HEATING, VENTILATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY Small things can make the difference ….
Dave Harding sales & marketing director at Gilberts Blackpool, considers the evolution of heating, ventilation & energy efficiency in the drive Towards Net Zero
T
he big issue affecting all of us is how to reduce our carbon footprint and be more energy efficient. In the commercial sector, we are showing proven ability to reduce energy consumption, but it still accounts for 61% of total electricity and 71% of total gas used(1)! But is the big issue overshadowing the little things that can make a crucial difference? I’m talking about air movement. We focus on how to heat and cool our buildings efficiently, and look at the main drivers- heat pumps, solar panels. However, if we don’t get the warmth or cooling where and when it is needed, then we are failing to be energy efficient. We create dead zones. Therefore, we need to be open to the consideration of the techniques we use to distribute heating and cooling around the building, so energy is not wasted and occupant comfort is consistent. We know in building services all about the quantity and quality of air movement we need to achieve within a space. We have after all a myriad of guidance documents. The critical element is how we achieve that. We can tick all the boxes in compliance but still fail by wasting energy, heating and cooling unoccupied spaces or mis-directing warmth so occupants open windows to get comfortable… It’s a case of thinking about what we use to get the air in and out of a space, and where we use it. There are now growing numbers of options,
from stand-alone hybrid ventilation with heat recovery units through to thermally-sensitive diffusers. And we’re increasingly looking at it from a different perspective- moving from high- to low-level.
High level
Hybrid ventilation with heat recovery is rapidly gaining traction because of its low- and potentially negative-carbon. We speak from experience – our Mistrale Fusion Deo MFS-HR for example since its launch has out-performed our sales target by 250%. Its benefits are obvious. It predominantly uses no energy to function. It reduces unnecessary heat loss. It delivers compliant temperature and air quality. But, in focussing on the small things, importantly it can be installed through the façade where the ventilation is required inside. However, there are limitations to the depth of building it can ventilate so we still have to use alternatives. Again, thinking about what we use to circulate the heating and cooling can play a significant role.
Something as small as a switch from a standard diffuser to a thermally-sensitive one, for example. As the internal temperature varies outside of the preset, such a diffuser will automatically adjust the airflow to help maintain the ambient in seconds. Warm-up is accelerated. Stratification is reduced. Demand on the heating or cooling is reduced. Historically thermally-sensitive options
were limited to linear diffusers. Advances in technology mean that now almost every common commercial air delivery unit- swirl diffusers, jet nozzles, drum louvres- can now be specified, which operate mechanically so need no electricity to perform.
Low level
If you think about it logically, most commercial spaces are occupied at low level. That, therefore, is where the heating or cooling is required. Hence why, with the focus on energy efficiency, we are now seeing a growth in the use of the floor space as the ventilation plenum: up some 8%(2). However, because of the proximity to the heating or cooling, occupants feel temperature variations and draughts more quickly, so it’s even more crucial to address the small
10 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2026
thing of where to site the air delivery units. Traditionally, the option was solely a floor grille, set in line with channels under the floor transferring the air upwards at 90° to the floor. Now, omni-directional swirl diffusers can be utilised, circulating air horizontally or at 45°. The variation in airflow reduces the likelihood of uncomfortable draughts around the feet, whilst the swirl effect optimises inter-mixing further enhancing occupant comfort. But it’s not just about occupant comfort: because the warming or cooling is being delivered at point of demand, there’s less energy use as the overall volume of internal air to be conditioned is reduced.
Crucially, some floor swirls do not require direct ducting. Thus they can be installed almost anywhere across the floor plan- exactly where needed. It’s a huge selling point in today’s agile offices, where the internal use and occupant distribution can change. All one has to do is lift the swirl and reposition- no major reducting.
Any level
Whether at high- or low- level, a further detail to consider is positioning. Place the air distribution units too close, and the current will conflict, not only adversely affecting the impact of the air quality on the space but potentially using more energy too. It’s not a case of where is easiest but where is best i.e. the most efficient. So, whilst we must not lose sight of the big picture, we need to factor in those little things more. To coin a phrase, every little helps! It pays to explore the options, to work with all involved in the supply chain to bounce ideas and think of alternative ways to achieve the desired objective.
(1).
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ media/66b4dfe6ab418ab055593520/ND- NEED-2024-report.pdf
(2).
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ united-kingdom-underfloor-air-distribution- system-mdd0e/
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
