Shopping for an air conditioner can be hard, because you don’t want to make the wrong decision. There are many different kinds of air conditioning and cooling systems on the market, suitable for different homes, businesses, budgets and other requirements. We’ve put together some quick tips on picking the best unit for your home. For more information about units for your specific needs, talk to your expert air conditioner supplier and installer.

Price

Price is one of the main deciders in choosing a cooling system for your home or business. An evaporative cooler will tend to set you back the least, whilst reverse cycle, or ducted systems, tend to be the most pricey. When deciding how much to spend on your unit, consider what you are and aren’t willing to compromise on. An air conditioner is a long term investment- so think of it as such. More expensive air conditioners may be more energy efficient-costing you less in energy bills. They also may be less likely to break down. Choosing a brand name unit generally makes more homeowners feel safer in their purchase. However the most expensive unit isn’t necessarily the best, nor is the cheapest necessarily the worst- there are other factors you can judge by.

Capacity

The capacity of the unit you choose is extremely important. The larger the room you want to cool, the larger your unit’s capacity will have to be for efficient working. If you want to cool several rooms a ducted system may be best for you. You can measure the height, width and depth of your room to calculate the capacity air conditioner you need- or an expert can help you when they quote the price for supply and installation.

Year Round Solution

Reverse cycle air-conditioning is a year round solution, however it is more costly. It is important to consider how often you will use your cooling system, and how much more often you will use it if it is also a heater. Purchasing a single reverse cycle unit may be cheaper than purchasing a cooling and heating unit separately.

Energy Rating

The energy rating of your air conditioner is important, because it determines how much energy it will use- and its impact on the environment. The higher the energy stars the greater its efficiency.

All of these factors should be taken into account when purchasing a cooling system. Compromises may have to be made about different priorities- but your air conditioner installer can help you make a decision.

Plum Heating and Cooling are your experts in air-conditioning installation Melbourne. For more information, contact us now.

Different cooling systems are better for different homes and purposes. The unit you choose depends on your budget, priorities and needs. Though there are plenty of variables in choosing the right air conditioning unit for your home, we’ve put together an easy guide on choosing the right unit to meet your top priority.For more information talk to your Melbourne cooling systems expert about your specific needs!

Top Priority: Environmental Impact

If your main concern is the environmental impact of your cooling system Melbourne, the evaporative cooler is the right choice for your home or business. Evaporative coolers use far less energy than other temperature control systems. This means they are kinder to the environment, and your energy bill. Evaporative coolers also operate without refrigerants- another win for the environment! If an Evaporative Cooler is not right for your home, due to weather conditions or cooling needs, you can still be environmentally friendly. Look for high energy star ratings on air conditioning units for environmentally friendly choices. You can also team your cooling unit with a fan, and/or blinds to maximise cooling, and minimise energy usage.

Top Priority: Year Round Solution

If your top priority is having a year round solution, the reverse cycle air conditioning unit is right for you. Reverse cycle air conditioning allows you to cool your home in summer, and heat it in winter- all with the one unit. Reverse cycle air conditioning units are more expensive than traditional air conditioners; however this cost is usually less than installing two separate units for summer and winter. If you already have an air conditioner, but didn’t invest in reverse cycle control, you can choose to have a gas heater or other heating unit installed in your home. Cooling systems in Melbourne are often used far more often if they are teamed with a heating device.

Top Priority: Improving Current System

If your main concern is improving your current cooling system Melbourne, due to a bigger budget at your disposal, or increased room sizes, add on cooling is your solution. Often home owners will extend their property, rendering their air conditioning unit incapable of cooling the whole home. Air conditioning units that are being used to cool an area that is too large for them are more prone to breakdowns, and expend more energy. Add on Cooling systems adds to your existing unit, increasing its capacity to cool your home effectively!

At Plum Heating and Cooling our air conditioning experts are happy to offer you a free quote, and expert advice on what cooling system Melbourne is right for your home or business, click here.

Your air-conditioning unit’s filter is an essential part of its day to day running: preventing particles such as bacteria entering your home through the air-conditioning cycle. Regular cleaning of the filter is therefore important, to enable the most energy efficient results for your home. It is also important in minimising the likelihood of respiratory problems. Whilst servicing your air conditioner is something you should have done annually by a professional, or when problems arise, filters should be cleaned more regularly. We’ve put together a few tips for making sure you keep your air-conditioner working at its best and cleaner than ever!

Mark The Date

Remembering to clean your filter regularly can be difficult, so consider marking in your instruction manual, or calendar when your airconditioning unit needs servicing, and when you last cleaned the filter. This ensures regular upkeep and can prevent future costly damage. This is especially important in commercial settings, where air-conditioning units often work harder, and are less looked after.

Talk To Your Professional

Talk to the professional installing your airconditioning unit about how often it will need cleaning. They can provide you with specific information regarding the unit you have chosen.

Follow The Instruction Manual

The instruction manual that comes with all air-conditioning units should inform you of if, and how, you can clean the filter yourself. Remember to carefully remove the filter- after it has been unplugged. Check the manual to be reminded of all points of contact with electricity your air conditioner has- often several plugs will need to be pulled. You should also check to see which method of cleaning is suggested for your filter- vacuuming is a popular option but may damage some filters.

Clean Thoroughly

It is important to clean your filter thoroughly, and dry it before it is placed back in the air conditioner. If your filter is made of foam, you may simply choose to replace it fairly regularly, rather than cleaning it. Other filters are made of mesh, and can be vacuumed or washed thoroughly. Filters should be dried carefully and checked for any moistness before being placed back in the air-conditioning unit.

