflow.

Gently clean the outdoor coils with a garden hose (never use a pressure washer) to remove dirt and debris that can impede heat transfer. If the coils are heavily soiled, contact a professional for proper cleaning.

Consider System Upgrades

If your air conditioning system is over 10-15 years old, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model could provide substantial savings. Today’s systems are significantly more efficient than older models, with some offering seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER) of 20 or higher.

Look for systems with variable-speed compressors, which can adjust output to match cooling demands more precisely than traditional single-speed units. These systems provide better humidity control, quieter operation, and superior efficiency.

 

Improving your air conditioning efficiency is an investment that pays dividends in comfort, cost savings, and environmental responsibility. While some measures require professional assistance, many efficiency improvements are simple DIY tasks that any homeowner can tackle.

At Climachill, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal comfort whilst minimising energy consumption. Whether you need routine maintenance, system repairs, or are considering an air conditioning upgrade to a more efficient model, our experienced technicians are here to help.

Ready to boost your air conditioning efficiency? Contact Climachill today to schedule a consultation and discover how much you could save on your energy bills whilst staying perfectly comfortable all year round.

Portable vs Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning Units

Posted on by Climachill

 

Choosing the right air conditioning system for your home or business can be incredibly challenging.

Luckily, air conditioning units – specifically portable and wall-mounted ones – are incredibly beneficial, cost-effective, and value-adding, but a prominent question remains: Should you choose a portable or wall-mounted air conditioning unit?

At Climachill, we specialise in providing expert air conditioning products, installations, repairs and maintenance services across Sussex and the South East of the UK, ensuring that every customer gets the best system to suit their needs.

With that in mind, let’s explore the key features, benefits, and differences between portable and wall-mounted air conditioning systems to help you make an informed choice.

Why Consider Portable Air Conditioners?

Portable air conditioning units are a practical and convenient choice for regulating the indoor air quality and temperature of specific rooms without the hassle of installing one in a permanent, fixed location.

The compact designs of portable air con units are beneficial when you consider the flexibility of their placement, whether in homes, offices, or rental properties alike.

Benefits of Portable Air Conditioners

  • Easy to move – Portable units can be placed in different rooms as needed, offering a convenient cooling system for year-round use.
  • No installation needed – Unlike fixed systems, portable air conditioners do not require professional installation on an interior or exterior wall, nor do they need bespoke air vents installed, making them a hassle-free option for homeowners to create a comfortable environment.
  • Cost-effective – The initial investment is lower than that of a wall-mounted system, and there are no additional installation costs like those associated with upgrading central heating.
  • Ideal for short-term use – Portable air con units are perfect for temporary situations, such as in rental properties, summer homes, or offices with fluctuating occupancy.
  • Supplemental – Can be used alongside existing heating, cooling and ventilation systems to provide extra comfort when temperatures soar, for example, in server rooms.
  • Remote control – Many indoor units can be controlled remotely, making it convenient for homeowners to maintain optimal comfort.

Considerations of Portable Air Conditioning Units

While portable air conditioning units offer convenience and ease of use, they do require a nearby window or vent for exhaust and may take up floor space. Older designs and models may be louder, meaning homeowners who want to regulate noise levels and maintain a quiet operation may wish to opt for a newer portable air con unit.

At Climachill, we can offer a wide range of excellent, high-quality portable air conditioners to suit a range of budgets and applications.

Why Consider Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners?

Wall-mounted air conditioners are a long-term solution for those looking to cool or heat specific rooms efficiently. These systems are commonly used in homes, offices, and commercial spaces where permanent climate control is needed.

Benefits of Wall-Mounted Air Con Units

  • More efficient cooling – These systems provide better overall performance compared to portable units, ensuring consistent temperature control.
  • Compact, simple design – Mounted on walls, these units do not take up floor space, making them ideal for rooms with limited space. They also don’t require a separate outdoor unit, which can prevent disruption and upheaval during renovations.
  • Powerful and quiet – Ideal for homeowners who want to maintain a more comfortable indoor environment and regulate noise levels.
  • Multifunctional – Many models offer both powerful heating and cooling options, making them suitable for year-round use.
  • Energy efficiency – Fixed systems often have higher energy efficiency ratings and offer effective temperature distribution, reducing running costs in the long term.

Considerations of Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning Units

The installation of wall-mounted units requires professional fitting and may not be suitable for rented properties or spaces where modifications are restricted. However, they provide a more permanent and effective solution for climate control in spaces in homes or offices, and newer models allow homeowners to maintain year-round climate control with complete confidence.

