Author: Heather Poppelier

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What is the difference between domestic and commercial refrigeration?

Commercial Refrigeration Display Fridge Melbourne

What is the Difference Between
Domestic & Commercial Refrigeration?

One of the questions we get asked by hospitality professionals who are stepping out into their own business is whether they need to invest in commercial refrigeration straight away. After all, if you are opening a small café or bar, chances are you are only servicing a small number of people at a time, and perhaps don’t see the value in investing in a commercial refrigerator. But there are some significant differences between domestic and commercial units – and having the right kind of unit can end up saving you money on running costs.

Domestic Fridges

Domestic fridges are much quieter than commercial fridges and chill products efficiently without consuming a lot of power. However, they are not designed to cope with products being continuously taken out or replaced and this is the main reason a domestic refrigeration unit is not suitable for commercial businesses. One of the other drawbacks to domestic refrigeration units is that they tend to come only in a small range of standard sizes. And finally, domestic units generally come with freezers attached, whereas commercial units typically do not.

Commercial Fridges

Commercial fridges come in a huge range of shapes and sizes to suit whatever retail space you are looking at. From upright display models to smaller units designed to fit under a bar or kitchen benches and fridges which are designed for transportation of produce or liquids, you can select the shape and type of fridge specific to your requirements.

Commercial fridges and freezers have been designed specifically so that they can remain cold despite being continuously in use. They have larger compressors, condensers and fans which work to continuously distribute chilled air inside the unit and remove excess heat from the coil. All this power comes at the cost of a noisier unit than what you would experience with a domestic refrigeration unit – but means that your products will stay chilled regardless of how often the unit is opened in an hour.

Looking After Your Commercial Fridge or Freezer

It is even more important to regularly service a commercial unit thanks to the supercharged motherboard, compressors, fans and insulation. Because your unit is working hard virtually all the time, any stress (such as very hot days in summer) can have an impact if your fridge or freezer is not taken care of.

Need More Help?

If you are still unsure of whether you need a domestic or commercial cooling unit, please get in touch with our team of expert technicians. We will run through your specific business requirements and help you decide which type of fridge or freezer is right for your needs.

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How to check for an ARC License (and why it matters!)

How to check for an ARC License (and why it matters!)

Most people don’t realise that the refrigerants in air-conditioners and refrigerators can be extremely harmful. However not only can chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and greenhouse gases damage the ozone layer, but freon can also cause poisoning in humans if inhaled.

That’s why it is crucial to choose a licensed professional to install and service any cooling system. And to make sure your technician has a current ARC license before they perform work in your home or business.

What is the ARC?

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is an independent body appointed by the Minister for Environment and Heritage to administer the national refrigeration and air conditioning permit scheme. The ARC grants Refrigerant Trading Authorisations and Refrigerant Handling Licenses to approved businesses and individuals who acquire, posses, handle or dispose of fluorocarbon refrigerants. Their aim is to ensure that ozone depleting substances (ODS) and synthetic greenhouse gases (SGG) are handled in such a way as not to damage the environment.

How can I check an ARC License?

The best way to check if a technician holds a current ARC Refrigerant Handling License is to go to the ARC website and do a license check. You just need to enter the technician’s license number and surname and the search function will tell you if their permit is valid.

What is the ARC Tick?

The ARC tick is given to businesses and individuals who are authorised to install, service and repair fridges, freezers and air conditioners, in your home, office or car. The tick identifies the license holder as complying with Australian law regarding safe handling of fluorocarbon refrigerants.

How do refrigerants affect humans?

Freon is the trademark name for the liquid refrigerant used in refrigerators and air-conditioners. Without regular servicing, leaks can develop, making your cooling system less effective and potentially exposing you and your family to the escaping gas. Although mild exposure is generally harmless, poisoning can occur in confined spaces or through misuse. Symptoms include migraines, nausea, and fainting.

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How do refrigerants affect the environment?

Gases contained in refrigerants cause ozone depletion and contribute to global warming. Just one kilogram of the most common has, R410a, has the same global warming impact as two tonnes of carbon dioxide!! This is the equivalent to driving a four-cylinder car for 6 months.

