© 2022 Sunshine Air & Mechanical Services.
Web Design by Lithium Digital Marketing.
© 2022 Sunshine Air & Mechanical Services.
Web Design by Lithium Digital Marketing.

Helpful Advice.

We've compiled a few interesting articles to help you make an informed decision when choosing to install an Air Conditioning system.

If you have any further questions or need tailored advice please get in touch.
Zoned air conditioning is a ducted air con system divided into zones. The areas or zones are controlled independently.

The layout consists of a series of ducts in your roof. The air is channeled to the various zones in your home. Zones are usually defined by the main living areas of the house.
Zoned Air Conditioning
Read More >
Zoned Air Conditioning & How It Works.
Zoned air conditioning is a ducted air con system divided into zones. The areas or zones are controlled independently. The layout consists of a series of ducts in your roof. The air is channeled to the various zones in your home.

Zones are usually defined by the main living areas of the house. However, you can zone for every room or area.

When creating zones for ducted air conditioning system, ducts will be extended to each unique area. They must end in an outlet vent where air is released. To control the air flowing within the zone, electrical mechanical valves called dampers are used. The intensity of the airflow is controlled by how much the damper is open. When it’s fully open, the maximum amount of airflow is allowed into the zone. When closed, the zone does not receive air flow. Most zoned air con systems offer varying degrees of airflow for every zone. This gives you control over the system.

A zoned (ducted) air conditioning system has several important features and components:

  • INDOOR UNIT – Usually installed in the roof cavity. It is the main unit that delivers cool or warm air . Made of a heat exchange coil, a fan, filters and a Remote Thermostat/Control.
  • OUTDOOR UNIT – Installed outside and work with the indoor unit. Then, it pumps refrigerant between the two units. Additionally, it rejects the heat gathered from the indoor unit. It is made up of a compressor, heat exchange coil and fan.
  • VENTS – Air is delivered to each zone through ceiling vents. There is a range of designs for your property.
  • ZONES – Zones are areas where you control the climate. They can be adjusted individually.
  • CONTROL UNITS – The AC system is controlled by a centrally located wall-mounted unit controller and zone controller. Some advanced systems have individual controls in each zone. This allows you to control the climate through your smartphone or tablet.
  • In addition, we are dealers of the Advantage Air MyAir System. Contact us for more information.
  • SENSORS – Sensors measure the temperature of each zone. Then, regulate the temperature effectively.
  • DAMPERS – Dampers control the amount of airflow into a zone. Also known as zone motors or volume control dampers.
Advantages Of Zoned Air Conditioning.
Disadvantages Of Zoned Air Conditioning.
Firstly, zone are energy efficient especially for bigger properties. In addition you will see more efficient when compared to a split system with individual units. Plus, zoned air conditioning gives you to control the airflow for different areas of the house because you can shut off for areas that aren’t being used. This will save electricity.

Manufacturers offer settings allowing you to set timers for individual zones. You control the climate to your family’s schedule. You save even more money.
Thirdly, did you know ducted air con can help improve health?

Ducted air conditioning removes dust particles because it works to remove moisture from the air.

Consequently, people with weak immune systems and asthma benefit.

As do the elderly and children.
Zoned air con is more expensive to install when compared to a split system.

But it covers a larger area. Thus, requiring a higher capacity cooling unit.

Plus ducts and air vents to be fitted. Ducted systems may have an initial higher cost.

However, higher efficiency means you save money over time.
The main cooling unit for a ducted system is placed in the roof or under the floor.

Alternatively, if neither cavity is large enough an alternative air con system must be considered.
Secondly, the main cooling unit for a ducted air conditioning system is tucked away in the roof, making it discreet and quiet.

In some cases it may be under the floor. You get a quiet and subtle experience when compared to split systems.

Discreet climate control system create quiet environments. Ducted air conditioning is the way to go.
Energy Efficiency
Quiet & Discreet
Improved Health
More Expensive To Insall
Unsuitable For Some Buildings
Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
Did you know that a poorly maintained air conditioner needs to work twice as hard to make your home feel cool in summer?

To keep your air conditioner in peak condition and keep those pesky electricity bills down, it’s worth following these super simple tips on maintaining your air conditioner.
Read More >
Maintaining Your Air Conditioner.
Maintaining your AC and five thing we think you need to know. Here we provide you simple tips for maintaining your air conditioner and improving function.
Maintaining your air conditioner includes regular cleaning of you indoor air filters. The more clogged your filter is, the harder your air conditioner will need to work because it is harder to push air through. If left uncleaned, a significant volume of dust can accumulate on top of and inside your air conditioner filters. This build-up can eventually clog your air conditioner, reduce its air flow, diminish its performance and result in higher running costs.

How To Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter

Most indoor air conditioners typically have one or two main filters. Your air conditioner may also have an air purification filter that can be removed and cleaned; this type of filter will eventually need to be replaced once every two years.
Cleaning your air conditioner is easy. Simply pop open the plastic cover and remove the filter, or multiple filters.
Take these filters outside and give them a shake. For a thorough clean, use a brush with gentle bristles or vacuum the filter with your vacuum cleaner’s dusting brush head.
Take these filters outside and give them gentle wash, If your filters are extremely dirty, we recommend using mild detergent. Rinse them clean with fresh water and ensure they are completely dry before placing them back inside the air conditioner.

