air conditioner guideline

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Air conditioner guide - 1 -

Air conditioner guideA guide to assist with the design, installation

and maintenance of air conditioners

May 2011


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Growth Management QueenslandThe state government, through Growth Management Queensland, is leading the way with a

focused approach to growth management, to help shape tomorrows Queensland.

Growth Management Queensland has the task of managing the impacts of population growth

through sustainable planning practices, timely provision of infrastructure to support our

population and delivering best practice building standards.

Looking forward and delivering nowintegrated planning, strong local government and development for a growingstate.

State of Queensland. Published by the Department of Local Government and Planning, May 2011, 100 George Street,

Brisbane Qld 4000.

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copyright protects this publication. The State of Queensland has no objection to this material being reproduced, made

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unaltered. Copyright inquiries about this publication should be directed to the departments Legal Services division via

email [email protected] in writing to PO Box 15009, City East, Queensland 4002.

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Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to telephone the Queensland Department of

Local Government and Planning on 07 3227 8548.

Disclaimer:While every care has been taken in preparing this publication, the State of Queensland accepts noresponsibility for decisions or actions taken as a result of any data, information, statement or advice, expressed or

implied, contained within. To the best of our knowledge, the content was correct at the time of publishing.

Any references to legislation are not an interpretation of the law. They are to be used as a guide only. The information in

this publication is general and does not take into account individual circumstances or situations. Where appropriate,

independent legal advice should be sought.

BCR_0133.001_Pu


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Contents1 Purpose..............................................................................................................4 2 Scope .................................................................................................................4 3 Thermal performance of the building shell ..........................................................4 3.1 Orientation .........................................................................................................5 3.2 Building materials ..............................................................................................5 3.3 Insulation ...........................................................................................................5 3.4 Air movementventilation, fans and seals .........................................................6 3.5 Windows.............................................................................................................7 3.6 Shading ..............................................................................................................7 3.7 Roof and external wall colour ..............................................................................7 4 Capacity and type of air conditioning system ......................................................8 4.1 System capacity (fit for purpose) ........................................................................8 4.2 Type of system ....................................................................................................8 4.3 Noise ..................................................................................................................9 4.4 Feature and functions of the system .................................................................10 5 Correct location of an air conditioning system ..................................................11 6 Correct installation of an air conditioning system .............................................12 6.1 Licensing ..........................................................................................................12 7 Efficient operation of the air conditioning system .............................................13 8 Maintenance of the air conditioning system......................................................14 For further information...............................................................................................16


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1 PurposeThis guide has been prepared to assist consumers and designers with the design,

installation and maintenance of air conditioners to optimise their energy efficiency andcomfort.

This guide supplements the air conditioning section in the Guideline for Queensland

Development Code MP 4.1Sustainable buildings.

2 ScopeThe following information does not relate to mandatory requirements for air

conditioners under the Queensland Development Code (QDC), but may be useful forachieving greater energy efficiency when cooling and heating a building. Greater

efficiency can reduce the need to operate an air conditioning system and can save

money on energy bills.

Each of the following factors have the potential to significantly enhance or detract from

the comfort of a building, as well as the effectiveness and energy efficiency

performance of an air conditioner:

thermal performance of the building shell (i.e. roof, walls, windows and floors)

capacity and type of air conditioning system

correct location of air conditioning system

correct installation of air conditioning system

efficient operation of air conditioning system

maintenance of air conditioning system.

3 Thermal performance of the buildingshellThe term thermal performance in relation to a building shell refers to the amount of

cooling and heating energy required to maintain comfortable temperatures within the

building.

Mechanical cooling and heating should never be used as a substitute for gooddesign.


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The thermal performance of both existing and new buildings can be enhanced in a

cost-effective manner through the use of passive design features that minimise the

entry of summer heat to the building and the loss of warmth from the building in

winter. The following features can reduce the need to operate mechanical cooling and

heating:

orientation

building materials

insulation

air movementventilation, fans and seals

windows

shading

roof and external wall colour.

3.1 OrientationFor new homes, the orientation of the building and room layout should take advantage

of passive cooling and heating potential. This includes north facing living areas,

placing infrequently used rooms/areas (e.g. laundries and garages) on the western

side and windows and doors located to maximise cross-ventilation by natural breezes.

3.2 Building materialsWhen building a new home, consideration should be given to the thermal mass (i.e.

the ability of material such as concrete and brick to absorb heat energy) and/or

lightweight construction materials (such as timber and weather-board products). The

colour of building materials can also have a significant impact on heat absorption,

with lighter colours minimising heat gain. These factors should be discussed with the

building designer during the early design phase.

