School Air Conditioning Guide

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Dustin Woods
5 years ago
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1 School Air Conditioning Guide A fact-packed guide to help School Business Managers purchase the most suitable and most efficient air conditioning system for their long-term needs. Compiled by Acer Services, South East Queensland s trusted school air con specialists.

2 Why have we produced this Guide? When purchasing an air conditioning system for your school, there is so much to consider which is why Acer Services have drawn on our many years in the business and compiled this handy guide. Our resource will provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from School Business Managers about purchasing and maintaining a reliable air con system. Naturally, this guide is by no means covers all there is to know about school air conditioning. If there is anything our experience has taught us, it s that there is no simple formula to use when figuring out how best to air condition a school. A one-size fits-all approach simply doesn t work and reading a guide can never be a substitute for talking to an experienced professional. BUT it does give you a solid foundation of knowledge, which will help when you re talking to your aircon specialist.

To air condition or to not air condition? Numerous studies in Australia and overseas have shown that cooler temperatures in a classroom improve focus, alertness, productivity and attendance.

3 To air condition or to not air condition? Numerous studies in Australia and overseas have shown that cooler temperatures in a classroom improve focus, alertness, productivity and attendance. A study by Professor Michael Nagel of the University of Sunshine Coast suggests that the human brain begins to shut down at temperatures over 28 degrees, while higher temperatures affect the brain s neurotransmitters. This can lead to a distinct lack of concentration, as well as disruptive, out-of-character behaviour. Removing the humidity and C02 by ventilating buildings with fresh air has been proven to increase concentration and retention. In fact, students in air-conditioned schools have scored higher on tests. As well as that, the increased prevalence of IT equipment in today s teaching environments has led to greater reliance on air conditioning to maintain comfortable and more productive classrooms.

4 Which type of air conditioning system is best for your school and individual classrooms? The short answer is we won t know exactly what type of air con setup will be best for your school until we ve done a reccie. It s important for us to walk around the school with you to look at the situation to make SURE you are getting the right system for your needs, and subsequently the right install. During our school visit, we ll take note of important aspects such as: > The age of your school > What it is constructed from (eg bricks, blocks, weatherboards, etc) > The pitch of roofs, and whether they are metal or tiled. > The size of your classrooms, especially ceiling height > The number of classrooms/offices to be air conditioned > Size and number of windows (which can prove problematic) > Classroom orientation in relation to the sun > Whether ceilings are insulated and accessible We ll also have a chat to you to ascertain whether you have a particular brand of air conditioner in mind, or a preferred system (such as ducted or wall split). Our team can also discuss with you and special features you might be looking for such as a high energy rating, timer or settings memory. We are more than happy to make recommendations if you are unsure of the best way to go.

5 There are three main types of air conditioning systems suitable for classrooms. They are: 1. Cassette 2. Ducted 3. High Wall Split Most of the schools we have dealt with in the past and currently service have opted for ducted and cassette air con systems. Ducted because it is more economical than installing a series of high wall splits, and cassettes because being in the centre of the classroom, they distribute the air more evenly to all points of the room. Cassette Systems Cassette systems are slightly more expensive than wall split units, however they are almost entirely hidden within a suspended ceiling in the classroom and are therefore more discreet and aesthetically pleasing.

6 Ducted Systems Ducted systems are also highly recommended. They are often the most expensive option, however, they are very efficient and unobtrusive as the duct-work and internal units are hidden entirely with only small grilles visible. It is best to install ducted air conditioning as part of a building project, yet we can also retrofit the systems as long as the classrooms have a suspended ceiling. Ducted air conditioners have the added benefit of allowing different classrooms to be cooled to different levels from a central control panel. Furthermore, timers can be used to make sure separate zones are switched off entirely when empty.

Considering that students have to sit in the same seat for long periods of time, the internal unit should be positioned to

7 High Wall Split Systems If you opt for high wall split systems, ideally they should be placed in the optimum position in the classroom to provide maximum air flow. Considering that students have to sit in the same seat for long periods of time, the internal unit should be positioned to avoid any unnecessary cold drafts. For larger rooms we suggest that the school gets two less-powerful units rather than one very powerful one. This ensures the classroom gets an even air flow all round.

