Frequently Asked Questions

What is inverter technology?

A non-inverter unit would turn the compressor on at full power, when temperature was reached, the unit would turn off. The cycle would repeat throughout the day. This worked out expensive as turning this old style compressor on and off drew a lot of electrical current. The new inverter driven units have compressors that can fluctuate their load depending on what is actually required. When you need more heating or cooling, the inverter compressor speeds up, when you need less it slows down, rarely turning off. This means the unit is hardly ever drawing any load electrically. Experts have suggested that inverter driven units can save up to 40% on running costs.

This range uses uses the ozone friendly R407C and R410A refrigerants can achieve a reduction of up to 70% in energy consumption compared with conventional systems. These systems are registered on the energy technology list which enables clients to qualify for up to 100% first year ECA allowance on the total cost of the system www.eca.gov.uk

An inverter is an electronic device that can change the voltage being supplied to it. Inverter air conditioning units can speed up or slow down the compressor to regulate the cooling or heating produced to the heat load required. Subsequently these use less electricity than conventional air conditioning units of the same size.

What is a heat Pump?

Air conditioning being solely for cooling is a common misconception, as virtually all of today's air conditioning systems are heat pumps which can heat as well as cool to provide total year round comfort.

The heating facility is not achieved through the use of conventional, power hungry electric heating elements, but instead through the use of highly energy efficient 'reverse cycle' (heat pump) technology.

In simple terms they provide effective and controllable heating, whilst consuming up to 80% less power than any other form of electrical heating.

The same systems used to cool can also be used to heat, resulting in less initial investment and simplicity in operation and maintenance. Heat Pumps also have an important advantage in the area of efficiency. Unlike fossil fuel based systems heat pumps extract available heat from the outside air. Heat pumps offer efficiency gains on the order of 3:1 and higher, compared to electrical heating. Thus for every unit of energy consumed by the heat pump, three or more units of heat are gained.

What are ECA's?

Commercial Air Conditioning Installations

In 2001 the Government introduced the ECA (Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme). It is a government run incentive to financially reward companies who choose to install energy efficient equipment. Qualifying systems, including all associated design, labour and materials becomes 100% tax deductible for your business.

The scheme enables a business to offset the whole of its capital spending on qualifying equipment, against its taxable profits within the same financial year that the investment is made.

Many of the latest air conditioning systems incorporate both energy efficient 'inverter' (explained below) and 'heat pump' (explained above) technologies, and therefore qualify for the ECA incentive. The Energy Technology List can be accessed at www.eca.gov.uk/etl.

Are there tax incentives for domestic air conditioning?

Due to the effectiveness of 'Heat Pump' Air Conditioning Systems, the government has awarded a Reduced VAT rate of just 5% to promote the installation of heat pump systems within the home.

Click Here for more

How will I benefit from installing air conditioning at home?

A healthy choice of residential air conditioning equipment is now available in the UK from designer wall mounted systems for a single room through to bespoke whole house ducted systems that can be totally concealed.

Most people instinctively associate the term air conditioning with cooling, however most of today's systems are also able to heat (heat pumps) and offer an effective level of air filtration. In turn bedrooms, conservatories and loft conversions that are typically to hot in summer and difficult to keep warm in the winter, can be enjoyed at a constant level of comfort throughout the entire year.

Home owners have always accepted the costs associated with remaining warm and cosy during the winter months, and many are now placing equal importance towards to maintaining a cool and comfortable home throughout the summer.

We are already accustomed to air conditioned cars and work places, why not our homes.

Benefits of air conditioning in your home

  • Controllable comfort
  • Reduction in humidity
  • Silent operation
  • Banish nuisance insects
  • Eliminate external noise pollution
  • Improved security at home
  • Improved air quality
  • Reduction of energy bills
  • Convenient heat exactly when you need it
  • Incentives by government

Conservatories and loft conversions that are typically too hot in the summer and difficult to keep warm in the winter can be enjoyed at a constant level of comfort, throughout the year.

Doors and windows can be kept closed improving the security of your home, whilst at the same time keeping out nuisance insects and any external noise pollution.

The air within the room is recirculated through filters to trap dust and pollens, in turn benefiting people suffering from allergies and respiratory problems.

