When I graduated from university and moved into my own place, the only house I could afford was right near a manufacturing plant. At first, I thought living in the industrial part of the city would be a nightmare, but it actually turned out to be fascinating. I quickly developed an interest in industrial equipment and supplies, and spent many evenings walking around the factories to get a better look at what was going on inside. Since then, I've moved to a quiet part of the city, but my interest in industry never waned. Since I don't have the luxury of being able to visit the industrial district anymore, I thought I'd do the next best thing--start a blog about it!
If you're thinking of upgrading your gaming club building with new features, furniture and equipment, then air conditioning is something that should definitely be a consideration. With the Australian heat, playing tabletop games for extended periods of time, or painting highly detailed miniatures can be both frustrating and difficult. With the addition of air conditioning, you can create a much more pleasant atmosphere that provides a comfortable temperature whilst making it easier to paint.
Air Conditioning Basics
Air conditioning units come in all shapes and sizes. Often larger industrial rigs will look like larger white boxes with a front grill that are hung high up on the wall. These will then have a remote control to allow you to adjust the direction and flow of air as well as the temperature. This is where air conditioning units excel over conventional fans as they are able to remove moisture from the air and project cold air into the room.
How It Can Help
One of the most beneficial aspects of air conditioning in a gaming and painting club is the removal of moisture from the air. At first glance this may not seem like an issue, however for individuals who are spraying models with base coat paint, varnish or air brushes the humidity level can make a huge difference. Too much humidity can cause the paints and varnish to take longer to dry and not cure properly. In the case of varnish this can lead to a frosty covering. However with an air con unit, you can safely adjust the temperature to ensure the best coverage possible and increase the speed at which you can paint.
Maintainance and Efficiency
Maintaining your unit will be absolutely necessary if it's being used in a public setting. The first thing to do is ensure that the filters have been cleaned or replaced on a regular basis. Some machines will tell you when this needs to be done which can be really handy. By replacing the filter you increase the air flow and can actually reduce energy consumption. You should also check to make sure that the air con is only every used when the windows are closed and have been sealed off properly. This will stop it from having to work overtime which can lead to further maintenance issues. Having a standard setting and some operating instructions for club members isn't a bad idea either, but leave cleaning of the grills and fins to the club committee members.