3.3 InsulationInsulation improves the energy efficiency of a home by reducing the rate of heat

entering the home during summer and retaining indoor warmth during winter.

Installation of suitably tested and rated insulation in ceilings and walls can assist in

providing comfortable living temperatures.


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Where air conditioning is installed, insulation can provide the following benefits:

up to 2030 per cent lower capacity of the system is required

up to 3040 per cent less energy consumption per annum more stable temperature control and less wear-and-tear on the air conditioning

unit.

Insulation may be grouped into three broad categories:

Bulkcontains fibres which trap pockets of air and resist heat flow e.g. batts orloose fill made of natural wool, recycled newspaper, glass wool, or polyester.

Reflectivereduces infrared radiant heat transfer between hotter and coolersurfaces e.g. foil sheets or sarking.

Compositethose types with the above two varieties combined e.g. batts with foilbacking.

Insulation R-valuesInsulation is measured by an R-value, which describes the thermal resistance of a

material (i.e. how much it inhibits heat transfer). For further information on insulation

refer to Appendix 3 of the Design guide for 6-star energy equivalence housing.

CondensationArtificial cooling of buildings in some climates can cause condensation to form inside

the layers of the building shell. Such condensation can cause significant structural or

cosmetic damage to the shell before it is detected. Associated mould growth may also

create health risks to the occupants. Effective control of condensation is a complex

issue. In some locations a fully sealed vapour barrier may need to be installed on the

more humid, or generally warmer, side of the insulation. Placing some of the required

insulation at the roof level may result in a more practical outcome. Insulation at the

roof level is effective in warm climates and significantly moderates the roof space

extremes and condensation risk in cold climates.

3.4 Air movementventilation, fans and sealsVentilation of the roof space (through the use of roof ventilators, eave or gable vents

and/or whole-of-house fans) can assist in removing excess heat from the roof area

during summer. Ventilation of the roof space will also allow any heat trapped by

insulation to be released back into the atmosphere. Maximising cross-flow ventilation

for natural breezes can be an energy efficient cooling option during summer.


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4 Capacity and type of air conditioningsystem

Selecting the right capacity and type of air conditioning system for a particular home

can play an important part in reducing energy use.

4.1 System capacity fit for purpose)Selecting an air conditioning unit that is the wrong capacity for the size of room not

only results in poor performance, but also in increased energy use and operating cost.

It can also reduce the life-span of the system. An oversized unit costs more to run and

an undersized unit can struggle to cool the space. Choosing a system with the right

capacity, or fit for purpose, may involve an on-site evaluation by an air conditioning

professional and should consider the following:

home floor plan, house construction type (materials), insulation and sealing of

openings

orientation and size of rooms to be air-conditioned and surface areas of exposed

glass

ceiling height (floor to ceiling) and height of roof cavity (ceiling to roof apex)

likely occupancy of the home

maximum and minimum floor area to be air-conditioned simultaneously

the climate zone in which the home is located.

Homeowners are able to use an on-line calculator provided at the FairAir1website(www.fairair.com.au) to perform a rudimentary estimate of the capacity required in

kilowatts (kW). It should be noted however that professional advice should be sought

before finalising the unit capacity required for a specific application.

4.2 Type of systemThere are several distinct types of air conditioning units that need to meet the

Queensland requirements and are suitable for residential applications. These include:

window/wall box units (usually for one room)

1 FairAir is a website provided by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air conditioning and Heating

(AIRAH)


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split systems (usually for one or two rooms. These may be high-wall, floor-mounted

or ceiling cassette systems)

multi-split systems (usually for three or more adjacent rooms)

ducted systems (whole-of-house).

It is recommended that professional advice be sought to determine the type of system

most suited to a particular application to maximise the systems energy efficiency and

lifespan.

4.3 NoiseInternal noiseSome air conditioning systems can create excessive internal noise that may interfere

with sleep or conversation. The sound power rating (dBA) of indoor units should be

compared prior to purchase. This information is usually contained within

manufacturers brochures or labelled on the system itself.

External noiseCareful consideration should be given to the location of the air conditioning system as

nuisance laws apply to residential amenity. These laws can account for proximity to

neighbouring properties and include noise levels.

State legislation sets some broad standards for noise levels from air conditioners.

Section 440U of the Environmental Protection Act 1994states the following in relation

to air conditioners (referred to as nuisance regulations):

An occupier of the premises must not use, or permit the use of, the equipment on any

day

(a)before 7.00a.m., if it makes a noise of more than 3dB A)above thebackground level; or

(b)from 7.00a.m. to 10.00p.m., if it makes a noise of more than 5dB A)abovethe background level; or

(c)after 10.00p.m., if it makes a noise of more than 3dB A)above thebackground level.