Placement of indoor/outdoor units Where to install the indoor unit (which houses the fan and filters) and outdoor component of the air conditioning system (the compressor) is not as straightforward

8 Placement of indoor/outdoor units Where to install the indoor unit (which houses the fan and filters) and outdoor component of the air conditioning system (the compressor) is not as straightforward as it is with a domestic air conditioner. This is because the units particularly the external compressor need to be out of the way of schoolchildren for safety reasons, and also to avoid accidental damage to the units, and the risk of after-hours vandalism. In the past we have overcome potential problems by enclosing the units in cages, or high up on walls on brackets, safely out of reach. We have even placed the units up on the roof, using a drain pump to dispel the condensate which occurs when the evaporator coil extracts the moisture from the air.

Other factors to keep in mind when installing school air conditioning School air conditioning IS different and there are many factors to consider, as well as a lot of special requirements and

9 Other factors to keep in mind when installing school air conditioning School air conditioning IS different and there are many factors to consider, as well as a lot of special requirements and modifications that may be needed. When is the best time to install? Whichever type of school air conditioning you choose, Acer Services strongly suggest buying off peak don t wait till we re in the middle of a heatwave before arranging installation. Install before summer (if possible) and everything will go like clockwork. Electrical connections. With so much more power required to operate the system, we may need to install new switchboards to handle the increased energy requirements. Drainage There may also be a problem with drainage. The last thing you want is excess water on concrete paths causing a potential slip hazard. That s why we will work out a way to ensure the condensate is piped to a garden bed or pumped to a drain. Air Quality The quality of air can also be a major issue, particularly as classrooms can at times be a real bug fest. To overcome this, we recommend air conditioners with top rated High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that can remove over 99 percent of airborne particulates below a size of 0.3 microns, as well as regular servicing. Noise Then there s the noise factor; it s important to select quiet air conditioners so that they don t cause any distraction to the class.

10 Maintaining a school air conditioning system Buying the right air conditioning system for your needs, and having it professionally installed, is a great start. However, to extend the life of the air conditioners and achieve maximum ROI, it is crucial that the system be regularly serviced and properly maintained to the manufacturer s recommendations. It s a fact that the less issues the system has the more efficiently and cost effectively it will run. It will cool or heat quicker and use much less energy. Proper servicing helps to pick up on small issues before they become major ones and avoids added costs in the future. That s why Acer offers two levels of service: > Standard servicing to keep filters clean and other components in good working order > Major servicing which is required at least once a year The latter involves not just flushing the indoor unit with water, but fully dismantling it so we can SEE precisely what s going on back there it s the ultimate peace of mind. We will work with you to book a mutually convenient, ongoing maintenance schedule to ensure the air con continues to work economically and efficiently. Acer also work around school schedules, to ensure minimum disturbance and inconvenience to students and teaching/admin staff. If necessary, we will even work on Saturday mornings. Not only do we guarantee the highest level of professional service, but we are also fully licenced and insured, and totally committed to all safe work practices.

We have looked after the air conditioning needs of numerous schools in South East Queensland, including: > Browns Plains High School > Mudgeeraba State School > Wynnum Guardian Angels School > Aspley

11 We have looked after the air conditioning needs of numerous schools in South East Queensland, including: > Browns Plains High School > Mudgeeraba State School > Wynnum Guardian Angels School > Aspley East State School > St Rita s College > Sunnybank State School, and > Park Ridge State High School Just wanted to let you know I have had a couple of different tradies out this week for various things and the team you sent out yesterday are the best! The others have left a huge mess but your guys even asked where the vacuum was to clean up! Please pass on my thanks to all of them and thank you for making everything such a smooth process. I will no doubt call again soon for another project we have. Karina S, Park Ridge State High School

12 Looking for school air conditioning? The final thing to consider is that installing air conditioning is a fairly labourintensive process, so choose an experienced air conditioning company like Acer Services to ensure that everything goes smoothly and stress-free, with minimal disruption to students and teachers. Your first step is to arrange an obligation-free consultation with Acer Services. We can design, install, service and maintain your school air conditioning system... all within budget. Simply call us on or enquiries@acerservices.com.au and we ll visit your school and supply you with a detailed quotation.

In the guide, you ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that we hear on an almost daily basis.

In the guide, you ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that we hear on an almost daily basis. The cold hard facts! Home Aircon Buyer s Guide When purchasing an air conditioning system for your home, there is much to consider which is why we ve drawn on our many years in the business and compiled