Does My Business Need a Commercial Ventilation System?

From effective heating to internet connectivity, there are a number of must-have amenities for modern businesses. Commercial ventilation systems are certainly up there in terms of importance, but there are still some managers and owners unsure about their purpose and benefits.

In this post, we’ll provide a brief introduction to commercial ventilation systems and whether your business needs one.

What does commercial ventilation do?

Broadly speaking, commercial ventilation systems add clean air into a space, whether that’s an entire building or a specific room. They do so either by mixing it into the existing air for dilution or by displacing existing air with clean air.

This provides a range of benefits for those inside the room or building, as it reduces indoor pollution and lowers the chance of airborne viruses being transmitted through the air. By lowering humidity levels, it also minimises the risk of condensation, damp and mould – and their associated respiratory issues.

The points above are also advantageous to employers. Eliminating damp and mould means lower maintenance costs. On top of that, having healthy staff will result in less sick leave and better productivity in the long run.

Do I need a commercial ventilation system?

According to the 1992 Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations:

“Workplaces need to be adequately ventilated. Fresh, clean air should be drawn from a source outside the workplace, uncontaminated by discharges from flues, chimneys or other process outlets, and be circulated through the workrooms.

Ventilation should also remove and dilute warm, humid air and provide air movement which gives a sense of freshness without causing a draught. If the workplace contains process or heating equipment or other sources of dust, fumes or vapours, more fresh air will be needed to provide adequate ventilation.”

Put simply, some businesses are legally obliged to have a commercial ventilation system. This includes commercial kitchens, large warehouses where dust is prevalent, and factories or refineries where fumes and vapours are released into the air.

And for other workplaces…

For those who aren’t legally obliged to install ventilation, whether or not you need it depends on the priorities of your business. If you’re concerned about short-term cost cutting, then commercial ventilation might not be for you.

Remember, however, that the long-term costs of poor employee health, lower productivity and repairs when damp and mould strike can all stack up. Commercial ventilation is a vital part of a proactive approach to your business.

What about natural ventilation?

Some people will think their space is well ventilated already. After all, windows and doors can be opened to let in fresh air from outside, creating natural ventilation. The 1992 Workplace Regulations state:

“Windows or other openings may provide sufficient ventilation but, where necessary, mechanical ventilation systems should be provided and regularly maintained”

Unfortunately, windows and doors aren’t a solution all year round. Once the temperatures drop and the heating needs to be switched on – usually from October – opening windows and doors will counteract your heating and make it impossible to maintain a comfortable temperature. The result is higher energy bills that cancel out any cost saving.

Consider what kind of air you would be letting in too. Many offices are located in busy city centres or by main roads, which means that the fresh air isn’t always so ‘fresh’. An effective commercial ventilation system will provide truly clean air without any compromise on temperature.

Installing the right commercial ventilation system

With a wealth of experience installing, maintaining and repairing ventilation systems across Yorkshire, COA Services are best placed to advise on the right commercial ventilation for your workplace.

Our ventilation specialists will design and install a top-rate system that controls air temperature, maintains air flow and improves your air quality. To arrange a free quote, simply contact our team on 01423 408 336.