Most of us take the ability to warm our homes for granted, but few appreciate the benefits of being able to remove unwanted heat during the summer.

Is it expensive to run?

The indoor section of a split type system contains a low noise fan and some electronic controls, and consequently had a low power consumption, comparable to that of a light bulb. The compressor within the outdoor section consumes the greater amount of electrical power, which is required to run during cooling (or heating) operation. Once the room has reached the desired temperature, the outdoor unit cycles off until the temperature within the room has deviated by 2 degrees, where it will then start again. Within a correctly sized system, we would expect pretty equal on and off periods.

Can the equipment heat as well as cool?

It certainly can, and very efficiently too. The systems that heat as well as cool are referred to as 'heat pump' systems. These systems are fitted with additional valves within the outdoor unit that can reverse the flow of the refrigerant cycle. In effect the system then tries to cool the outside air, and rejects the heat which is collected (and amplified to inside).

The heating facility is not achieved through the use of conventional, power hungry electric heating elements, but instead through the use of highly energy efficient 'reverse cycle' (heat pump) technology.

In simple terms they provide effective and controllable heating, whilst consuming up to 80% less power than any other form of electrical heating.

The same systems used to cool can also be used to heat, resulting in less initial investment and simplicity in operation and maintenance. Heat Pumps also have an important advantage in the area of efficiency. Unlike fossil fuel based systems heat pumps extract available heat from the outside air. Heat pumps offer efficiency gains on the order of 3:1 and higher, compared to electrical heating. Thus for every unit of energy consumed by the heat pump, three or more units of heat are gained.

Is the equipment noisy?

No. One of the most important design criteria for the equipment manufacturers is a low operating noise level.

How long does it take to install?

This is dependant on the type of equipment selected and the complexity of the installation. A rough 'rule of thumb' would be one full day, per room, and maybe a few hours the following day to commission, demonstrate and hand over. For more accurate installation times please contact our office

How much does it cost to install?

This would be dependant on the type of equipment selected and the complexity of the installation.

What are the different types of Unit?

Types of Air Conditioning

Wall Mounted Air Conditioning Ceiling Cassette Air Conditioning Floor Mounted Air Conditioning Ducted Air Conditioning VRV and VRF Air Conditioning

What kind of warranty is provided?

We provide a full 12 month warranty and up to 5 years parts warranty.

I'm interested in installing air conditioning what do I do now?

Call our office and one of our experiences sales staff will be happy to help you with any enquiries and carry out a necessary site visit to establish your needs.

How much does a site visit cost?

One of our experiences sales staff will be happy to help you with any enquiries and carry out a necessary site visit to establish your needs free of charge.

How long will I wait for a quote following a site visit?

Depending on the complexity of jobs it may vary, but normally within 24 hours.

Does your company offer maintenance agreements?

Yes we do. For more information take a look at our maintenance page

I've heard many stories about legionnaires disease being spread by air conditioning is this true?

Dry based systems that we use contain no water in which a possible colonisation could occur, thus zero risk of legionella colonisation.

How often does my air conditioning need maintenance?

This depends on the equipment you have and its usage. For high usage we would recommend 4 No. times per year and for more minimal usage 2 no. times per year. Please refer to the maintenance part of our site for further details.

Does portable air conditioning need installing?

Portable air conditioners can be moved from one place to another as they require no permanent installation.

Why should I use Airway for my Installation/Maintenance/Repair?

  • over 20 years experience
  • reliable and trustworthy
  • competitive rates
  • quick response times 24 hours a day 365 days a year
  • fully qualified, highly trained engineers
  • fully compliant with UK and EC Legislation
  • Environmentally aware
  • Fully insured
  • All work guaranteed
  • D1 partners with Daikin and approved suppliers of Mitsubishi and Fujitsu
  • Health and safety compliant
  • Engineers undergo regular training and are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to ensure that any faults or potential problems are diagnosed reliably, and in the shortest time possible
Mitsubishi Air Conditioners Fujitsu Air Conditioners Daikin Air Conditioners

F Gas Regulations

for more information

Click Here

HVCA Logo Airway FAQ