Plum Heating and Cooling are Melbourne’s airconditioning experts. We can install, replace, repair or service commercial and domestic air-conditioning units. Click here for more information.

Often business owners are reluctant to spend more money on comforts for their business, especially if it doesn’t seem to directly contribute to profit. However, air-conditioners are a great addition to your business that will create a more comfortable workplace and customer experience. The first ever air-conditioners were installed in a cinema, and saw customers flocking in to stay out of the hot weather. Though air-conditioners are far more common now, they can still prove to be a great investment for your business. Though the idea of temperature control at the place you spend the most time is probably attractive enough, let us tell you a few more benefits of having a split system air-conditioner installed in your business.

Customer Experience

Enhancing a customer’s experience of your business is key in making sure they choose you over another service. If you own a store that customers will be spending considerable time in, split system air-conditioning can be a major draw card – especially in summer. All major retailers have temperature control in their shops. Learn from them and offer your customers the same comfort. They are more likely to stay longer if they feel cool and comfortable.

Comfortable Workplace

Providing a comfortable workplace for yourself and your employees is important in maintaining work ethic. Employees are far more likely to do work if they are comfortable, not sweltering in boiling heat or freezing in winter. Split system air-conditioning can provide a stable environment that keeps employees happy.

Keep Product In Good Quality

Many products, not only consumables, are affected negatively by changing heat. Whilst food that needs to be kept cool should be properly refrigerated, many stored goods need to be kept in a dry cool environment. Other products, especially those made of natural materials, also benefit from having a stable environment.

Tax Deductible

Split system air-conditioning for your business is generally tax deductible- so you don’t have to worry about expenditure. If you own the premises you operate on your air-conditioner will also add value if you decide to sell.

Plum Heating and Cooling can provide domestic and commercial air conditioning solutions for any Melbourne based property. If you have a large property a ducted split system could be best for you, to allow for temperature control throughout. For a free quote, contact us and fill in an easy form or talk to one of our helpful professionals on 8360 9622.

Some home and business owners see installing their own air-conditioning unit as a way to cut costs. However, doing so can be dangerous and end up costing you more than enlisting a professional to do so for you. We’ve outlined four reasons to not install an air-conditioner yourself below, so you can avoid an unpleasant accident or ongoing headaches about your heating and cooling.

Warranty

Ensuring your warranty is not voided is important with big investments, such as cars, air-conditioners and other mechanical goods. If you install an air-conditioner yourself you will most likely be voiding some warranties, especially if you don’t follow strict regulations. Most professional installations of air-conditioners come with a guarantee of proper workmanship and a warrantee- so if something goes wrong you have someone to turn to.

Proper Installation

Properly installing an air-conditioner is not as easy as it may seem. If you install it yourself without the correct tools and knowledge, you may cause yourself higher energy bills and a lower level of functioning in your air-conditioner. Repairs may also be more costly, because of something being attached or installed incorrectly. A professional can make sure an area is primed for installation, and advise you on how to maintain an air-conditioner in optimum condition.

Correct Capacity

If you purchase and install an airconditioning unit yourself, you may choose a model that does not have the right capacity for your room. If your air conditioner has too low a capacity for your room it will be more likely to malfunction, cost you more in energy bills and deliver inferior results. If you choose an air-conditioner that has a larger capacity than you need you will be paying more for the model than you needed to. A professional can offer a free quote on the model best suited to your home, and give you a good estimate of how much it will cost to install and service.

Dangerous

Installing an airconditioning unit yourself can be dangerous. Horror stories of home and business owners installing their own air-conditioning unit have seen them die of electrocution – of course this is the very worst case scenario. It is not worth the risk, for a small fee, to your own health and safety. Professionals can install an air-conditioning unit safely.

Plum heating and Cooling have decades of experience in installing airconditioning unit in both domestic and commercial properties. Our trained professionals can help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs, and install it for you. You can even fill out an easy form so we contact you, just click here.

Choosing the correct size air conditioning unit for your home or business is important, because it ensures optimal performance, energy efficiency and savings on your air conditioning bill. An airconditioning professional can advise you as to the right size and type of air conditioner for your home. However, if you want to be informed about the different factors that influence what size and type of air conditioner unit you need, we’ve outline them below.
Do You Want To Cool One, Or Several Rooms?
Many households and businesses only require one room to be cooled, which means they can rely on a split system that isn’t zoned, or an evaporative cooler. Ducted or multi-zone systems are appropriate for those wishing to cool several rooms.

Is The Room Large Or Small?

If you want to cool a large room such as a living room or restaurant dining space, you will need a large capacity airconditioning unit. A smaller unit will be ineffective, and struggle to cool the space. However, if you want a bedroom or a small room such as a boutique shop floor cooled, you can probably rely on a smaller capacity model. If you take the measurements of your room, including the height of the ceilings, it will aid you in discussing air conditionersin store. However, an air-conditioning professional is able to do this for you with an onsite quote.

Is The Room Insulated?

Insulation is a great way to help boost the effectiveness of your air conditioner, especially if you choose a reverse cycle system. If your room is not insulated you will need a larger capacity unit. Adding curtains, blinds or awnings can improve insulation in a room, making air conditioners more effective.

Does The Room Have Large Doors And Windows?

If your room has large doors or windows, it will need a larger capacity air conditioner than a room without. Small windows and internal doors will create less of an impact on temperature control than doors leading outside and larger windows. To minimise this impact you should keep doors and windows closed when using your air conditioner (unless you have an evaporative cooler system).

