Digital Extra Property Management Select


Clean ventilation systems - never more essential


systems are maintained in a clean and safe condition. Since the essential functions of a ventilation (air conditioning) system is to circulate clean safe air it is indisputable that those with a particular responsibility for maintaining ventilation systems should ensure that all possible steps are taken to ensure they do just that.


T It is my experience that too little


acknowledgement has been given to the well established evidence of the link between uncleaned ventilation ductwork systems and the incidence of work contracted infections. Admittedly I have seen an increase in the awareness among property management of the importance of ensuring system ventilation filtration is fully effective by regularly replacing dirty filters. However, the system ductwork often remains in a contaminated condition, retaining heavy deposits of dust and debris, which will inevitably be re- circulated into the workplace. It is common to see ceiling ventilation grilles retaining dusty deposits and many with haloes of contaminated ceiling tiles. They’re clear indications of the dirty condition of the ducting to which they are linked.


Clean and green There is a further major reason why ventilation systems should be viewed in their entirety - the Government’s commitment to reduce energy use. It has been well documented that HVAC can account for 70% of an organisation’s energy costs and that inefficient and dirty ventilation systems can increase energy consumption by up to 60%.


56 l Property Management Select l September 2010 l www.pm-select.co.uk


here has never been a time when those responsible for the maintenance of buildings have more reason to ensure that duct cleaning is carried out regularly and that ductwork ventilation


Above: Accumulations of fire hazardous grease deposits in an extract system


Below: Richard Norman, managing director of Indepth Hygiene Services Limited.


Richard Norman, managing director of Indepth Hygiene Services Limited, a leading ductwork cleaning company for specialist cleaning of ventilation systems,


ensuring they are thoroughly cleaned. It is the condition of the ducting, coils


and filters which puts the resistance on the fan which is the main energy consumer. So there is a further very good reason why these systems should be fully


talks about the importance of


cleaned, not just piecemeal - the need to cut energy costs. Our Opportunity Assessment Survey, which is carried out in conjunction with Camfil - the UK’s leading provider of


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