FAQs
I live in the U.K., so do I really need air conditioning?
The 2017 UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (Committee on Climate Change, 2017) identified the impacts of high temperatures as one of the greatest risks and actions that need to be taken in this country. Last year, 2020 tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record and summer heatwaves are expected to become the norm by the 2040s. The health impacts are already significant and expected to increase. We believe split system air conditioning is one of the most effective solutions for cooling indoor spaces. It is also one of the most efficient methods for heating too. At Atmosfair we have also been feeling increasingly uncomfortable with each passing summer, that's one of the reasons we created Atmosfair. We want to educate the world about the energy efficiencies and zero carbon benefits of modern air conditioning. So, we say... yes, now is the time to get air-conditioning.
How much does split air conditioning cost?
We feel the benefits of having a separate indoor and outdoor unit are unrivalled in terms of quietness, efficiency and aesthetics. A standard 2.5kw wall mounted split air conditioner can be professionally installed to the highest standards from as little as £1399. There are other variables which can also affect pricing such as unit location, make, model and whether a condensate pump is required. Just contact us so we can help you find the perfect match for your needs.
What are the benefits of split air conditioners compared to portable air conditioners?
Generally, split air conditioners are much more energy efficient, they are capable of much higher power cooling and heating, they are a permanent space saving solution, but most importantly they are much, much quieter - which makes them perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, offices etc.
How quiet?
In night mode some units can be quiet as 19db, which is the equivalent of a whisper.
What is a multi-split system?
A multi-split air conditioning system is 2 or more units that run from one outdoor unit - this can be much more aesthetically pleasing on the outside of a property and efficient . There are also VRF and VRV units which require less pipe work and are often able to provide both heating and cooling to different rooms at the same time.
What is the outdoor unit?
The outdoor unit, often referred to as the condenser or inverter, is the essential counterpart to the indoor unit. It is an air-to-air source heat pump which transfers energy to or from the air outside. This energy is then sent to the indoor unit to produce cooling or heating inside your rooms.
How many Kw should my unit be?
This can depend many factors including room size, occupancy, levels of insulation and exposure to the sun. Generally speaking for bedrooms and living rooms is is advisable to have at least 100W-125W of cooling power available per square meter.
I thought air conditioning was bad for the environment?
Modern air conditioners are powered by inverters, reversible air source heat pumps, which are the future of our zero carbon economy. Heatpumps are incredibly efficient because rather than generating heat, they simply move (pump) heat from one air source (inside) to another (outside) - or the other way around in heating mode; and because they are powered by electricity, they produce zero carbon emissions.
What about the electricity air conditioning uses?
Modern air source heat pumps can be over 300% efficient, which means that 0.5Kw of electricity can generate roughly 2Kw of cooling or heating, making it the ultimate energy efficient zero carbon technology to replace gas, oil and electric heating. Most electricity tariffs now come from 100% renewable sources and if you have solar panels, then on summer days your unit could run for free. We also have indoor units available with wifi controls and sensors to save even more energy when rooms are unoccupied or have fewer occupants present.
Don't refrigerants damage the ozone layer?
No, not any more. Modern refrigerants do not contain any CFCs (ozone damaging substances).
What is F-Gas?
F-Gas is the minimum legal qualification for anyone to work with fluorinated gas refrigerants. Fluorinated gases (F gases) can contribute to global warming if released into the atmosphere, so every f-gas installer is required by law to prevent this. At Atmosfair our installers are trained in both F-Gas (City and Guilds 2079) and in Split Air Conditioning Installation (City and Guilds 2081) to prevent any accidental releases. At Atmosfair we are passionate about protecting the environment, so we also prefer to install R32 systems.
What is R32?
R32 is the next generation refrigerant that boasts nearly 70% lower Global Warming Potential Rate than common R410A refrigerant. Due to its superior qualities R32 offers amazing energy efficiency benefits. It has a potential refrigerating effect 1.5 times that of R410A meaning it needs less energy to achieve the desired temperature and requires less refrigerant volume to operate.
Do you provide a warranty?
Yes, it depends which make you choose but all new Mitsubishi systems for example come with a standard 5 year manufacturers warranty. A properly maintained air conditioning system can be expected to run for many, many years though.