Large windows should have curtains drawn (you’d be surprised how much of a difference this makes to the efficiency of your unit). If you are cooling a business or a room where doors are constantly being opened such as a living room, you may want to consider a larger capacity air-conditioner. Many businesses cannot control the fact that customers will be coming and going, and in the process expelling air-conditioned air which is replaced by hot air.

For a free quote on the airconditioning system that’s right for your home, call us at Plum Heating and Cooling on (03) 8360 9622 or contact us here.

Being energy efficient in today’s times is more important than ever – with rising gas and electricity bills and concerns about the environment being a focal point in today’s society.With that said,it doesn’t necessarily mean that home and business owners should compromise on comfort. Making your Melbourne cooling system energy efficient will make you feel better, lower your gas bills and create a positive impact on the environment. Check out the below great tip to help you help the planet!

Shade And Close Windows

If it can be done, make sure you keep windows closed during the day and open them at night to ventilate your home. Hot air that makes its way inside during the day can make your cooling system work much harder to achieve coolness throughout the home.Another tactic is, ensuring that you shade your windows effectively. Even closed windows can be a huge source of heat entering your home – awnings and curtains can keep the majority of this heat out, at no cost to the environment.

Difference In Temperature

A big difference in temperature between your home and outside is neither good for your health, or the environment. A drop in temperature has the potential to make you feel more heat or cold, and subject your body to quick changes. It also is taxing on your air conditioner to create such vastly different temperatures. As a rule, the difference between outside temperature and inside the home should be no more than 8 degrees.

Energy Efficient Labelling

Take note of energy efficient labeling. The more stars a cooling system has, the better. Talk to your cooling system professional about the most energy efficient option for your home and budget.

Purchase An Evaporative Cooler

If you are in the market for a new cooling system, why not consider an evaporative cooler? Evaporative coolers are the green solution to cooling your home, as they expel far less greenhouse gases.

Service

Servicing your cooling system regularly is key to keeping it energy efficient. Faulty systems simply use far more energy than those working at their optimum. Clean the filters regularly to avoid your air-conditioner overworking and causing more harm to the environment.

Be Environmentally Aware

Being environmentally aware isn’t about any one action, it’s about a mindset that informs all your energy choices. Keep your air-conditioner off when you aren’t using it, turn off lights you don’t need and save heat expelling activities such as cooking and washing till nighttime.

Plum Heating and Cooling offers you the best range of energy efficient cooling systems, so you can suit your home and budget, as well as minimise your environmental impact. Whether you want your Melbourne cooling system serviced, replaced or repaired- Plum are the professionals you need, call us now!

Melbourne based heating and cooling company is using social media to reward its customers while better engaging with customers.

Check out the article on PR Web here:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/airconditioningservice/melbourne/prweb10127134.htm

Within the past few years, there has been a surge in the use of social media in the business world, with many companies opting to use the online platform to enhance interaction with their customers and to promote their business. Along with this increase, many companies use various techniques to better engage with the online world.

Maintaining effective communication between the business and customers is an important component when delivering great customer service and building a successful business. Businesses that offer the best customer service in any platform are the ones that seemingly do a great job at communicating with their customers.

A successful business will use the best accessible tools and technology to develop and nurture a good relationship with their customers. In today’s fast paced technical driven world, these tools are increasingly including social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

Plum Heating and Cooling, a Melbourne Company have utilised these techniques by using Facebook to engage with, and reward their loyal customers while reaching out to other online users.

The heating and cooling company recently launched a campaign that offers its Facebook friends to post their postcode on their website to go in the draw to win a free service. Each week a random person is chosen to win the competition.

“Plum has many loyal customers and we wanted to incorporate a way to use social media to better interact and reward this group, while also reaching out to potential customers” says Jim Pomella from Plum.

This social media campaign comes just before summer; an extra incentive for the Plum customers to enter the competition, Jim says “The summer is only three weeks away, so it’s a perfect time to get your air-conditioning serviced to ensure it is working correctly for the hot days ahead, so our customers are jumping at the chance to get a free service.”

Plum Heating and Cooling provide extensive services in evaporate cooling systems, ducted heating, split systems, ducted split systems, add-on cooling and repairs and maintenance. To get a free quote, contact us.

A faulty air-conditioner is not a problem any home or business wants on their hands, especially in hot summer months. Faulty air conditioners have the potential to cost you extra money, create hazardous damage to the environment and can even have an effect on health problems. The best way to make sure your air-conditioner works to its optimum level for many years to come is to have it annually serviced, and to keep the filters clean. However, you should always be aware of signs that your air conditioner needs repair; in order to stop wasting your money on energy bills and to get the most out of your investment. An important tip is to know the warning signs below, so you can seek professional help before you need to replace your system.

Limited Temperature Control

If you notice the room temperature suddenly change, this may be a sign that your system is experiencing difficulties. If your air-conditioner unit is old, it may need replacing. However, it may be that your system is struggling because of factors that you can control. Check that your outside unit (if you have one) is not being encroached upon by plants. Try to use your air conditioning unit in conjunction with other temperature control tools- such as blinds, curtains and windows. If your air-conditioner is still not working to its optimum, seek professional help.

Strange Or Loud Sounds

If your air conditioning unit is making loud noises it is likely to need a service. Loud or grating noises can make your air-conditioner uncomfortable to use and can be hazardous to the health of you and your family members. Failure to service the unit could end in costly repairs or replacement, so ensure you call a professional as soon as you can.

