Whether at work, at home, out shopping, dining in a restaurant or exercising in the gym the temperature of your environment can have a major impact on how you perform or how you enjoy yourself. So, efficient and effective heating and air conditioning systems are very important to everyday life. Here is some advice and information as to what to think about and what to consider when buying a heating or air conditioning system:

Air conditioning
Until recent years, air conditioning was largely regarded as a luxury in workplaces and homes in the UK. In contrast to other parts of the world, our climate never really warranted air conditioning, except perhaps for a few days at the height of summer in the South of England. However, recent climate changes due to global warming and a general acknowledgement of the importance of a good working environment by employers, has resulted in air conditioning becoming increasingly common in UK homes.

Types of air conditioning systems
Air conditioning technology has developed rapidly and there are now several different types of air conditioning systems available to suit different purposes:

Central air conditioners. These work from a central location and distribute conditioned air throughout a building.

Window, ceiling or wall-mounted air conditioners. These are designed to cool a smaller area within a building.

Split air conditioning systems. These systems have the condenser installed outside the building so they are very quiet. In addition, a heat pump can be added so they can also supply heating as well as cooling and can therefore represent an economical alternative to central heating systems.

Cooling capacity
Air conditioners are available in different sizes which have different cooling capacities. The unit used to measure cooling capacity is the British Thermal Unit or BTU and capacities will be quoted as the number of BTUs per hour. The larger the capacity of the air conditioning unit the more it will cost to buy and to run.

Important points to consider when buying an air conditioning unit
  • It is very important to choose a size of air conditioning unit appropriate for your needs. If the unit is too small it won't be able to cope on a very hot day. If the unit is too big it will cycle off and on too frequently resulting in poor dehumidification of the air. The size of unit depends on the size of the room or building, the climate and other factors such as ventilation.
  • Choose a reputable air conditioning contractor who will be able to advise you as to the best size and type of unit to install. Lookout for contractors who are members of the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Manufacturers Association (HEVAC) as this should ensure a high standard of quality, design, safety and craftsmanship. The HEVAC website has a list of members so you can easily find one in your area.
  • Ask for quotes from several different contractors so that you can compare prices. Also, ask for a breakdown of costs so that you know how much is being charged for the unit and how much for installation. Check if maintenance is included or if this is extra.
  • Make sure that any unit you buy is manufactured to the relevant safety standards and that your contractor is familiar with required safety legislation.
  • Check what warranty is supplied with the unit.
  • Look out for units that are easy to control or that have a remote control and find out if the filters are easy to replace. Try to see the unit before you buy it so that you are happy with how it looks and will fit into your home or workplace and check how noisy it will be when in operation.
Heating units
Heaters are rather more familiar to us in the UK than are air conditioning units. There are a wide variety of heaters available including electric heaters, gas heaters, convector heaters, storage heaters, halogen heaters, fan heaters and even outside patio heaters.

Things to consider when buying a heater
  • Choose a type that suits you and the environment. For example, fan heaters can be noisy. Equally, some people feel that gas heaters, particularly portable units, create an odour in a room.
  • Choose an appropriate size of heater for the area to be heated. If you are uncertain then seek advice from a reputable heating contractor.
  • Check that the heating unit you buy is manufactured to current safety standards.
  • Compare prices for the same heater between different suppliers.
  • Find out how much the heater will cost to run. If you plan to use the heater infrequently then it may be acceptable to buy a cheaper, less efficient model. If the heater is to be used to heat large areas or for a long time then you should look for an efficient heater with lower running costs, even if the initial purchase cost is higher.
  • If the heating unit requires installation make sure you choose a reputable contractor with a good reputation and check that they work to the required safety standards. Gas connection to the mains gas supply require a CORGI registered gas fitter. Equally, any electrical wiring will require the services of a qualified electrician.
  • Find out if the heater comes with a warranty. Most new models should come with a least a year's manufacturer's warranty including parts and labour.
Buying second hand
Always do your homework thoroughly if you are buying a heating or air conditioning unit second hand. Make sure that it is intact and working properly and that it meets all current safety standards. It is probably best to employ a qualified contractor to install the unit unless it is small or free standing but you will need to check that a given contractor will be willing to install a unit that they have not supplied.

SAFTETY
In addition to ensuring installation by appropriately qualified professionals, remember that both gas and electric headers are inherently dangerous if used incorrectly. Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions. Avoid placing objects too close to the heater or on top of it. Ensure that, for gas heaters, there is adequate ventilation. Also ensure that all gas and electrical connections are secure. Never allow children to operate a heater and keep young children away from any hot surfaces.
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