Installing air conditioning at work: what you need to know

While it’s not been long since we were in the middle of a freezing cold spell, the changeable weather means that air conditioning is something you will need to think about sooner rather than later. The summer is fast approaching and set to bring soaring temperatures, which means that your workplace will be warming up significantly.

Many businesses look into installing air condition over the summer months, and this is something that is definitely worth considering. But it important to get planning early so that you can sort out any challenges early on and get the system set up in time for when it gets hot. It might feel like you really don’t need air conditioning at the moment, but things can change, especially if this is your first summer in a new office.

There is a lot of information available online to learn more about the technical side of air condition installation, particularly on the website of building services and mechanical engineering consultants BSE 3D. The Sussex based company provide consultation for air conditioning systems for commercial and industrial properties in the South East, and are a great resource for what you need to know about having an air conditioning system installed at your workplace.

Air conditioning can make staff more productive

If you are not yet sure about whether it is worth installing air conditioning in your workplace or you need to convince your boss that it is the right thing to do, it is worth pointing out that when people get too hot at work, their productivity drops.

You might be surprised at how little the temperature has to rise before it starts affecting your work: one study showed that when the temperature rises above 21C or 22, students begin to score lower on maths tests. Another showed that typists were able to do 24 per cent more work in air conditioned offices.

Given that air condition can be such a benefit in a hot working environment it doesn’t make sense to put off having it installed.

Do you need planning permission?

It is always important when considering a large scale project, such as having air conditioning installed in a commercial property, to check whether or not planning permission is required. Some councils have stricter regulations than others and of course whether you require planning permission to get your air conditioning installed will depend on the specific circumstances of your business.

In any case it is best to get in contact with your local council if you are thinking of getting an air conditioning system installed. In some cases they will be happy for you to proceed without seeking permission while in others will need for you to go through a lengthy process.

Use your air conditioning correctly

Unfortunately it is the case that when many companies have air conditioning installed in their workplace they make mistakes and fail to use it effectively. For example, it should first be noted that while you might think it is a good idea to have the windows opening and keep air circulating, this is actually the wrong thing to do with air conditioning. Your system will have to work harder as warmer air will be coming in through the open windows.

Additionally, you need to remember to have regular servicing on your air condition units to ensure that they are still running in good condition. Failing to do so can mean that your air conditioning is running inefficiently or not even working properly at all.

Alternatives to air conditioning

Of course it should also be pointed out that your work premises may not need air conditioning, as some businesses can be doing more to cool down the working environment without it. Naturally things like opening multiple windows and improving air flow with fans can make a big difference to the temperature but it is also worth thinking about things like where equipment is situation.

For example, if you have on-site servers it may be the case that these should cordoned off in a separate room as they can generate a significant amount of heat. Moving them to another part of the building or even investing in technological advances like cloud servers can help to reduce the heat from computers and other equipment around your workplace.