HSE states that workplace temperatures should be reasonable and provide clean and fresh air -- although there is not currently a law that states what the minimum or maximum temperature should be or when it’s too hot to work, there is however government guidance that suggests a minimum of 16 – 13 degrees Celsius if you’re undertaking physical work.

Air temperature is a common indicator to employees thermal comfort and is an easy one to spot although not the only or the most accurate factor. There are however office design solutions and measures that commercial fit out and experienced refurbishment contractors can suggest that can readily be implemented to aid temperature control.

Considering the environmental factors that can change the temperature within the office space can enable you to counter those changes when workplaces do get too hot to make your employees, colleagues and teams feel more comfortable and motivated to work within your business space at every given point of the year, whatever the season.

Managing Temperatures in Your Indoor Workplaces

Ensuring the thermal comfort of your employees is highly important when you’re wanting to provide a safe environment but also looking to promote a productive one.

Cool Down within Airy Breakout and Rest Zones

Offering plenty of breaks when it’s hot is in space planning for rest and breakout zones which offers space for workers to cool down, rest and recalibrate as well as an additional area to work within.

Offer Plenty of Space within Your Workrooms

Plan your office design to not only accommodate employee numbers but also the space around each team – offering the best design to match the flow of your business and as a way to reduce heat across a larger expanse of space.

Fresh Air Regulated by Law Ventilation Systems

According to Health & Safety work law you must provide clean and fresh air. Opening windows isn’t always the most efficient way to reduce heat or in offering respite from the warmth but you can look to use solar film to reflect and redirect heat from sun facing windows and it is also possible to manage good quality air flow through the use of ventilation systems.

Flexible Working Patterns and Job Rotations with Thermal Comfort

As with many organisations since the pandemic, rotational, hybrid and flexible working patterns work best combined with an agile workspace which can be advantageous when looking at the thermal and productive comfort of your workforce as well as a practical solution to preferred working styles.

Air Cooling & Air-Conditioning System Big Benefits

Office air conditioning is a key way to manage the room temperature within your business space which can directly impact productivity, output, absences and staff wellbeing during those warmer UK months.

The benefit to business is big when performance is positively affected but also hugely impacted when it’s depleted and so investing in air conditioning can enable you as a business to create the right office air conditioning system and working space for all of your workforce.

Many systems today can keep office equipment cool and offer energy efficient options for heating and cooling at variable rates, improve air quality and noise reduction to minimise office distractions such as office fans which can become obsolete once new systems are in place and which can be adaptive to individual floor and team needs for larger offices and can balance humidity to prevent mould and mildew.

 

What Are HVAC Systems?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It’s equipment that controls the indoor environment that regulates air quality, humidity, temperature and air flow. The systems look to maintain workplace comfort by enabling control of your comfort be it the need for cold air in hot weather or warm air in cold weather.

  • A functioning heating system is what we rely on in the colder months as temperatures drop.
  • Ventilation systems combine the process of bringing in fresh air and removing stale or polluted air to maintain a healthy and safe space for staff.
  • Air conditioning is what keeps us cool and comfortable in the warmer and summer months such as central air conditioners, window AC’s, heat pumps, ductless and mini-split systems.

The purpose of an HVAC system is not only to control the temperature but to also create a balanced indoor system within your workplace that blends healthy and safety requirements as well as people requirements. Work environments that can create a good thermal comfort ensures a more pleasing workspace for both staff, people and guests to work within.

 

Why Choose Efficient Commercial HVAC Systems?

An efficient and operational HVAC system within a commercial environment is not only good for business but good for your people too. Poorly functioning systems can impact both staff wellbeing and productivity. Investing and maintaining an effective system is essential to a thriving business even in hybrid and agile environments as businesses look to centralise hubs and offices that bring teams and people together.

Some common commercial HVAC systems are; Rooftop Units (RTUs), Variant Refrigerant Flow systems (VRF), Chilled Water Systems for larger buildings with large cooling requirements, DOAS Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems and Split Systems.

Tune-ups of systems are recommended twice a year to ensure the whole system is calibrated as it should be and to test for any faults or issues.

How to Maintain and Select Air Conditioning Systems

To provide longevity of use and product it’s optimal to ensure your systems are regularly maintained to ensure they are performing well but importantly that they’re safe and legal for use.

When you are implementing a new system, design services can make sure that the recommending system is appropriate for the building and the demands of your workforce, looking at cost efficiency as well as efficiency as a solution. For example, you may look at single split air conditioning systems within smaller retail units, restaurants, bars and single offices which are simple to install and require no ductwork. Larger spaces such as small hotels and multiple roomed workplaces may have a multizone systems with up to 5 units. These can be controlled in each zone for individual needs within a space.

Companies that install, maintain and service stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat-pump (RAC) equipment must hold a company certificate issued by an appointed company certification company in accordance with 2014 EU regulations as well as ensuring fluorinated greenhouse gases are contained within systems in accordance with F-Gas Regulation.

 

Built to Last Renewable and Tailored Solutions

Experienced engineers will be able to work to installation for rectangular, circular, fabric and flat oval ductwork alongside louvers, grilles, fans and insulation. Expertise will allow for high quality in end products as well as valuable input when choosing the right ventilation system for your workplace.

Solutions can be tailored to individual specification and built to last making the right choice an effective option to run. Old R-22 gas using systems are being replaced with more energy efficient and cost reducing running systems that minimise your energy bills and environmental impact with CO2 emissions. Although adaptions in the short term to old systems can be offered, they are limited within the law, new technology now means that the latest systems are a better return on your investment as well as the environment. The UK government supports the replacement with its ECA scheme and the EU has banned the manufacturing of R-22 gas equipment. 

Tailored systems are built to last, use the latest in technology and are compliant allowing you to relax in thermal comfort within your workplace knowing that your air designed system is up-to-date, able to save your money in the long-term and not negatively impacting the environment.

Balancing Adaptive & Efficient Agile Office Environments

It’s always important to manage and review your working space efficiently and effectively within your workplace for each and every staff member whilst remembering to also ensure requirements meet current health and safety guidelines but also that you protect those with medical needs, illnesses and those with disabilities to prevent any discomfort and to monitor as part of your risk management systems and to maintain safe practices, working habits and to provide a space to welcome staff and to offer the best environment for them to want to work within where their needs are taken care and factored into your office design for the hot and cool weather.

Prioritising a healthy working environment to accommodate and adapt to the changes in the weather and UK temperatures is a key factor that has the capacity to boost morale and work ethic whilst also impacting staffing, productivity levels and overall business running costs.

TB Fit Out (Trevor Blake) are industry experts with over 25 years of experience in office design, refurbishment and fit out specialists working within London, Surrey and the Southeast.

For more information on how you can build or retrofit HVAC and Air Conditioning Systems within your adaptive, hybrid and agile working environments for your organisation that might include; ventilation systems, air conditioning, solar film on windows and space planning, contact us directly to see how we can design you a workplace for all of your business and office design needs on  01293 775509 or via email us at sales@tbfitout.co.uk

Transforming commercial, office and educational workplaces.