Strange Smells

Not only do strange or strong smells coming from your air conditioning unit make you not want to use it- smells are a sign of definite disrepair. Generally odors coming from your air conditioner mean hat wire insulation has burnt out. If your air-conditioner is under warranty, replacing these parts will come at very little cost. Regardless, an air-conditioner that is creating smells is unusable- so it’s worth fixing the problem.

Moisture

Moisture around your air-conditioning unit is a sign of a problem with draining. Leaks cannot only cause serious problems for your air-conditioners; they can ruin surrounding furniture and attract pests. For any air-conditioning repairs, a professional should see to leaking units immediately

Many homeowners and businessowners fail to call professional air conditioning services in time for easy repairs. Whilst you may be worried about a large bill, faulty air conditioners are often uncomfortable to use, and cost you and the environment more on your energy bill. If your air-conditioner is under warranty, repairs are often relatively cheap. Replacing an air-conditioner can also be the more cost effective long-term solution. Contact us at Plum Heating and Cooling expert today, about replacing, repairing or servicing your air-conditioning unit.

One of the most popular types of air conditioning systems in Australia is the ‘split System.’ Split system air conditioners offer a reverse cycle air conditioning solution at an affordable price so your home can be kept cool and relaxed in the summer months and warm and toasty in the winter months. Being affordable, the split system provides comfort in buying this product without it hurting the bank balance.

WHAT IS A SPLIT SYSTEM?

A split system air conditioning unit is commonly installed in both homes and businesses, so you’ve almost definitely seen one before. The split system typically consists of a unit placed on the outside of your home, and an indoor unit that can effectively control the temperature in a section of your home.

Generally, the indoor unit is placed in the room that occupants spend the most time in living and dining rooms. If you are looking to cool more of your home, a Ducted Split System or MultiZone split system is more appropriate. The Split System Airconditioner is flexible because it is possible for you to transform your split system into a MultiZone, by adding indoor units that work off your outdoor compressor.

What Are The Benefits Of Split Systems?

• Split Seasons provide year round solutions to the weather as they teat both heat and cooling

• Add On Cooling can expand your split system if you expand or simply wish to cool greater areas of your home

• Clever systems within your unit mean that the outdoor compressor unit will be slowed when the room reaches the desire temperature. If the unit were to instead turn off and then restart when the room heated up again, it would require more energy and cost you and the environment.

• Split systems cost less than ducted systems and are an affordable solution for any home and budget

• Hitachi Split System models carry steel filters that reduce bacterial agents passing through the filter and into the are keeping your family safer (Optional on Hitachi RAS25 & RAS35, Standard on Higher Model Hitachi Units) Prefilters also capture dust.

Pricing of a split system

Split system air conditioning units are very affordable; however the price depends on the size of your room. Small rooms may require as little as a 2.5kw unit, while large open areas may require an 8kw unit.

For more information on the Split System that is perfect for your home or business, contact us at Plum Heating and Cooling.

Looking after your air-conditioning system is a good idea, because it means your system will last longer, and provide you with optimum temperature control. However many homeowners feel unsure about how to best look after their air conditioning unit. The maintenance required depends on the age and type of unit you have, however there are some steps you can take to protect all air conditioners. With summer coming up, it is a good idea to take extra care of your unit so it doesn’t break down when you need it most.

BE INFORMED

Read the manual of your air-conditioning unit, or chat to your installer about the features of your air conditioner. Being informed about what your air-conditioned can do will not only mean you experience more of the benefits, but you will also understand more about how it works as well. Ask about any faults you might experience, so you recognise the signs and can act accordingly.

CLEAN

Filters should be cleaned or changed once a month. Turn off the unit before checking and cleaning the filter. Uncleaned filters not only make your air conditoner work harder, they can be bad for your health. Spray your outside compressor with water to cool it down, and wipe it free from dust and debris.

CHECK HOSES

Check the hoses on your unit are not leaking, especially near connections. Leakages cause undue dampness, and can damage your air-conditioning unit and cause mould.

DON’T OVERWORK IT

Overworking your air conditioner will shorten its lifetime and give you little, if any, gains in temperature control. If you have a zoned air conditioner (ducted) use the controller to turn on the unit only in zones where it is needed. If you have extended your home since installing your air conditioner you may want to consider add on cooling, to support your existing unit.

GIVE THE UNIT SPACE

If you have an air conditioning unit that you can see, you need to give it space. Check inside units are not too close to furniture or drapes, which will limit their effectiveness. Trim plants away from outside units, and check their visible exterior and interior for insects.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

It is a good idea to have your air conditioner serviced annually, to make sure everything is working properly. While it may be tempting to neglect air-conditioning maintenance, failure to keep your unit serviced can cost more money in the long run, in energy bills and replacement costs.

TIMELY REPAIRS

If you suspect something is wrong with your air conditioner, call a professional as soon as you can. Using a faulty air conditioner can be bad for your health and increase the damage to the unit. Faulty air conditioners also use more energy, and often have little ability to lower the temperature of your home. A professional can examine your air conditioner and replace parts if needed. Repairs generally cost less than replacement, and if your air conditioner is still under warranty your costs will be minimal.

Plum Heating and Cooling can replace, repair or add to your existing air conditioning unit. We offer all products and repairs under warranty. Call (03) 8360 9622 to chat to a trained professional about air conditioning repairs, replacement or add on cooling in Melbourne, or contact us to request a quote online.

Looking to refit your home or business with a new cooling system? It’s important to be informed. Ducted Split Systems, also known as Ducted reverse cycle air conditioners, are a great way to cool your building if you want a ‘zoned’ system, that offers more control than other cooling and/or heating methods. Trusted brands such as Hitachi and Temperzone carry great Ducted Split Systems, that are appropriate both domestically and commercially.