The costs of wall-mounted air conditioners may seem higher compared to portable units, but with regular maintenance, however – such as the types of maintenance offered by Climachill – homeowners can reap the costs back in the long run.

Which Air Conditioning System Is Right for You?

The choice between portable and wall-mounted air conditioners depends on your needs, space, and budget. If you require a flexible, cost-effective cooling option with no installation requirements, a portable unit may be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a long-term, energy-efficient solution with greater cooling power, a wall-mounted system is the way to go.

At Climachill, we provide best-in-class air conditioning installations, servicing, and maintenance across Sussex and the South East. Whether you need a portable unit for immediate comfort or a professionally installed wall-mounted system for long-term results, we are here to help. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction never changes, which is why we are driven to provide you with a service that you can truly value for years to come.

Buy Air Conditioners Online or Book a Free Quote Today

If you’re still unsure of what air conditioning system is right for you, contact Climachill today to discuss your cooling needs. Our team of experienced engineers can recommend the perfect system to suit your space and budget.

Explore our range of air conditioning units or book a consultation with our team today.

What Temperature Should I Set My Air Conditioning/Heater To?

Posted on by Climachill

portable air conditioning
There are 2x modes which allow a temperature set point to be made, cooling mode and heating mode.

The answer to this question is that there is no answer – everyone is different and will therefore like a different temperature, from our experience the general norm setting in cooling & heating mode is around 22C.

Setting Air Conditioning Temperature

Setting your Air Conditioner lower than 21C in cooling mode is normally regarded as too cold and is generally a waste of electric in trying to cool the room this cold, likewise trying to heat a room to higher than 24C is generally a waste of electric – most people set their home thermostat to approx 22C so you should set your Air Conditioner to the same temperature.

You shouldn’t set the Air Conditioner to the lowest cooling setting (generally 18C) – this is far too cold for an office environment and likewise you shouldn’t set the temperature to 30C in heating mode, both of these simply waste electric.

Keep Cool in the Office

Temperature set points can cause arguments within an office environment; we have found that men generally like the temperature lower compared to women, we have one customer whom has a mixed office and on a service visit we found that the women had all moved to one end of the office whilst the men had all moved to the other end of the office, the office had 2x air conditioner units and they found this way the men & women each had their own system – a tad extreme but nonetheless solved the office bickering.

In summary we would recommend a temperature set point of approx 22C.

Air Conditioning In The Workplace

Posted on by Climachill

The Dangers of Excessive Heat in the Workplace

air conditioning In the summer months, when the temperatures soar for a short while, there can be some very real consequences attributed to by excessive heat in the workplace. Over exposure to extended periods of hot weather can increase the risk of a sizeable amount of heat related illness. Workers who are employed in outdoor work are at risk of the elements for prolonged hours, as are those who work in hot environments, such as bakeries, miners and fire-fighters. In general, the younger and  fitter you are, the less at risk you are. This however, does not always apply and it is wrong to think that you can easily dodge the side effects of heat in your workplace.

One such illness is heat stress. This indicates the first signs of danger and can lead on to other more damaging effects, such as heat stroke. The initial signs of stress from heat can cause irritability, sweaty palms and forehead, headaches and dizzy spells. Without proper intervention, this can then lead on to heat rashes or cramps, which usually indicate a growing cause for concern. Once the worker experiences some of these symptoms, it is crucial they let somebody know and attempt to cool down. The worst case scenario for a worker in an overheated climate is to suffer from heat stroke, which is a more aggressive form of heat exhaustion. This can sometimes lead to black outs, and people die every year through not heeding the warning signs of onset heat stroke.

Overheated Office

Preventing the effects of heat in the workplace is an extremely important job of any employer. There are many ways of doing this, such as installing air conditioning, opening windows, introducing fans, letting workers take short breaks, allowing drinks to be consumed and letting the team know about the dangers. Alongside this, there should always be someone within the vicinity who has first aid training and who can assist in any emergencies, should they occur.

Excessive heat can result in the raising of your body temperature to dangerous levels and this can happen very quickly, if nothing is done to stop it. If you or someone else begins to feel chills, suffer from slurred speech or experience dizziness in hot weather, then try to act immediately and seek help. Wearing suitable, light clothes can offer some respite from the heat, but most important of all is to become aware of your own body’s signals when in danger.