An air conditioner is a device which cools the indoor air. A range of air conditioning units are now available including:
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reverse cycle units with capacity to both heat and cool (usually wall mounted)
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split or multi split systems which consist of a compressor cooling unit mounted outside the building and one of more air outlets depending on the size of the area to be cooled piping cool air around the building. They generally deliver air to all areas and specific areas cannot be isolated
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ducted systems with the cooling unit being mounted on the roof, wall or ground external to a building and cooled air ducted to areas required – they are often used in large buildings or where multiple areas are required to be cooled
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air conditioners with inverter units or variable drive speeds which allow the operating compressor to work at less than 100% capacity depending on temperature requirements and can help with power efficiency within small areas, however may not be as energy effective in large building settings where units are required to operate at full capacity most of the time
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wall or window mounted units which can cool smaller areas
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evaporative air conditioners are generally used in dry climates and when turned on, hot air is circulated over water which causes the water to evaporate and absorb the heat from the air and create a cooling effect.
A fan is a portable unit with blades which rotate to increase the ventilation of the immediate area. It also has a cooling effect as the air in the room is moved around. Ceiling fans can also be mounted to the ceilings and operated at varying speeds to circulate the air around a room.
When choosing an appropriate cooling source, it is important to consider the area to be cooled, power source available, whether all areas need to be cooled or just a specific place, climate and cost and energy efficiency of running the appliance.
Workplace Solutions and Adjustments:
For people with a heat sensitivity that can affect work capacity such as those with Multiple Sclerosis, adjusting or controlling workplace temperature may need to be considered to minimise the impact of symptoms on work performance. If overall office temperature cannot be or is inappropriate to be modified and separate temperature controls for different offices are not possible, workstation fans, blinds or cooling clothing may be appropriate to assist in managing the situation:
(Choice 2006; Good Gear Guide 2007; www.energyrating.gov.au 2007; Job Accommodation Network 2005).
Relevant links:
References:
Choice 2006, Sample test report - air conditioners, Choice, Sydney, viewed 4 July 2008, <http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=103665&catId=100167&tid=100008&p=6&title=Sample+test+report+-+Air+conditioners>.
Good Gear Guide 2007, Air conditioners, IDG Communications, online, viewed 4 July 2008, < http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/index.php/id;1248808053>.
Job Accommodation Network 2005, Managing Temperature Sensitivity within the workplace, JAN e-news, vol. 3, no. 4, West Virginia, viewed 4 July 2008, <http://www.jan.wvu.edu/enews/2005/Enews_V3-I4.htm>.
www.energyrating.gov.au 2007, Choosing an efficient air conditioner, Australian Government: Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra, viewed 4 July 2008, < http://www.energyrating.gov.au/acl.html>.