24
Feature
COMFORT AND EFFICIENCY :
AN ALTERNATIVE TO BMS
Advantage Air director , Johan Joubert , describes the company as being founded on the vision of bridging gaps in the market , with the company having carved a niche with its pioneering MyAir control system , redefining how light commercial premises manage their climate .
24
Advantage Air ’ s journey began in early 1990s when
South African entrepreneurs ventured to Australia and established a company that would later return to its roots . Today , with manufacturing facilities in Johannesburg and Cape Town , Advantage Air prides itself on producing components that enhance ventilation and HVAC systems across diverse sectors locally .
“ We saw an opportunity . There was a gap between high-end VRV systems and basic split units . People needed a solution for individualised climate control across multiple rooms without breaking the bank .”
This foresight led to the development of MyAir , a smart home automation system that integrates seamlessly with existing HVAC setups . “ Our team of 10 R & D engineers in Australia focuses on refining our technologies . MyAir isn ’ t just about cooling or heating ; it ’ s about transforming how people interact with their environments .”
What sets MyAir apart is its versatility , he says . Beyond temperature regulation , the system empowers users to manage lighting , access controls , curtains , heat pumps , security cameras and more — all through a user-friendly mobile app . “ Whether it ’ s an attorney ’ s office or a company head office , our system ensures efficiency through the ability to adjust settings remotely , ensuring lights and HVAC are optimised even when you ’ re halfway across the world .”
MyAir provides up to 10 zones per unit and the power to adjust the airflow in every room from up to four ducted airconditioning units via the system . “ Every unit is displayed on the console so you can see the status of each unit at a glance . It doesn ’ t matter if the units are all different makes – MyAir is compatible with all the leading HVAC brands like Daikin , Mitsubishi , and Samsung .”
For businesses , this means significant savings on energy costs . MyAir ’ s intelligent scheduling and zoning capabilities ensure that spaces are only heated or cooled when needed , reducing unnecessary consumption .
“ MyAir is not a standalone unit but rather an integrated management system . This compatibility ensures that existing systems can be upgraded without the need for a complete
RACA Journal I August 2024 overhaul , making it a cost-effective choice for both residential and commercial applications ,” explains Joubert . “ We ’ re constantly refining , adapting , and listening to our customers to deliver solutions that exceed expectations .”
“ When it comes to competition we stand apart . In our segment , there ’ s currently no direct competitor in South Africa - our approach is fundamentally different .” Unlike programmable systems , MyAir offers a modular design that allows for incremental upgrades tailored to specific needs . This flexibility extends from basic climate control to comprehensive home and light commercial automation .
In discussing broader building management systems ( BMS ), Joubert clarifies the distinction , “ MyAir simplifies without compromising . While BMS controls multiple building systems like elevators and fire alarms , MyAir focuses on HVAC and basic home automation needs . This streamlined approach makes it ideal for smaller commercial installations where comprehensive BMS solutions may be excessive .”
Addressing integration complexity and installation standards , Joubert emphasises their commitment to quality , “ We work with licensed contractors who undergo rigorous training . This ensures installations meet our standards and uphold our five-year warranty . We prioritise long-term partnerships with reputable firms to ensure ongoing support for our clients . Clients receive comprehensive support .”
Reflecting on usability , Joubert highlights MyAir ’ s intuitive interface : “ Our systems are designed with residential users in mind , ensuring simplicity and efficiency . For instance , this approach extends to retirement villages in Australia , demonstrating widespread appeal among diverse user groups .”
FUTURE DIRECTION With a solid presence in Australia , where MyAir is a market leader , Advantage Air aims to replicate its success in South Africa as we ’ re confident in our product ’ s appeal and its ability to meet diverse customer needs . “ Our goal is to expand our footprint . While the market here is growing , it ’ s still smaller compared to Australia . “ www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za