What Is Air Conditioning Retrofitting?

Air con retrofitting is a highly recommended method to upgrade an older air conditioning system. When air conditioners become older they often need more repairs, use more energy and cost more to run. Retrofitting the system will help with its energy efficiency and maintaining its cost effectiveness to operate. Here at Logicool Air, our licensed technicians can retrofit any aircon system and ensure the system is upgraded correctly. 

Air con retrofitting is when an air conditioner is given new parts and systems to help with its longevity, cost effectiveness and energy efficiency. Upgrades can include: s variable speed drives, new motors, air handling units and motion sensors, are performed by licensed technicians. Larger buildings that use the aircon frequently are highly encouraged to retrofit their system every couple of years if necessary, however, any air con system can be retrofitted due to issues arising.

When and Why Should I Retrofit My Air Conditioner?

HVAC systems will become less efficient with their energy use and parts will fail the older the system is. Using the air conditioner more often will also cause the unit to experience wear and tear earlier. Air conditioners which are more than 10 years old will often benefit more from retrofitting due to them being used for longer periods of time. When the air quality is poor, the system uses more energy and the energy bills have increased then are signs that your aircon may need retrofitting. 

The main reasons why air conditioners are retrofitted are: 

• Longevity – adding new and improved parts to the air conditioner will help with its longevity. As each mechanical part of the existing system becomes older it will lead to it failing to operate. Adding new parts which advanced technology will help maintain the system’s lifespan without needing to completely replace the unit. 
• Energy Efficiency – older aircons will use more energy to function due to their parts being older and not as technologically advanced. Retrofitted systems will use energy more efficiently and reduce their overall energy consumption. 
• Cost Effectiveness – retrofitting air conditioners will be less expensive than performing major repairs or purchasing and installing a new system. When retrofitting is the better option then these parts added onto the system are cheaper to install. A retrofitted aircon will also cost less to run while the energy bill will also be decreased. 

What are Some Ways an Air Conditioner Can Be Retrofitted?

There are many different ways an air conditioner can be retrofitted with each having its own benefits:

• Variable Speed Drive (VSD) – these will work to slow down the operation speed of an air conditioner. They will help with lowering energy consumption and ensuring the system is not overworking. If an air conditioner runs at full capacity all the time or is lower in power, than VSD are not needed. 
• Motors – a new motor can be installed if the current one is experiencing failures frequently. 
• Chillers – retrofitting these can be difficult while also being one of the most expensive parts to work on. These parts will often be neglected due to how difficult they are to reach and work on, often causing them to fail early. If an outdated system is installed in the system then it will use a large amount of power. Retrofitting the chillers will often include replacing them with newer models to help reduce energy costs. 
• Air Handling Units (AHU) – these will gather fresh air from the outside and use it to replace dirty air from the inside. Retrofitting the AHU often includes adding on a Variable Air Volume to help with regulating the air and maintaining adequate room temperature. If the AHU is not working correctly then rooms can become humid, warmer and the air can become unfiltered. 
• Boilers – in larger buildings a boiler is used to help heat the air and retrofitting it will mean replacing it with a condensation boiler. 
• Programmable Logic Controllers – these small computer screens can be added to the aircon. There are many options that come with these, such as scheduled aircon working hours and adequate temperature levels. 
• Motion Sensors – adding motion sensors to the air conditioner can help with making the system switch off if no one is in the room. By the system detecting if there are people present or not will help with lowering energy consumption. 

What are Some Considerations with Aircon Retrofitting?

Before undergoing air con retrofitting it is important to consider the following beforehand:

• Aircon Inspection and Service – an Air Conditioning Service and inspection performed by a certified technician should occur beforehand. This is to have a trained professional look over the system to determine if retrofitting is needed or not. Regular services can help prevent retrofitting and the licensed technician will state if retrofitting is worth it or if repairs or completely replacing the system is more optimal. We recommend reading our blog ‘air con service and maintenance checklist’ to understand how specific tasks performed regularly will help with the system’s longevity. 
• Sizing – the size of the air conditioner should be correct for the space that it is in. retrofitting might be wasted if the system will need to be replaced with the correct sized unit. For more information on air conditioning sizing, we encourage reading our blog article ‘air con colling and size guide’. 
• Value – retrofitting the aircon might be wasted if a simple Air Conditioning Repair or completely replacing the whole system is more effective. 

Trusted Aircon Retrofitting Services

Logicool Air is here for Sydney with our professional air con retrofitting services. We will arrive and inspect the system, retrofit it correctly and operate efficiently. Our technicians have completed the needed training to know how to professionally retrofit any air conditioning unit. The ac retrofitting services we offer are here for all of Sydney, including everywhere from the North Shore to  Greater Western Sydney.

We also offer professional Air Conditioning Installation services where we will install any type of unit into any property or space.

Logicool Air is always the most reliable and expert place to contact when needing professional air con retrofitting services.