Why is it important to use a licensed technician?

Because the refrigerants used in air-conditioners and refrigerators can be extremely harmful to the environment and to humans, it is important to ensure you book a professional to handle your cooling systems. Licensed technicians have the training and skills to correctly handle refrigerants and minimise the risk of emissions.

How often should I get my fridge, freezer or air-conditioner serviced?

Most of our customers don’t even think about getting their refrigerator, freezer or air-conditioning unit looked at until a problem occurs. But just like your car, regular servicing will prolong the life of your cooling unit and help you to avoid expensive breakages. At Precision Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration we recommend you have a technician check your units at least once a year.

Get in touch with one of our friendly team today and we’ll send an ARC approved technician to assess your fridge, freezer or air-conditioning and ensure it is functioning efficiently and safely.

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How to heat your home this winter using reverse cycle air-conditioning

How to heat your home this winter using reverse cycle air conditioning

It’s that time of year again in Melbourne! The temperatures have started to head south, and our winter clothes are making an appearance once more. This is the is the perfect time of year to start thinking about how you will heat your home this winter!

While there are many different options available, one of the easiest and most affordable options around is a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Unit. So, what makes this such a great option?

WARM IN WINTER, COOL IN SUMMER

The beauty of a reverse cycle system is that you are getting two climate control systems in one. For cooling, your unit absorbs heat from inside your home and dissipates it outside. This energy efficient method means that Reverse Cycle cooling can work in temperatures of up to 45ºc – perfect for our intense Australian summers.

Then in winter, the system works in the opposite way, by absorbing heat from outside air and releasing it indoors. And it doesn’t need to be warm outside for this to work – in fact, a good reverse cycle air-conditioner can work in temperatures as low as minus 15ºc.

ENERGY EFFICIENT

For most of our clients, one of the most important factors in selecting a heating and cooling system is the effect the new system will have on their power bills. And that is why the reverse cycle system is so popular. They are incredibly efficient in terms of energy use, heating and cooling even in the most extreme conditions. In fact, reverse-cycle air conditioning is 300–600% efficient, which means that it can take one unit of electrical energy and turn it into 3 to 6 times as much heating or cooling energy.

Talk to our expert technicians about the different energy ratings for reverse cycle air conditioning units. While it might cost you a little more initially to opt for a higher rated system, you can save money over time with a more efficient unit.

SMARTER TECHNOLOGY

Most modern reverse cycle air conditioning units now have invertor technology which helps the system perform even more efficiently. Invertor technology allows the unit to adjust power to reach the desired temperature faster and then steadily maintain it for uninterrupted and more energy efficient climate control.

CLEANER AIR

Some reverse cycle split systems can even purify the air inside your home, using a built-in filter to trap particles and in some cases, even reduce odours and neutralise bacteria and viruses. For families with asthma sufferers or other allergies, this can be a huge advantage to choosing a split system. Talk to our expert technicians to find out which model will best meet your family’s needs.

LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT

Thanks to their incredible efficiency, reverse cycle air conditioners produce around one thirds the greenhouse gas emissions of a standard electric heater.  And for some of the highest rated models, this drops to only around one fifth of a standard electric heater’s emissions. So not only are you saving money by using less energy. You’re also reducing your carbon footprint and heating your home in a more sustainable way.

QUICK & EASY INSTALLATION

Compared to ducted heating, installing a reverse cycle air conditioning unit is quite inexpensive and very quick. Precision Air Conditioning & Refrigeration technicians all hold the following certifications which are essential for the safe installation of your split system.

  • ARC Tick – authorises businesses and individuals to install, service and repair air-conditioners
  • Energy Safe Victoria – certifies that your technician is legally allowed to work with electricity and gas
  • VBA – your technician must be a registered plumber with the Victorian Building Authority.

With a 36-month warranty on all installations, you can rest easy knowing your air-conditioning will be installed to the highest standard.

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE TODAY

Why not talk to one of our friendly technicians about your home’s heating requirements? Book an obligation free consultation and quote from the team at Precision Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration and ensure your family stay warm and cosy this winter.

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