Daikin has been known as the forerunner in air conditioning technology. One of the many innovations in air conditioning that was created by Daikin is what we call VRV + Heat Recovery System. Invented in 1982, VRV system solved the problems with huge energy consumption for establishments that make use of many air conditioning units for their day by day operations. As years passed, it was further developed with an infused heat recovery solution.

Today, we will discuss the prototype of the VRV IV + Heat Recovery System to better understand its advantages. This blog will focus on Variable Refrigerant Volume or VRV systems.

Come to think of it, there was only one option to cool a whole building in the past. That is to install several air conditioners in different areas and have them run simultaneously. However, you could only imagine how much that could blow up your energy bill. This is not to mention the cost for maintenance and repair which comes with having an air conditioner.

This problem was solved when Daikin introduced the first and only VRV system as an air conditioner for commercial spaces.

Since Variable Refrigerant Volume is a trademark of Daikin, other companies’ version of this technology is called Variable Refrigerant Flow. Therefore, if you are specifically looking for Daikin’s system, it will help not to confuse the two.
Now, what is a VRV system and how does it work?

What is the Variable Refrigerant Volume or VRV System?

VRV system, as its name suggests, is an AC system that utilizes refrigerant in cooling and heating several rooms at once. The technology is very similar to a multi-split ductless air conditioning system but has relatively low energy consumption. Thus, it is very ideal to use for commercial establishments.

What are the important features of a VRV System?

Variable refrigerant volume system has a lot of features that make it an ideal air conditioning solution to large spaces. Some of which are as follows:

• VRV system has multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor component much like a multi-split air conditioner.
• The outdoor unit receives signals from each indoor unit and delivers the required air temperature back to each indoor unit accordingly.
• The VRV system can be used for a heating and cooling system simultaneously. That means if one of the ten rooms requires a heating system. The outdoor unit will process nine rooms with chilled airs and one room with warm air. No need for manual adjustments.
• The VRV system has sensors which can detect if the rooms are occupied. When one room is vacant, the outdoor unit will shut its operation on that particular room.
• This air conditioning solution promotes energy efficiency and significantly decreases the carbon emission for huge establishments.

How does the VRV system work?

The Variable Refrigerant Volume system uses refrigerant for both cooling and heating processes. The refrigerant inside a VRV system is being conditioned by multiple condenser units. The conditioned refrigerant will then flow from the outdoor unit to indoor units scattered throughout the building. This allows for simultaneous air conditioning using a remote control system.

The indoor units, on the other hand, will determine the required temperature for their respective rooms. They can also detect when the room is unoccupied. All these conditions will be sent as signals to the outdoor component. With this setup, energy consumption will be limited. VRV technology allows for zero waste energy consumption in commercial properties.
Want to know more about Daikin’s Heat Recovery System? Watch out for the second part of this blog to understand this technology better.

We discussed one of the three types of air conditioners which are ideal for townhouses in the previous blog. A split type air conditioner has a lot of benefits but not all types of house layout can benefit from it.

If a split type of air conditioning system is not the right type of air conditioner, then we’ll share you two more options in this blog. Let’s start with a multi-split air conditioner.

What is a multi-split type air conditioner?

A multi-split air conditioner is similar to a split air conditioner. It also has an indoor and outdoor component. The only difference is that a multi-split type has a single outdoor component connected to several indoor units. This means that you will only need a place for one outdoor unit when you need ACs for different rooms.

Why is a multi-split type air conditioner fit for a townhouse?

A multi-split type AC has a single outdoor component which means less space requirement. It also consumes less energy, which makes it more energy-efficient, compared to other types of air conditioners. They produce lesser noise compared to what you may experience from other AC systems. However, the indoor component’s noise varies from one brand to another. So, if you want a not so noisy air conditioner, it is best to choose the modern models of aircon, particularly DAIKIN.

What’s the downside of multi-split type AC for townhouses?

One downside of a multi-split type air conditioner is that the indoor component occupies quite some space. The indoor component may not fit in small rooms.

What is a ducted type air conditioner?

A ducted type air conditioner has a single outdoor component, much like a multi-split. However, the indoor parts aren’t rectangular components but air ducts.

