Open-plan layouts have become increasingly popular for modern-day offices. Open spaces not only save companies money, as costs are reduced on construction and utilities, they also promote productivity and increased collaboration among staff members. If you own or manage an open-plan office, one of the fundamental things you should consider is the HVAC design. A heating repair specialist shares a few strategies here:
Address indoor ventilation. As in residential places, it’s important to control humidity and remove airborne contaminants such as dust, bacteria and viruses from the air in offices. When indoor air quality is compromised, the well-being and productivity of the workforce also decreases. Therefore, your HVAC system must provide sufficient intake and distribution of outside air within the space.
Create zones for comfort. A good HVAC design also includes independently-controlled zones within the office to increase the overall comfort and energy efficiency of the space. According to a heating service provider, since perimeter areas are more affected by weather conditions than interior spaces, they should be controlled independently. Server rooms that require specialized temperature control settings should also be prioritized and regulated separately.
Reduce the cooling load. Design the heating and cooling system before proceeding with building or renovating an open-plan office. Be sure to install adequate insulation in the walls and floors to reduce the amount of conditioned air that escapes through them. It’s also a smart idea to use low-E windows to minimize solar heat gain and incorporate more exposure to sunlight for workplace health.
Modern Air Solutions is a premier source of quality professional HVAC solutions, including air conditioning installation, heating maintenance agreements, zoning systems and more. Schedule an appointment with us today! Call (630) 534-9037 or fill out our convenient contact form, and we’ll get back to you shortly.