How often should I clean the inside of my air conditioner?

Aim to clean your air filter at least four (4) times a year, in anticipation of summer and periods of heavy use. The more often you use your air conditioner, the more often you should clean its filters.
Just like you need to keep the inside of your air conditioner clean, if your air conditioner has an outdoor unit (i.e. if you have a split system air conditioner), you should keep your outdoor compressor unit free from debris that can obstruct its performance. Debris can build up on your outdoor compressor unit’s cooling fins, limiting its airflow. Ultimately, this can mean your compressor will need to work harder to achieve the same result, leading to increased energy use and higher costs.

How often should I clean the outside of my air conditioner?

To clean your outdoor air conditioning unit, we recommend checking it once every few months to clear away dust, leaves and cobwebs from its cooling fins. Maintaining your AC is paramount. We recommend installing your outdoor air conditioning unit in a place where you can keep it relatively clear of falling debris for easier long-term maintenance.
Maintain and Clean Your Air Conditioner Filters.
Keep Your Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit Free From Debris.
No matter how astutely your clean your air conditioner with these methods, at some point you will need to have a licensed air conditioning technician perform a service on your air conditioner. Why? A professional air conditioning technician knows exactly what to look for, can spot potential issues, and fix any problems that you may or may not notice.

What will your air conditioning technician do during this service? First, they will check the refrigerant gas levels. Next, they will test your thermostat. Finally, they will ensure all of the air conditioner’s internal parts that help it work effectively are in good working order.

How often should I organise an air conditioning service?

A professional service should be arranged once every year. This will make sure your air conditioner continues to work smoothly and efficiently throughout its lifespan.
Have Your Air Conditioner Professionally Serviced Each Year.
To keep your air conditioner in good condition, it’s important to avoid unnecessarily overworking your air conditioner. Maintaining your AC and it is use is important.

We recommend seeking an air conditioner that comes with inbuilt programmers and features to improve its energy efficiency.

How can I reduce my air conditioner’s energy output?

On especially hot days, you can help reduce pressure on your air conditioner by starting your air conditioner before the day reaches the zenith of its heat.

Many modern air conditioners also have a human sensor feature that automatically switches the air conditioner to energy saving mode if no movement is detected in the room for 20 minutes.

Manage Your Output and Reduce Your Energy Costs.
Although it can be tempting on a sweltering day, don’t set your air conditioner’s temperature too low. Instead, pick the ideal temperature for your climate.

What is the ideal air conditioning temperature for southeast Queensland?

If you live in Southeast Queensland, the best temperature to set your air conditioner in summer is 25 degrees Celsius.

If you have a reverse cycle conditioner, set the temperature to 18 degrees Celsius in winter.

This will ensure a comfortable environment while reducing your energy consumption — keeping your air conditioner stress-free and saving you money in the process.
Don’t Set Your Temperature Too Low.
Final Thoughts On Maintaining Your Air Conditioner.
Maintaining your Air Conditioner not only means making sure it’s clean and working correctly.

It means taking steps to reduce unnecessary strain on your air conditioning unit, so that it can continue to work for you and your family for many years to come.
Consumers nowadays try to look for low energy consuming products in the market, and manufacturers have created ways to make their products energy efficient.
Calculating Your Air Conditioning Running Costs
Read More >
Calculating Your Air Conditioner Running Costs.
Calculating your Air Conditioner running expenses is important to consider. Consumers nowadays try to look for low energy consuming products in the market, and manufacturers have created ways to make their products energy efficient.

This along with engineering advancements as introduced the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings that we commonly see in today’s air conditioning units.

So, putting the EER in mind, a different accurate calculation is needed for new air conditioners today with energy star ratings:
(KW capacity/ EER) x price/ hour = price/ kWh.

Using the previous example, if we calculate the cost to run a 2.5kW air conditioner, now with an EER of 3.21, then:
(2.5kW/ 3.21) x 28 c/ hour = 22 c/ kWh or $ 0.22/ kWh
Daily cost (on an 8-hour usage): 176 c or $ 1.76
Monthly cost: $ 52.80
How much does my air conditioner cost to run?

When calculating your AC running expenses you nee3d to know the size of your air con. A 2.5 kW air conditioner will cost about 22 cents an hour to run.

Alternatively, a 9 kW air conditioner will cost $6.30 to run for 8 hours at full power.

Click the button below to view common sizes and the cost associated with them:

Recent Sunshine Air Projects.
Your comfort is our number ONE priority!
With one of the highest sunshine readings in the world, it's easy to see why so many people call the Sunshine Coast home!  

We guarantee to keep you COOL in summer and WARM in winter.
Contact Us or Request a Quote.
Interested in how we can help you? For quality, local air-conditioning and mechanical solutions, we'd love to hear from you!

Whether it’s a free quote on an air-conditioning system you’re after or you’re seeking a service or repair for your home air-conditioning unit, please don’t hesitate to contact us today as our experienced team is ready to assist.

We travel throughout The Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas including Alexandra Headland, Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Noosa.