What is a Ducted Split System?

A ducted split is an air-conditioning system that operates within the roof, or under the floor, to distribute cool or heated air throughout your home or business. It has both an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor. Strategically placed ducts ensure the steady flow of heating or cooling to all areas of your home, however these can be ‘zoned’, so only some areas receive the altered temperature air.

What are the benefits of a Ducted Split System?

• A ducted split system encompasses heating and cooling requirements, so you don’t need to invest in two systems.

• Ducted split systems are also cheaper than installing split systems in every room, as they offer a holistic solution.

• Zoning means that you can save power and money, by turning off certain areas of the system when you are not using those rooms. Depending on how much you want to spend, other control options will also be made available to you, such as scheduled turning on and off of systems.

• Also, unlike some systems, a ducted split system operates under your floor, or in the ceiling and outside, so you don’t have to deal with unwanted noise.

• Ducted Split Air Conditioners installed domestically by Plum Heating and Cooling, also come with a 5 year parts and labour warranty- so you don’t have to worry about your system breaking down in the middle of a boiling summer, or freezing winter.

What is the price of a Ducted Split System?

Like most air conditioning systems, the price of a ducted split system depends on the size of the house, and the level of control you wish to have over zones and temperatures.Having a ducted split system adds value to your home, offering potential new residents comfort all year round.

To get a free quote for your new cooling system within 24 hours, simply give us a call on 03 8360 9622 or contact us and stay cool with ducted split air conditioning this summer.

Melbourne’s Plum heating and Cooling have added on extra air conditioning service staff in preparation of summer.

Check out the article on PR Web here:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/airconditioningservice/melbourne/prweb10028970.htm

Customers of Plum Heating and Cooling can have confidence this summer with the company announcing additional technicians to their air conditioning servicing department. In order to provide efficient and effective service to their customers, this is a timely move ahead of Australia’s fast approaching summer.

With Plum servicing over thirty air conditioners per day in the Western suburbs, the management team made the decision to extend their company with two additional air conditioning technicians.

Owner and founder of Plum Heating and Cooling, Kyle Briggs said their decision allows their team the capacity to reach more customers while ensuring customer satisfaction remains high.

“At Plum, we are always striving for excellence and to exceed customer expectations. By adding on extra technicians we are making sure that we’re fully prepared ahead of the coming busy and hot months.” Mr Briggs said. “Our entire team of specialists have been thoroughly trained across all products to ensure that our customers receive the best quality, advice and service.”

With the upcoming summer set to reach 40 degree days, Plums announcement is a timely call to make sure your family home or business is fitted with or serviced to guarantee working air conditioning.

Plum is known to their customers as a company that strives for total customer satisfaction and using high quality systems that are reliable and economical. This is solidified in Plum’s previous achievements in winning highly regarded awards in the past few years, including the Wyndham Business Awards for the medium sector in both 2009 and 2010, and most recently the 2012 Wyndham Medium Business of the Year Award.

The Melbourne family owned business that has been in operation for over twenty years specialises in providing a large variety of heating and cooling products, and is qualified to service any product available on the market today.

Plum offer four types of cooling, including evaporative cooling, split system, ducted split and add on cooling. “Our range of cooling units has also been selected by our professional technicians to ensure they fit them to almost any home in Melbourne.” Mr Briggs said.

An award winning heating and cooling company, Plum is a family owned and operated business based in Point Cook. The company has operated for over 20 years and the business, established by then apprentice plumber Kyle Briggs, focuses on service, customer satisfaction and community as its core values. For more information, contact Plum here.

Summer is fast approaching and the last thing you want is to be stuck in a sweltering home, with only a fan to keep you cool. However, the way you choose to cool your home is an investment, there is an outright cost and some ongoing ones such as energy bills and maintenance, so you want to make sure you are picking the right system for you. Evaporating coolers are extremely popular, but here’s some more information on them so you can make an informed choice.

WHAT IS AN EVAPORATIVE COOLER?

An evaporative cooler draws warm outside air into the cooling unit through wet filter pads. The evaporation of this water, into the stream of air, cools it, so the air can be released into the home. Whilst the evaporative cooler is operating it is important to keep windows and doors open so the warmer air is constantly pushed out of your home. Leaving the windows closed can potentially damage the system – so be sure to remember this every time.

WHAT TYPES OF EVAPORATIVE COOLERS ARE THERE?

A)   PORTABLE UNITS

Portable units are the lowest in cost, and are suitable for small rooms only. Portable evaporative coolers are simply plugged into an electrical outlet inside your home. They are best positioned near a window, or an external door.

B)    FIXED ROOM UNITS

Fixed room units are installed outside the home, on an external wall. They are wired and plumbed by cooling experts, and suitable for larger, open areas. These cost more than portable units as they require installation and create a greater output of cooled air.

C)    CENTRAL SYSTEM

A central system is installed in your roof, and expels cool air through ceiling outlets.  Whilst this is more expensive than the other units, it is more cost effective if you are looking to cool your whole home. Central systems also take up no space within your living areas like portable units.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING AN EVAPORATIVE COOLER?

Evaporative coolers are good for both your health and the environment; theyprovide constant fresh air rather than recycled air and are considered the GREEN CHOICE in air-conditioning. The filter pads effectively limit the introduction of dust and pollen into your home, making them asthma and allergy friendly as well.

Most central system evaporative coolers can be fitted in zones to help you reduce your bills. By breaking your house into set zones, you can choose to cool only the areas you use most. For example, many people choose to set their bedrooms as a separate zone, so they won’t waste cooling them during the day when they’re empty.