The outdoor component of a ducted air conditioner is often placed on the roof of the house and the ductworks are located inside the ceiling. Thus, the cool and warm air (when a reverse cycle is used) will be distributed in the rooms from holes or slits on the ceiling.

Why is a ducted type air conditioner fit for a townhouse?

Ducted type air conditioners work similarly to the multi-split type. Therefore, it is also applicable to any spot in a townhouse. Moreover, you will not have to worry about finding a place for the outdoor unit. Since it is typically placed on the roof, the space requirement wouldn’t be a problem.

Noise level for ducted air conditioners is significantly low. This makes it perfect if you have nearby neighbours who wouldn’t want to be disturbed because the air ducts produce almost inaudible sound.

What’s the downside of ducted type AC for townhouses?

Despite the many conveniences of a ducted type air conditioner, it also has some disadvantages. For instance, a ducted air conditioner can be costly. It is the most expensive of the three options. The installation is also critical and costly. Lastly, it requires a space in the ceiling for the air ducts and may not be suitable for all interior layouts.

However, the benefits it delivers outlasts the disadvantages. Just look at a boutique apartment where we have installed ducted AC units.

Boutique Apartments at Highgate Hill

Conclusion

These are the three types of air conditioner which are perfect for townhouses. Each one has its benefits and disadvantages. You should consider which among the three will be the most suitable based on your property’s requirements.

Should you need a reliable HVAC contractor to install air conditioners for your townhouse? Talk to us today.

In our previous blog, we discussed Daikin’s Variable Refrigerant Volume or VRV system. Today, we will move the discussion towards Daikin’s VRV IV + Heat Recovery System. We will also share how this technology can help many companies in Queensland.

What is Daikin VRV IV?

Daikin VRV IV is the most advanced version of the Variable Refrigerant System. Some of the exclusive features in this version include:

Variable Refrigerant Temperature

Energy efficiency is the trademark of Daikin VRV System. However, energy consumption has never been as efficient with VRV IV as compared to other versions. VRV IV has an additional feature called variable refrigerant temperature.

This advanced feature allows the VRV system to adjust its performance based on the climate condition and building requirements of the area where it is installed. This will have a huge impact on energy efficiency as the system automatically adjusts to the seasonal changes.

In the past, the VRV system needed to be adjusted as seasons change to minimize energy consumption when it is less needed. The adjustment service will be added to the company’s expenses. Now that VRV IV can adapt its performance to the environmental condition, there will be lesser fees and more energy efficiency.

Optimized installation

If you are familiar with air conditioner control modules, you will understand that more AC control modules require more piping and electrical works. VRV IV, however, allows up to three control modules in one piping system. That means lesser piping and electrical connection requirements.

It is also good to note that a single AC control module of VRV IV now has a 14 tons capacity. You can further maximize up to 34 tons capacity in three modules using only a single piping network. This is the most optimized VRV installation we have offered so far.

VRV IV is easier to install

With the easier installation procedure for the latest VRV system comes faster installation service. This entails that you will pay less for installing VRV IV than other VRV systems.

What is the Daikin Heat Recovery System?

The heat recovery system is another product of air conditioning technology brought by Daikin. It is an energy-efficient and environmental-friendly solution to air conditioning.
Going back to our previous blog, we mentioned the VRV system as both a heating and cooling system. However, we have yet to explain how VRV can act as a heater. That is because the heating mechanism of the VRV system lies in the heat recovery feature.

Heat recovery is a process wherein the indoor component of a VRV system, particularly VRV IV, collects the warm air in a given space. This warm air is then deposited to certain rooms which require warm air. Thus, it doesn’t make use of heating coils to produce warm air. It doesn’t produce heat energy for heating at all. It merely redistributes the warm air from one place to another.

The heat recovery system is therefore an energy-efficient way of heating an area. Using VRV IV + Heat Recovery System is, therefore, not only lowers energy consumption but also lessens the carbon footprint.

CONCLUSION

We are happy to be one of the few trusted DAIKIN contractors licensed and authorised to install the Daikin’s VRV and Heat Recovery System. Look at one of our projects using this.

Noosaville Project

We are pleased to be offering the bounce backpackers at Noosaville our services, full car park and exhaust ventilation system with Daikin heat recovery systems and split systems.

These advancements in air conditioning technology provide a very promising convenience for businesses in Queensland. Not only will they help with the corporate expenses but also pave the way to a greener economy.