It should be noted that the responsibility for these noise provisions has been

transferred to local governments. Individual local governments may amend the state

government requirements through local laws.


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Requirements for external noise levels can differ between local government areas so

purchasers should check with their local government that the sound power rating

(dBA) of the outdoor (condensing) unit complies with local requirements before buying

an air conditioner.

Body corporate provisions may also affect additional noise or system size restrictions,

so confirm if any relevant community management statements or by-laws apply.

The following factors can influence the amount or effects of noise produced by an air

conditioning system:

Location of the outdoor (condensing) unit:

avoid placing the unit adjacent to neighbouring bedroom windows, outdoor

living areas, etc.

avoid placing the unit adjacent to hard surfaces such as walls or overhangs,

which may cause noise reverberation or amplification.

Type of air conditioner:

the noise produced by inverter or digital scroll type units may be less intrusive

due to reduced stopping and starting of the unit.

Sound barriers:

noise dampening covers, acoustic enclosures and barriers such as fences anddense shrubs can be used to reduce travel of noise. However care should be

taken to avoid recirculating hot air from the outdoor unit.

Further information relating to noise from air conditioners may also be found in the

Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heatings Residential Air

Conditioning Best Practice Guideline.

4.4 Feature and functions of the systemWhen selecting the most suitable air conditioning system for a home, other important

considerations may include:

Reverse cycle units can have benefits for regions that experience cooler winters, as

they can provide an efficient heating option.

Inverter or digital scroll type units may provide enhanced energy efficiency,

especially where the system will be operated frequently throughout the year.

Split systems are generally more energy efficient to operate than cheaper

window/wall box units.


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Load control systems have built-in demand response capability, i.e. the ability to be

cycled on and off during periods of peak electricity demand, as per Australian

Standard 4755.3.12008. This may enable householders to take advantage of any

reduced electricity tariffs if they were to be offered in the future for systems with

demand response capability.

Automatic timers can provide greater control over energy use, such as the capability

to turn the unit on and off at a pre-set time.

Systems can have a wide airflow range, from very high (to help the room cool or

heat quickly) to low (for reduced noise).

Greater energy efficiency may be achieved with ducted systems where:

the system includes a zone controller allowing unoccupied rooms/areas to be

turned off (most homes will require four to eight zones, and will particularly

benefit where each zone can be set to a pre-selected temperature and time)

the layout of the ductwork in the ceiling has been designed by a competent

professional to minimise cool air losses (poor duct design will seriously impact

on the energy efficiency and lifespan of all brands of air conditioners)

the design of the ductwork and zoning system does not require wasteful dump

zones (where conditioned air is constantly supplied regardless of whether the

area is occupied)

all ductwork and duct components are rated at a minimum of R-1.0 thermal

performance and preferably R-1.5 (particularly in high humidity climate zones).

5 Correct location of an air conditioningsystem

The outdoor (condensing) unit should be located where it:

is on the shady side of the building or in a shaded area away from the directwestern sun

has unobstructed airflow to prevent over-heating of the motor

is not adjacent to neighbours windows, outdoor living areas, etc to minimise

effects of potential noise from the system during operation

is not adjacent to walls, fences or overhangs that could cause hot air recirculation

and/or noise amplification

is not more than 15 metres away from the indoor unit location.


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6 Correct installation of an airconditioning system

Correct installation of an air conditioning system can enhance the energy efficiency

and lifespan of the equipment.

Refrigerant pipework should be:

refrigeration-grade tube (not plumbing tube)

pressure-tested for leaks after installation

properly evacuated to remove all air before charging with refrigerant gas (i.e. using

a professional vacuum pump for a number of hours)

suitably insulated and encased within UV resistant pipe duct.

For ducted systems, it is recommended that:

all ductwork and duct components have a minimum R-value of R-1.0 (and preferably

R-1.5, particularly in high humidity climate zones)

kinks, sharp bends and any other potential blockages in ductwork are minimised

ductwork should be properly sealed so that leakage of conditioned air into the

ceiling cavity is minimised

runs of flexible ductwork from the indoor unit (i.e. located in the ceiling) to each

ceiling or wall vent do not exceed 15 metres in total length.

6.1 LicensingPurchasers of air conditioning installation services should request proof of licence

currency for the type of work to be undertaken. Depending on the application, this will

include most or all of the following licences:

Refrigerant handling licenceAny person who handles refrigerant is required to have a current refrigerant handlers

licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). Handling a refrigerant means

to do anything that carries the risk of a refrigerants emission to the atmosphere,

including installing, commissioning, servicing or maintaining equipment that will

contain a fluorocarbon refrigeranteven if the refrigerant is not present. This means

that the entire installation must be completed by a licensed person, not just the final

commissioning of the system.


