Do Office Workers Need an Air Ventilation System?

Air ventilation systems are used everywhere. Whether it is at home, whilst you are out shopping or at work you will undoubtedly experience the benefits of a ventilation system. In commercial and industrial environments, adequate ventilation is a must. But why is this? In this article we look at ventilation systems: assessing their benefit to us. We are going to pay particular attention to air ventilation in the workplace, and whether it is necessary for office workers. 

What Is An Air Ventilation System? 

The concept behind ventilation, and similarly an air ventilation system, is quite simple. The purpose of ventilation is to provide healthy air for us to breathe. This is done by bringing in fresh, outside air and distributing it within a building. At the same time, indoor pollutants are diluted and removed from the building. In a nutshell we need functioning ventilation systems. As well as the distribution of fresh air, they have a number of other benefits which we explore below. 

There are different types of ventilation systems, and certain buildings or spaces will demand a different system. The three main types are: 

• Natural

  As is suggested in the name, this form of ventilation system relies on natural forces (the wind, for example) to drive outdoor air through purpose built openings in the building. These openings come in the form of windows, doors, chimneys or trickle vents. This type of ventilation system will perform better in specific climates, and relies on the building’s design to harness its maximum potential.

• Mechanical 

  This type of system relies on ducts and fans to do its job. Although more expensive, mechanical ventilation systems may offer better ventilation. Similarly, they may provide more consistent results. As well as the regulation of air quality, these types of ventilation systems can also control the temperature of a building. Fans are used to suck in air to the supply ventilation system, and this air is pushed out via the exhaust element. 

• Hybrid 

  A hybrid system (otherwise known as a mixed-mode system) attempts to marry both of the above examples. A hybrid system has natural and mechanical elements, and is able to use either based on the circumstances. For example, the mechanical element is relied on if there was, say, not enough wind. Within this is contingency and complementary hybrid systems. The former uses natural ventilation, and mechanical ventilation can be added depending on the weather. The latter describes an integrated unit that uses its natural and mechanical elements, i.e. the natural system is supported by mechanical elements. 

What Are The Overall Benefits of An Air Ventilation System? 

Now you have an understanding of what ventilation is and the systems used to create it, you may be wondering why we need ventilation. In some industries, ventilation is a necessity. Industrial ventilation, for example, in factories and workshops deals with pollutants that would otherwise do people harm. Aside from this, ventilation, across the board, has many benefits. These include: 

• Temperature Reduction 

  Being able to reduce the temperature within a building is key to ensuring people’s comfort. In the summer months, when the temperature rises significantly, having a ventilation system in place is needed. This is especially important if there are a number of people in a building (offices, schools, factories)

• Condensation

  Condensation can lead to mold, and damp conditions can be a trigger for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. Aside from this, it is, plainly, unhealthy to be exposed to damp and mold. An air exchange system will help to combat condensation, and provide a cleaner and healthier environment. 

• Control/ Dispel Impurities

  If a lot of people congregate inside a building, the inside air can become polluted. In our modern bustling society, this is often the case. Having proper ventilation systems in place will, therefore, help to tackle the likes of bacteria, moisture, pollutants and unpleasant odours. Without this, people are more susceptible to sickness. 

Air Ventilation System In The Workplace: The Verdict 

At the start of this article, we proposed a question: do office workers need an air ventilation system? As you can see, ventilation has many benefits and, quite honestly, is important. For people such as office workers, who spend many hours of the day inside a building, a ventilation system is necessary. Having a ventilation system in an office, whether it is mechanical or hybrid, will help to create a comfortable atmosphere in which people are able to work efficiently. Moreover, ventilation helps to create a healthy environment in which people are less likely to interact with pollutants that will make them sick. Office workers who suffer from asthma, for example, will benefit greatly from a working ventilation system. 

With ventilation systems, you are not limited. Heat recovery ventilation systems recover a large amount of wasted heat whilst, at the same time, supplying fresh filtered air into a space. Outgoing extract air is used to heat the incoming fresh air, utilising a special heat exchanger chamber. With a heat recovery system, nothing is wasted. As an employer, this type of system can save you a substantial amount. 

If you are an employer, having ventilation in the workplace is of equal value to you. You have a responsibility to ensure your staff’s safety and well-being. A building with poor ventilation will not help you achieve this. Furthermore, if you have clients that visit your workplace, a bright and ventilated building will create a far greater impression than one that is stuffy and dark. 

In conclusion, we would argue that office workers certainly need a ventilation system. As a general rule, any building or space where a number of people congregate regularly will need to be properly ventilated. 

Chillaire: Experts In Industrial Ventilation 

We hope you enjoyed our article outlining the importance of ventilation. As you now know, ventilation is achieved in a number of ways. In industrial and commercial industries, mechanical ventilation may be needed to ensure better and consistent results. The team here at Chillaire are experts in industrial ventilation, and provide a range of services from maintenance to the installation of ventilation units. If you have any questions regarding our services, or own a premises that requires industrial ventilation, fill out a contact form. A member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.