So what are you waiting for? Get a quote, today. Send us a message.

Townhouses are among the popular types of residential property in suburbs like Queensland. It can be shared by three or more families, which makes setting up an air conditioner for each of these units can be challenging.

Here are some problems you may encounter: 

• limited areas to place certain types of air conditioner like window type ACs
• some air conditioners can be very noisy which might cause disturbance for your neighbours
• some areas in Queensland have protocols for noise limits
• limited ceiling space (in case of ducted air conditioners)
• the number of rooms which will need an air conditioner
• the layout of the house

With limited options, it can be difficult to find the best type that will work for you. So, we have shared with you in this blog your different options and the factors you should consider in choosing the best one for your requirements.

What is a split type air conditioner?

A split type air conditioner has two components, an indoor and an outdoor. The indoor unit is a rectangular component that is often mounted on walls. This indoor unit is then connected to the outdoor unit by pipes.

Why is a split type air conditioner applicable in a townhouse?

Whether you live at the end or middle part of a townhouse, installing a split type air conditioner isn’t a problem. The problem with a window type air conditioner is that it requires space on the exterior wall.

This is impossible for the middle part of a townhouse since the walls are shared with your neighbour. A split type AC’s outdoor unit, however, can be placed on the ground or the balcony. The piping that connects the indoor and outdoor unit requires very little space.

Most split type air conditioners also produce very little noises. Split type air conditioners are widely used in Queensland because they are relatively quiet compared to other types.

Split type air conditioners are also ideal for interiors with an open layout. Should you have an open layout for both the ground floor and upper floor, you’ll only need two split types ACs.

What’s the downside of split type AC for townhouses?

The only downside of a split type air conditioner is that every indoor unit requires an outdoor unit. Therefore, when you need to run several split type air conditioners for different rooms, it will require more outdoor units.

Running several air conditioners can be very expensive. First, it will surely have a toll on your electricity bill. Another thing is the additional charges for regular maintenance and repair. It may also not comply with the body corporate bylaws.

Conclusion

Is a split type air conditioner not the convenient one for your spot in the townhouse? Or is your town house’s floor plan not very ideal for a split type air conditioner? This is just the first part of our two blog series. Do follow us to know the other options you may have. This includes the most popular choice of air conditioning system chosen by our clients in Queensland. 

For now, let us leave to you a video of our recent townhouse project:

In our previous blog, we discussed the negative impact of poor ventilation on the students’ learning condition. We also shared how air conditioners can help solve the problem of poor ventilation in schools. Moreover, we mentioned that aside from insufficient AC units, schools in Queensland are facing another AC problem: poor maintenance.

The sufficient ratio of air conditioners and facilities is a good thing. However, for the school to be properly ventilated, the air conditioning units must be regularly maintained. In today’s blog, we will share with you the benefits of giving the school air conditioners proper maintenance.

Why does an air conditioner need maintenance?

Air conditioners filter dirt and dust in the air as they provide the room with a cool temperature. These particles are accumulated in AC filters. Thus, when you check your air conditioners at home, the filter gets dirty after some time.

The same goes with the air conditioner filters in the school, maybe even worse. When left unattended, the dirt can clog the filters and air conditioners will start to malfunction. 

Another common problem of air conditioners is frozen coils. This happens when air conditioners are running continuously over time. In classrooms where the air conditioners work non-stop, it is typical for the inner system to freeze. Such problems can shorten the air conditioner’s lifespan. However, these issues can be avoided with regular maintenance.

How does air conditioner maintenance work?

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that air conditioner maintenance is essential. Another thing is that it must be done by professional and licensed HVAC technicians only. Why? It is to ensure that your air conditioner will be properly cleaned and free from damages.

Now, how do licensed HVAC technicians do air conditioner maintenance?

Air conditioning maintenance involves the following tasks:

• Inspection of the whole unit for possible damages and risks
• Cleaning and replacing the filters
• Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils
• Fixing and dusting the air conditioner’s fan
• Checking and replacing refrigerants
• Removing dirt and debris trapped inside the outdoor unit
• Cleaning air ducts

Most of these tasks require professional experience. The last thing we want is for the dirt to be deep-seated that it is difficult to clean. This is mostly the case when the air conditioner is poorly maintained.

