Whether or not one has a white Christmas, everyone can guarantee temperatures will gradually drop and the heating will be on daily. In a public or commercial building like an office, hospital, shop or school, comfort, health and safety is paramount. That includes keeping premises warm and ventilated and booking a service undertaken by a qualified engineer. Servicing AC is not just a summer thing.
It’s a common misconception that air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems only need servicing in the run up to summer. Air conditioning works just as hard in the cooler months (even more so after a hot summer), warming up rooms to an optimum temperature and keeping the indoor air as fresh as possible.
book a service
Every year at Adcock Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, the company sees calls to their branches increase in winter - particularly during a deep freeze - and while they do their best to attend callouts as quickly as possible, the best preparation one can do is to book a service in advance. A service will check all the important parts of the caller’s system (like the motor fan, lubricants, electrical parts, thermostat, pipes, refrigerants, pumps and valves) and fix faults or order any replacements in good time.
The engineers are highly trained to spot potential problems and explain them without the jargon
This means the user will be less likely to encounter a problem that could escalate into an emergency breakdown, and their system will be able to cope when the heating is ramped up. The company’s engineers are highly trained to spot potential problems and explain them without the jargon, so the user can make a judgment on the risk they pose to their system and occupants.
comfort of occupants
Perhaps it’s time for a strip down or deep clean - not only can one assure the comfort of occupants, they will also ensure that the user has an energy efficient system that is not struggling to perform. In winter, the job of an air conditioning system is to heat buildings to an optimum temperature. Too cold, and people will be unable to work properly. Too hot, and you risk them slumping into snooze mode.
If the heating fails completely, they may have to source costly alternative heating, encounter related issues in the building or even remain closed - highly detrimental to business. In cooler months, windows are opened less, but this doesn’t mean pollution stays out. Indoor air becomes too humid and stale and creates a haven for fungi, mold and winter bugs thriving in the warm environment. Ventilation is therefore essential to circulate air and bring in fresh air.
Planned preventive maintenance
Systems can only do this effectively if filters and ducts are checked periodically and kept free from debris
Systems can only do this effectively if filters and ducts are checked periodically and kept free from debris. The user could just cross their fingers and hope for the best, but the company definitely does not advise this. Winter weather fluctuates and is unpredictable.
Even if the AC won’t be used for months, simply switching it off to hibernate doesn’t mean it will be in tip-top condition when the switch it back on again in spring, especially when outdoor units are subject to the elements - falling leaves, rain, hail etc. Planned preventive maintenance is the best option in the company’s opinion. With a maintenance contract in place, one would have a much lower risk of a mechanical failure plus privileged access to our swift-response 24-hour call-out service, should they need it.
air conditioning unit
The client’s subsequent servicing will also be scheduled so they will be ready for that heatwave, even if it hits in April. If a user has been meaning to get their AC, heating or ventilation serviced, now is the ideal time. To find out more or book a service, one can contact the company and they will put them in touch with their local Adcock engineer. Don’t put it off.
10 Top Tips for winter:
- Ensure outdoor units are clear from fallen leaves - only if safe to do so! Consider getting a cover that won’t obstruct air vents
- Maintaining clean filters ensures peak operation
- On cold mornings, set the timer schedule to heat up their working area gradually. Start at 18 degrees Celsius and increase up to 22 degrees maximum, to try and avoid outdoor units icing up
- Remember that during low, ambient temperatures the air conditioning unit will regularly defrost and will not blow out warm air for 20-30 minutes. Keep callouts to a minimum by giving the system a chance to defrost
- If it has snowed, carefully check that condensing units are clear of snow before turning on air conditioning, if safe to do so
- If possible, use the night set back feature to maintain 16 degrees Celsius overnight to keep some temperature within the work area
- Ensure parts like vents or fans aren’t obstructed or overheating
- Unless it’s an emergency, try switching off the system for 10 seconds and turning it back on again to see if that resets the fault
- Although it’s hard to keep everyone happy, a sensible office temperature is about 22 degrees Celsius, not 30 degrees
- Keep Adcock’s email handy: enquiries@adcock.co.uk
As with all machinery, never risk one’s own health and safety. One must call the experts if in doubt. They will always try to help the caller over the phone if they can.