To get a free quote for your new cooling system within 24 hours, simply give us a call on 03 8360 9622 or contact us and stay cool with ducted split air conditioning this summer.

Comparing air conditioners before you make your final decision is essential. By taking the time to compare the different types and brands on offer you will find information that will allow you to buy a quality air conditioner within your budget that best suits your home.

Throughout our years of helping customers find the right air conditioner suited for their home we put together a few tips on how to help get you started.

The type of air conditioner

Do your research and figure out exactly what you need before getting a quote. There’s no point cooling your whole home if you only spend time in the living room! Here’s some of the more common systems and their ideal use:

• Evaporative Cooling Systems – Which provide a great, whole home solution and can run for less than a dollar a day.

• Split Systems Wall Units – A good option if you only need to cool one or two rooms in your home, plus they can be used for heating in the winter.

• Ducted Split Systems – A whole home solution which can be cheaper than buying multiple Split System wall units. Does both heating and cooling.

The range of features

There are a few basic features that you should expect from your air conditioning unit, such as an adjustable thermostat, multiple fan speed options and energy efficiency ratings so your bills don’t go through the roof.

You also should be looking for a reliable brand with self-cleaning features (on the bigger evaporative cooling systems), so that when it comes time for your annual check-up, it is left at that and doesn’t become an annual overhaul.

If someone in your home has allergies, a good feature to look out for is a top quality filter that helps remove smaller dust particles from the air.

The Units Energy Star Rating

The energy star rating is a measure of how efficient your unit is – the more starsmeans the less it will cost you to run throughout the year. It can often be a pricier option up front, but it does end up extremely beneficial for you financially long-term as well as a more environmentally friendly option.

The cooling capacity needed

It is essential to choose a unit with the capacity suitable to your home, if you choose a unit that is too small it may not cool your room efficiently on a hot day. However, choosing a unit too large will unnecessarily just cost you more to operate.

The size of your rooms isn’t the only factor to consider, there is also the number and size of the windows, the available shade, the direction the room faces, how many people use the room and what other appliances are being used in the room. If you’re not sure how determine what you need, as a technician when they give you a quote and they should be able to explain everything.

If you need to purchase a new cooling system for the summer months ahead but aren’t quite sure which type best suits your home, don’t put it off any longer.

Our technicians are happy to provide you with a free quote and all the information you need to make an informed decision when it comes to heating or cooling your home.

To get a free quote simply give us a call on 03 8360 9622 or contact us

Purchasing heating and cooling systems is not something that should be taken lightly. The problem is people seem to rush through the research when buying something and can often end up with a unit that is totally wrong for their home – just because it was on sale or looked great in store.

Over the years we have come across a few things customers often forget to consider before buying, so we thought we’d share them here so you can make an informed decision next time you go on the hunt for a new heating or cooling unit.

Do your research

Give yourself plenty of time when it comes to choosing a cooling system. Do your research onprice, and what to expect from an installation service before trying to haggle deals with any businesses.

The last thing you want is to wait until summer to get everything organised. Prices will be higher, response times will be slower and there will be a long wait for installation. Even if your system breaks down, don’t rush into anything. Bare the heat for another day or two and make the right decision for the years ahead.

The all year round solution

Sometimes it is better to spend a little extra money now to help save some down the track. Think about whether you’re going to want heating as well as cooling. If so, you can cut half the products off the market from the very start. Split System solutions are a great way to kill two birds with one stone, and you only have to deal with maintaining one system on a yearly basis.

Yearly maintenance

Some customers avoid getting yearly maintenance on their systems because they feel like it’s unnecessary.If something’s not broken, why fix it – right? Well there’s the misconception. It’s not about fixing your system when it’s broken, its about preventing the breaking in the first place.

Some of the major problems that happen with cooling units arise from a build-up of small incidents that happen through continuous use of your system. Look into the company you’re buying the system off and ask if they do regular servicing. It’s always good to have professionals service your unit for a minor fee rather than pay them a major fee for repairs once it’s too late.

Check the warranty

Finally, it’s always advised to check the warranty of your potential new system. Check the fine print and make sure that everything makes sense, and look for a minimum five year warranty, with the ideal being ten. It’s always good to ensure any work done on your system is covered under the warranty as well.

We hope you’ve found these tips useful. Just try to remember them when the time comes to purchase your new system and you should be four steps ahead from the very start.

Always striving to exceed customer expectations, our entire team of specialists have been thoroughly trained across all products to ensure you receive the best quality advice and service.

To get a quote simply give us a call on 03 8360 9622 or contact us here.

With summer coming up very soon its best to prepare energy efficient ways to cool your homes and keep those bills low!

At Plum Heating and Cooling we offer several ranges of low cost cooling systems to keep your family comfortable this summer, but why not also try some of our quick and easy tips to save energy and stay cool.

• Invest in a decent cooling system 

  Although this can be costly to upgrade at first it does pay off down the track, consider swapping your old air conditioner for a more energy efficient system. At Plum Heating and Cooling we recommend investing in a Ducted Split System that uses less energy to distribute cool air throughout the house using ductwork inside the roof or under the floor. You can also choose which rooms you want to cool using the innovative zoning method.

• Maintain your system 

  This is easy to forget, once you install a cooling system you must remember to regularly maintain it, as dust and lint built up on filters can restrict air flow causing the system to run longer without actually cooling down your home. Plum Heating and Cooling recommends you have your system checked out at least once a year, our highly trained technicians service each system using a tailored checklist to ensure it is at optimal working condition, saving you money.

