Domestic air-conditioning installations can be as nuanced as the style and design of the dwelling itself. We recently completed an installation in Port Melbourne that required equipment efficiency but with style and design to be front of mind.
For this domestic installation we were at a Port Melbourne townhouse that had an old package unit on the roof that had failed. Many years ago, when this unit was installed, you could get a package unit that ran off single phase power which is like getting commercial equipment that can be used in a domestic application. However, this type of package unit is no longer available as a single unit, as all these package units are now manufactured in three phase, i.e., designed for commercial use so not no longer practical for the domestic market.
So we had to think strategically about what equipment will give the desired output without suddenly making visible equipment an eyesore, in an otherwise sleek, compact space.
As this townhouse has a flat roof and no roof cavity for hiding an air conditioning unit, we had to come up with a solution that could keep this equipment hidden from sight. So, we decided to run new ductwork, and put the entire air conditioning unit on the roof. This kept the unit out of sight, with ducts running seamlessly through the space, to ensure the air conditioner would run efficiently but also reach all areas of the townhouse.
For this installation, we installed a Daikin Split Ducted Model No. FDYAN125AV1 unit, which has a controller that can connect through Wi-Fi. This Wi-Fi controller is a piece of equipment that can be retrofitted onto most Daikin units. The Wi-Fi capability means that you can control and monitor your air-conditioning even when you’re not at home.
A final challenge for this project was to find a way to make this roof location weatherproof. This is because what would normally be sitting securely in a closed roof cavity, would now have to sit outside on the roof.
Fortunately, Chatfield OzCool have a long relationship with a Melbourne Sheetmetal manufacturer, so Russell Chatfield was able to design and have manufactured a custom weather cover, specifically fitted for the dimensions of this unit.
The result is a discreet system that allows for an equipment configuration that would not otherwise be possible.
Handy Tip!
If you have an older unit but would like remote access to your air conditioner controls through your phone, there is a Wi-Fi adapter that can connect to most older style air conditioning units. Ask your technician about the Senisbo Wi-Fi adapter, to breathe new life into your air-conditioning unit.