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Regardless of any other license held (such as an electrical contracting or Building

Services AuthorityBSA licence) it is essential that all installers hold a current ARC full

refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) or Restricted split system installation and

decommissioning licence.

Further, technicians with a refrigerants handlers licence are obliged to work to a

range of standards, including the Australia and New Zealand Handling Code of Practice

2007. This code of practice outlines the standards that installations of air conditioning

systems must meet. For further details contact ARC at www.arctick.org or (07) 3207

4222 in Queensland.

Building Services Authority licenceIn addition to the above ARC licence, where installation work is valued at more than

$3300 (including labour and materials) the installer requires a BSA licence. For further

details contact the BSA at www.bsa.qld.gov.auor 1300 272 272.

Electrical Contracting licenceIn all cases where electrical installation workincluding interconnection cablingis

required, this work must only be performed by a licensed electrical mechanic. A

licensed electrical contracting company may be required to undertake the electrical

installation work. For further details, contact the electrical safety office at

www.eso.qld.gov.auor 1300 650 662.

7 Efficient operation of the air conditioningsystem

The efficiency of an air conditioning system can be enhanced by taking the following

approach before and during operation.

Before turning air conditioning on:

in summer, open the windows and doors to allow breezes to travel through the

home and expel as much hot air as possible

try using ceiling fans, wall fans or pedestal fans whenever possible as an

alternative to operating the air conditioning system in summer. Fans consume

significantly less energy and will provide satisfactory comfort in many cases.

When operating air conditioning:

close all external windows and doors


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Filters may be located in hinged filter frames attached to the return air grille, or in

another position along the duct that returns air from the house to the air conditioner.

Some filters are not reusable and will need to be replaced each time, while others may

be able to be cleaned with a cloth or rag and then washed in soapy water (be mindful

to dry the filter properly before re-inserting into the air conditioner). Vacuuming certain

filters may also be effective, although care needs to be taken because of the potential

to damage the filter.

It is also generally recommended that an annual service be completed to maintain

efficiency of the air conditioning system. This should be performed by a suitably

qualified and licensed tradesperson, and include:

a basic check of the systems operation including air-on and air-off temperatures

cleaning of the return air filter

checking the level of refrigerant charge, for evidence of refrigerant leaks and

ensuring correct operation of all fan motors and louvres

chemical cleaning of the indoor and outdoor heat exchanger coils if significantly

blocked.


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For further informationRegulatoryQueensland Development CodeAll parts of the QDC are available on the Department of Local Government and

Plannings website at www.dlgp.qld.gov.au

Minimum Energy Performance Standards MEPS)Provides access to energy ratings for air conditioners under MEPS at

www.energyrating.gov.au

Australian StandardsProvides access to Australian Standards, including air conditioners at

www.saiglobal.com


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Useful websitesAir conditioning residential best practice guideline(Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating)

Guideline for suppliers, installers and maintainers of air conditioners which outlinesbest practice installation and load calculation and noise measurement and mitigation

at www.airah.org.au

Air conditioner noise calculatorCalculates the amount of noise that will be produced by an air conditioner at

www.fairair.com.au

Your Homes technical informationwww.yourhome.gov.au

Building Services AuthorityThe Building Services Authority (BSA) includes information on licensing and

contracting for tradespeople and consumers at www.bsa.qld.gov.au

Electrical Safety OfficeThe Electrical Safety Office (ESO) includes information on licensing and contracting for

tradespeople and consumers at www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au

Insulation handbookProvides details on thermal performance calculations for typical building applications

at www.icanz.org.au

Glazing calculatorsProvides calculations to assist with glazing requirements at www.abcb.gov.au

WindowsProvides a list of windows rated for their energy performance at www.wers.net

Designing for Queenslands climateProvides information on concepts of smart and sustainable housing design suitable for

Queenslands climate zones at www.works.qld.gov.au

Building designersBuilding Designers Association of Queensland at www.bdaq.com.au

ArchitectsAustralian Institute of Architects at www.architecture.com.au

Building certifiersAustralian Institute of Building Surveyors at www.aibs.com.au

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors at www.rics.org/oceania


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General referenceFurther information on passive design features, photovoltaic (solar) energy systems,

air conditioners, lighting and hot water systems is available from the websites listed

below.

Orientationwww.climatesmart.qld.gov.au

www.yourhome.gov.au

Sun pathswww.works.qld.gov.au

Shadingwww.yourhome.gov.au

Glazingwww.yourhome.gov.au

Insulationwww.yourhome.gov.au


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