How frequent should school air conditioners get maintenance?

Air conditioners must have a thorough maintenance service at least once a year. However, in schools where air conditioners are more frequently used, maintenance should be done more often. It is advisable to get the air conditioners maintained before the start of every term. It will ensure that the air conditioners will not fail during the whole term.

What are the benefits of properly maintained school air conditioners?

Most of us think that air conditioner maintenance is expensive. That’s why we are sceptic of getting regular maintenance for our schools’ many air conditioning unit. Surprisingly, proper and regular air conditioning maintenance has a lot of benefits including:

• Clean and germ-free air
• Limited instances of air conditioner emergency
• Longer lifespan
• Lesser need for repairs
• Less energy consumption

With all these benefits, you’ll realize that getting the schools’ air conditioner regular maintenance is the less expensive option. Repairs and replacement are, after all, more costly than the maintenance fee.

Conclusion

Do you need a reliable HVAC contractor to work on your school’s air conditioner maintenance? Talk to us today and experience why Wahoo Air conditioning is the preferred AC contractor for schools in Queensland.

When we talk about the external factors that can affect the learning conditions of school children in school, we often have the following pictures in mind:

• overcrowded classrooms
• noisy environment
• lack of natural elements inside the classroom
• inadequate learning materials

We often fail to realize one more external factor which has a considerable effect on the student’s performance, the temperature. Since temperature is fairly invisible, it can easily go unnoticed. However, studies show that the temperature of the classroom can affect the learning condition in more ways than one.

How does temperature affect the students’ performance?

When the heat is unbearable, we tend to work slower and become unproductive. It is also difficult to focus on the lesson when the temperature is uncomfortable.

Why is that so?

Our bodies have an instinct to maintain homeostasis or the state of biological stability. When the balance in our system is being threatened, our instinctive response is to act against the threat. The same case happens in an uncomfortable classroom temperature. So, instead of paying attention to the lessons, the students’ minds are being burdened by the situation.

How about the teachers? What is their reaction?

If listening to the lesson amid uncomfortable temperature is already unbearable, how else is teaching? The teachers need to discuss the lessons, watch over the students, and entertain questions while dealing with the temperature. If students find it difficult to be productive in a hot classroom, then teachers are also on the same boat. So it is very important to keep the classroom temperature to a comfortable degree.

Why is an air conditioner important in every classroom in Queensland?

Queensland has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. So it is a must-have for schools to have adequate ventilation, and by adequate ventilation, we mean a sufficient number of properly working AC units. Unfortunately, not all educational institutions are looking into this problem up close. So we are urged to share why it is important to have sufficient air conditioners at school in Queensland.

Here, we listed some of the benefits of having air conditioners at school.

1. Air conditioners can improve learning conditions.

A cool and comfortable classroom can improve the children’s ability to focus and retain information. Teachers can also deliver the lessons well without any strains. This makes your classroom more conducive for learning.

2. Air conditioners are good dehumidifiers too.

In humid areas like Queensland, an air conditioner is a great help in keeping the humidity problems at bay; because the humidity in classrooms doesn’t only affect the students’ comfort, it also damages the room.

Wall paint in classrooms may peel off due to high humidity. Mould and mildew also thrive in rooms with high relative humidity. They can cause the students to develop allergies and other respiratory conditions with prolonged exposure. With the dehumidifying properties of air conditioners, classrooms will be a cool and safe place to study.

3. AC filters can prevent the spread of bacteria

The recent pandemic reminded us just how fast-spreading bacteria can be, especially in poorly ventilated places. So, classrooms with insufficient ventilation can help spread viruses and bacteria. An air condition filter, however, can filter disease-causing agents so the students will only breathe in clean air.

Wahoo Air Conditioning in Action

Here at Wahoo, we ensure schools have sufficient and properly working HVAC units for their students, teachers and staff. Here is a glimpse of our recently completed works:

North Lakes State College:

The white boxes introduce fresh air to the classrooms via fan & a filtered fan. These are installed awaiting the roofers final flashings. There are 57 of these to go in.

WINDSOR STATE SCHOOL

Conclusion

We have more to share in our next blog. Keep following our social media pages to know more about the benefits of air conditioners and why proper and regular air conditioner maintenance is important in schools.