• Avoid direct sunlight 

  Closing your blinds and curtains during the day to avoid direct sunlight from entering your home can help reduce heat from spreading, you can even take this a step further and plant trees around your house strategically to shade your house, you’ll be surprised at how much these actions can help your cooling bill.

• No large appliances 

  Ovens typically heat up a home, so when possible or during the peak of the day when the heat is particularly strong try and prepare food using the microwave. This includes other appliances such as vacuum cleans that release hot air, so try not to use those either till the evening when the temperature drops.

• Dress responsibly  

  Of course wearing long sleeves or ugg boots isn’t the best idea when you’re trying to stay cool, so before turning the air conditioning down even lower, switch to clothing that will help you stay cool and drink plenty of water. Remember short cool showers are good way to instantly cool down!

Prepare for the summer ahead and find out which cooling system best suits you, give us a call at Plum Heating and Cooling for specialized service in your local Melbourne area, to discuss the range of home cooling solutions we have available. Whether you need a system for single rooms or a whole home cooling option we’ve got you covered.

Call us today (03) 8360 9622 or contact us to get a quote.

Plum Heating and Cooling is proud to offer a wide range of heating options available to suit any Melbourne home regardless of size space or build. We stock only the most reliable brands, include Braemar and Hitachi, to offer customers optimum service and quality.

So what heating solutions do we offer?

Ducted Heating

Ducted Heating is the perfect heating solution for your home if you’re looking for a natural and cost effective way to heat your entire home. It works simply through the installation of a gas ducted heater either in the ceiling or under the floor, depending on the home. You are then able to control the heat in each individual room using the innovative zone control method which allows you to turn off areas in your home that aren’t in use, a perfect way to save money on your gas bills. A zone can be your bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, or any combination of rooms.

Prices depend on the size of the house, zoning requirements and controller requirements so make sure you give us a call to get the quote appropriate for your home.

Split System

The split system solution is a great and flexible way to heat single rooms of your home with each unit having its own easy to use remote control allowing you to set different temperatures for individual rooms. This is often a great alternative solution if there is insufficient roof space to install the Ducted Split System.

A split system consists of two simple parts, a compressor unit placed outside your home, and an indoor unit to heat a single room or section of your home. Although it is designed to only heat up single areas of the home, it is possible to install multiple indoor units and connect them all to a single outdoor compressor unit.

Prices depend on the size of the rooms so give us a call at Plum Heating and Cooling for the most appropriate quote suited to your home.

Ducted Split System

A Ducted Split System is a great option for people who want better control at managing the temperature of their home using the ‘zoned’ system. It works simply by using ductwork inside the roof or under the floor to distribute air throughout the house. It uses an indoor unit placed inside the home either under the floor or inside the ceiling and connected to an outdoor unit.

Although it runs similar to the split system solution, it is a cheaper option to installing multiple indoor units using the Split System solution.

Gas Log Fires

These are quite a popular choice in Melbourne, as they require no electricity, power venting or fans to operate the units. Plum Heating and Cooling currently offers a select variety from Jetmaster Heat &Glo Balanced Flue Gas Log Fires.

Without the need for a conventional chimney, you can install these in nearly every room of your home. Contact us know for more information about the multiple ranges we offer.

Still not quite sure?

Call us today on (03) 8360 9622 to find out which heating solution best suits your home, or contact us.

If you’re looking to save money this winter but aren’t quite sure what other tips to try in attempts to reduce your heating costs, then why not consider switching over to a gas ducted heating system with the highest quality range that Plum Heating and Cooling has to offer? What makes it the cheapest home heating solution is the ability to use less gas to heat your home with incredible zone control options that lets you further reduce costs by allowing you to decide which rooms you want to be heated simply by switching zones on and off.

This is a particularly great option for all those that can’t help but forget to shut all those unoccupied rooms to keep the heat in, or if you like to prepare your bath temperature while you’re still watching your favourite TV show in the other room!

A great added benefit, particularly for people that enjoy their extra room space is that the gas ducted heating systems are extremely compact and consume very little space at all. Plum Heating and Cooling installs your heater either in the ceiling or under the floor, to whichever option suits the build of your home. No more bulky heating units that you have to drag around the rooms with you!

How does it work?

The ducted heating system consists of a few simple components including the heater itself, the insulated ducts that carry the heated air to each of your rooms, vents that spread air into the room and return air to the heater, and a thermostat.

The gas heater works by taking the cold air from each individual room over a heat exchanger, which is warmed by gas combustion. The warm air is then pushed back out through the ducts and into each individual room from vents that are either located in the ceiling or on the floor.

You can easily control which room you want at any certain temperature through the thermostat, which is installed in the main living room area. It also has in-built senses to detect the air temperature and send signals to the heater to turn off or on in order to maintain the desired set temperature.

You also have the option to pair your gas ducted heating with add-on cooling at a later stage when needed, just let our team know during the initial installation stages in order to easily configure this added benefit.

Give us a call at Plum Heating and Cooling for specialized service across Melbourne in gas Ducted Heating. Dealing with top of the range products including BRAEMAR we help you personally select a system that suits your home. All domestic installations of Gas ducted heating systems by Plum Heating and Cooling come with a 5 year parts and labor warranty so you can be assured you’re getting the highest standard in products and service.

Give us a call on (03) 8360 9622 or contact us to arrange a quote!

Nothing packs a punch quite like the gas bills, particularly those very chilly Melbourne nights when the heater is a must! But what other choice do we have? Turn the heaters off and freeze? Not quite!

