There are a number of factors that need to be considered for an air conditioning (AC) system to run efficiently. Whether it is a single unit in a small commercial space, or a ventilated network for an office building, airflow, cooling ability and indoor air quality (IAQ) directly affects functionality. In order to make sure that these working environments are kept cool in the hot summer months and provide appropriate IAQ, it is crucial to monitor these AC systems. When it comes to monitoring these systems, technicians have the choice on whether to use analogue or digital instruments to perform the work. As the industry has evolved, digital instruments have become the preferable solution, but do the benefits of digital AC monitoring outweigh the negatives?
Positive: Digital Solutions are Multifunctional
As mentioned before, there is a range of factors that require testing when servicing an AC system:
- Cooling ability
- Air velocity
- Pressure on filters
Even though these factors individually may seem like they would have a negligible affect on IAQ, they each contribute towards potentially creating conditions that may reduce the efficiency of indoor workers. Testing these parameters used to require multiple separate instruments - but with digital solutions, multiple datasets can be collected, collated and processed for seamless monitoring.
When it comes to monitoring indoor air quality and temperature, the Testo 440 measuring instrument is the ideal digital solution.
Measuring for numerous IAQ and temperature factors is made simple with Testo’s 440 measuring solution’s ability to connect three probes simultaneously. This data is then transmitted through its wireless connectivity abilities to the handling unit, and new parameters are automatically detected. This means that the Testo 440 replaces the workload of multiple solutions with one intuitive instrument. Furthermore, the Testo 440 reduces the need for cables and additional accessories.
Positive: Digital instruments offer flexible data transfer.
When it comes to monitoring a complex network of connected ventilation and AC systems, a large amount of data is going to be generated. This can require a significant amount of data storage. Analogue solutions require all data to be recorded manually, which leaves testing prone to human error. The Testo 440 has the capabilities of storing up to 7,500 measurement protocols, each recorded and stored within the digital system. Its Bluetooth capabilities allow data to be transferred up to 20 meters between probe and unit, as well as allowing data protocols to easily be altered on the go.
USB connectivity makes it easier to control digital testing parameters. These protocols are readable via USB, and are able to be processed through a spreadsheet program (such as Excel) to generate in-depth comprehensive reports. These can be shared or printed instantly, providing even more monitoring flexibility.
If you would like further information into making the move to digital AC monitoring, contact Testo today!