BSEE


Comfortable oces make for happier and more producve employees, so air condioning is an important factor in business performance. This, together with the need to safeguard employees from airborne pathogens mean it’s the perfect me to reevaluate air condioning in oces. Jerry Hall, air condioning manager at Wolseley Climate explains.


workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.’ They’re less forthcoming on what ‘reasonable’ actually is, but there’s evidence that some employers aren’t getting it quite right. A survey carried out by the International Facilities


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Management Association (IFMA) shows that complaints about temperature – either too hot, or too cold – come above noise and crowded workspace as the number one office gripe. Similarly, a report by the Facilities Management Journal (FMJ) revealed that uncomfortable office


temperatures reduced worker’s productivity and could be costing UK businesses in the region of £13 billion each year. Supporting this, an ergonomics study by Cornell University found that ‘cold’ workers made more errors


So there’s clear evidence that the correct office temperature makes us all happier and more efficient. As air-conditioning is by far the most effective means of controlling an office environment, this begs the question: how efficient are the systems you are installing? The Coronavirus has added another element to this already important question. As people work closely together in offices, there’s clearly the potential for airborne infection, especially in poorly ventilated areas where pockets of aerosols can linger.


So for our productivity and well- being, it’s more important than ever to ensure that air-conditioning and ventilation systems are working at peak efficiency.


National building regulations stipulate that, alongside fresh air


from windows, commercial premises must provide each occupant with between five and ten litres of mechanically ventilated fresh air per second. While some systems may well exceed this recommendation, the likelihood is that many will have been specified to the bare minimum. While they may be sufficient for a reasonable degree of temperature control and acceptable levels of CO2, they’re not designed to prevent the spread of airborne pollutants. Until recently, this factor has simply not been a major consideration.


As a result, air-conditioning systems may not be working at optimal levels or, in a worst-case scenario, may not actually be up to the job they’re required to perform. And that’s


assuming they’ve all been fully maintained in the first place, and that they’re operating on optimal settings.


All of which means that it’s surely at least worth reviewing the system with a view to either adjusting it, upgrading it or replacing it entirely. Air conditioning technology has evolved hugely over the last 10 years. Systems are more efficient, compact and sophisticated, offering greater control and air distribution. They’re also much quieter, even when working at full capacity, so office workers can now enjoy comfortable levels of both temperature and noise.


Effectively setup, air-conditioning systems also help maintain an ideal level of relative humidity (between 40-60%). This minimises condensation and the growth of mould which cause damage to buildings as well as to people’s well-being. This brings us onto the key area of air quality. This was becoming an increasingly important topic even before the arrival of Coronavirus. Now it has risen right to the top of the agenda, and air-conditioning systems clearly have a pivotal role to play. Newer systems incorporate state-of-the-art filters capable of removing ever finer particles of dust allergens and bacteria from the air, helping reduce the spread of airborne pathogens. Another key development has been the introduction of ultraviolet light into air-conditioning systems, where it’s used to kill bacteria and viruses. This technology is far more established and widespread in the USA than it is here, but the UK is sure to follow soon. Already products such as iWave – an air purifying device which is easily fitted into air- conditioning ducts – are beginning to gain popularity.


10 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2021


Taken either individually or together, the above factors mean that even small gains in the efficiency and functionality of air- conditioning can lead to increased comfort, wellbeing and productivity. Which leaves only one more important consideration…Cost. Smart engineering, design and technology including sensors and wi- fi controls mean that modern air-conditioning is up to 40% more efficient than older legacy systems, helping business realise long-term savings and return on investment. The long-term price paid by the environment is similarly reduced. Today, the market is spoiled for choice. There are many upgrades and products available, ranging from VRF or VRV systems for larger offices, scaling down through multi- split or split systems depending on individual requirements and budget. And while the design and installation of a customised solution represents a significant financial commitment, there are many other affordable ways to drive improvement including, for example, retrofitting the aforementioned iWave technology into ducts, or deploying individual extractor fans or passive vents.


For advice on optimising air- conditioning systems, Wolseley Climate’s expert teams are always on hand to discuss the challenges, the legislation and the available technology.


But one thing is for sure: If employers want to drive health, productivity and environmental benefits, then the efficiency of air- conditioning is key.


AIR CONDITIONING, COOLING & VENTILATION


Reconsidering AirConditioning More efficient solutions are the key to a more efficient workplace


he UK Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 states that ‘during working hours, the temperature in all


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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