Here are a few simple things you can do to help reduce the costs of your gas bills, why not try a few of these out yourself and see the difference it makes.

• Start wearing socks 

  A lot of the time when the winter weather isn’t too cold you can avoid cranking up the heat by simply putting on a few extra items of clothing. The quickest way to warm your body up is to wear socks, if your feet are cold, your whole body will feel cold so cover those up first! If you’re still feeling cold put on your favourite jumper or curl up on the couch with a cable knit throw if you’re having a TV night in.

• Close empty rooms 

  This one is easily forgotten, but if you have got the gas heater on then make the habit of closing unoccupied rooms that are isolated from the rest of the house, this allows the current room you are in to heat up much faster, so once you have reached an ideal temperature then you can turn the gas heater off entirely. You’ll be surprised how long the heat stays within the room without you having to turn the heater on again.

• Block the gaps

  If combined, small gaps surrounding the windows and doors around a room can let out a significant amount of your heat out, even with the gas heater on it can save up to 10% of your gas heating bill. A quick way to find these gaps is on the next windy day light a small candle and walk around with the flame near windows and doors and look for smoke moving in a horizontal direction. Once you’ve spotted the change in the flame then you’ve come across an air leak! There are a few simple cheap things available to buy that can fix these leaks, including door sweeps to close spaces under exterior doors and caulk to block drafty areas near window frames.

• Arrange a checkup

  Proper maintenance of your heating unit is just as important as any other steps to save money. It is a good idea to get your gas heater checked out at least once a year to make sure it is running efficiently. At Plum Heating & Cooling, we offer highly trained technicians to handle quality maintenance service work with a extensive point check including:

  • Checking all air flows
  • Checking gas pressure for leaks
  • Carbon monoxide testing
  • Cleaning air filters
  • Checking all electrical connections
  • Cleaningthe fan of any dust/lint build up
  • Full function test

Give us a call on (03) 8360 9622 or contact us to see what specialized heating options and servicing we provide in your local Melbourne area.

Plum Heating and Cooling is proud to offer a wide range of heating options available to suit any Melbourne home regardless of size space or build. We stock only the most reliable brands, include Braemar and Hitachi, to offer customers optimum service and quality.

So what heating solutions do we offer?

Ducted Heating

Ducted Heating is the perfect heating solution for your home if you’re looking for a natural and cost effective way to heat your entire home. Ducted Heating works simply by installing a gas ducted heater either in the ceiling or under the floor, depending on the home. You are then able to control the heat in each individual room using the innovative zone control method which allows you to turn off areas in your home that aren’t in use, a perfect way to save money on your gas bills. A zone can be your bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, or any combination of rooms.

Prices depend on the size of the house, zoning requirements and controller requirements so make sure you give us a call to get the quote appropriate for your home.

Split System

The split system solution is a great and flexible way to heat single rooms of your home with each unit having its own easy to use remote control allowing you to set different temperatures for individual rooms. This is often a great alternative solution if there is insufficient roof space to install the Ducted Split System.

A split system consists of two simple parts, a compressor unit placed outside your home, and an indoor unit to heat a single room or section of your home. Although it is designed to only heat up single areas of the home, it is possible to install multiple indoor units and connect them all to a single outdoor compressor unit.

Prices depend on the size of the rooms so give us a call at Plum Heating and Cooling for the most appropriate quote suited to your home.

Ducted Split System

A Ducted Split System is a great option for people who want better control at managing the temperature of their home using the ‘zoned’ system. It works simply by using ductwork inside the roof or under the floor to distribute air throughout the house. It uses an indoor unit placed inside the home either under the floor or inside the ceiling and connected to an outdoor unit.

Although it runs similar to the split system solution, it is a cheaper option than installing multiple indoor units using the Split System solution.

Gas Log Fires

Gas Log Fires are quite a popular choice in Melbourne, as they require no electricity, power venting or fans to operate the units. Plum Heating and Cooling currently offers a select variety from Jetmaster Heat &Glo Balanced Flue Gas Log Fires.

Without the need for a conventional chimney, you can install these in nearly every room of your home. Contact us know for more information about the multiple ranges we offer.

Still not quite sure?

Call us today on (03) 8360 9622 to find out which cost-effective heating solutions best suits your home, or contact us.

Plum Heating & Cooling is excited to announce the launch of our newly designed website, which went live today, Monday 23^rd April 2012. The site’s homepage welcomes visitors with our familiar bold colours, a clean uncluttered design, and moving images with featured content focused on our mission to provide visitors with the most accurate product information and best service available.

The new site is divided into three main sections: HEATING, COOLING AND REPAIRS & SERVICING. By moving to a more customer-friendly layout, we allow our visitors to quickly access the information they require, while providing them with a broad overview of our products to make choosing the right one easier than ever.

Visitors will find detailed information about our vast range of products and their benefits in both the HEATING and COOLING sections. REPAIRS & SERVICING will allow customers to see check-lists of jobs that we carry out when servicing their unit or system, so they know exactly what to expect from our service.

Current and prospective clients will also notice the addition of some great guarantees, along with our newest products in Gas Log Fires and Wood Burners. Maintaining the convenience and functionality of our previous site, personalised quotes on all our systems are still available online by filling out your details and uploading your house plans.

The website will be updated on a regular basis, with news of events, product additions and competitions. We will be encouraging our customers to contact us through the website and sign up for our newsletter, which will keep you in touch with valuable industry news, tips and special offers.

While you are here, feel free to have a look around and let us know you think by posting any suggestions, likes or dislikes in this article. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve your experience with us and would love to hear from you.