Commercial spaces have gone through different design transformations through the years. What used to be conventional office structures with cubicles and private rooms are now looking more modernized. For instance, open spaces and natural lighting are more opted by workers and business owners. Also, the cubicles have turned into working
The popularity of indirect free cooling of data centres in the Nordics region could place facilities at risk of corrosion if conditions are not correctly controlled this summer, according to temporary solutions specialists Aggreko. According to a recent market report by Arizton, the Nordic region can facilitate up to 8,400
Heating and cooling a property contributes significantly to utility expenses, for both homes and businesses. But improving the efficiency of HVAC systems not only makes the surrounding environment more comfortable but also helps to lower running costs considerably. Here are some of the ways you can increase the efficiency of
There’s no denying that you feel like using your air conditioner on scorching summer days. But you also have to keep your electricity bills in mind. As many experts point out, the best way to make your AC energy-efficient is to maintain it from time to time. But what are
Air conditioning systems go a long way in improving comfort and air quality in indoor settings, homes, and commercial premises. The AC helps you beat the heat in summer, making your indoor environment more pleasant to be in. However, not all air conditioning systems work the same. On this note,
National wholesaler TF Solutions has become the latest addition to the REFCOM Elite Supplier scheme. Part of the BSS Group, which is a BESA affiliate member, TF Solutions joins just as REFCOM is celebrating receiving the Industry Initiative of the Year award at the ACR News Awards for the scheme.
There can be no doubt that the environment is something that businesses are increasingly thinking about. Going green is becoming a necessity for organisations across all industries, and this certainly goes for construction. In fact, industry experts predict that the majority of constructions projects will be ‘green’ in the very
Landmark Pinnacle, a new 75-storey development under construction in Canary Wharf that is set to be the tallest residential building in Western Europe, will be heated and cooled by high quality bespoke CIAT air conditioning. CIAT is part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air
It’s a very strange and humbling understanding, that the item in the museum’s glass case in front of you is so many times older than you are! That the person who made it might not have thought much beyond its primary use, much less that it would be a lasting
From April 2018, there will be changes made to the energy efficiency regulations which will mean that every property that is non-domestic and privately rented must have an energy performance certificate, or EPC. It has been said that, as part of the changes, the property must have a rating of
Commercial spaces have gone through different design transformations through the years. What used to be conventional office structures with cubicles and private rooms are now looking more modernized. For instance, open spaces and natural lighting are more opted by workers and business owners. Also, the cubicles have turned into working pods that allow better collaboration and concentration while working. As contemporary as all these changes may be, there’s one essential component that could be affected as your office adopt a more non-traditional design—the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. So, whether you’re planning to renovate an existing office or build a new commercial space, make sure you consider how you can better strategize your heating and cooling system in a way that it would still efficiently function despite the changes you’re making. Heating And Cooling Design Tips Ideally, how you plan on heating, ventilating, and cooling the area should be taken into consideration in the early stages of building your commercial space. Such considerations could go a long way in cutting back your expenses down the road. Aside from purchasing bulk or refurbished air conditioning systems and accessories from online companies, such as PTAC4Less, you should also be open to trying other design tips that could maximize the heating and cooling system of your workspace. Here are some tips to note: 1. Choosing The Right Type Of Commercial HVAC Systems Commercial HVAC systems typically come in three types. The single split system is suitable for small commercial spaces as it gives you the flexibility to control the heating in each room. This is perfect if you plan to have server rooms or small offices in the building. Aside from being affordable, the single split system allows other units to remain functioning even when a single unit breaks. The multi-split system, on the other hand, is almost similar to the single split one but the difference is that you can connect up to nine indoor units to an outdoor unit, which clearly helps in preserving outdoor space. Additionally, this system is more aesthetically pleasing compared to the single split one. The last type is the variable refrigerant flow/variable refrigerant volume (VRF/VRV) system, which is ideal for medium to large commercial buildings. Under this HVAC system, you can choose from two different types. The first one is the Heat Pump System wherein you’ll need to choose if you prefer to heat or cool the space. The other system is the Heat Recovery System, which can provide both heating and cooling. This type is perfect for commercial buildings that are partitioned into smaller rooms. 2. Knowing What HVAC System Size To Choose As you design and plan your heating and cooling system, you also need to take into consideration the heating loads that the system will be taking in, depending on where you plan on installing it. To gather this information, you’ll have to determine the size of your commercial space, the number of workers or people who’ll be occupying it, and your purpose in installing the HVAC system. Keep in mind that the purpose will be of great help in potentially knowing the level of heating and cooling that your building will need. Take note that when it comes to choosing the size of an HVAC system, bigger isn’t always better. Air-conditioning equipment that’s bigger than the required load for your building will only provide poor comfort conditions. What’ll most likely happen is your system will constantly turn on and off. Moreover, it’s never going to run long enough to get rid of or even eliminate humidity. What you’ll get instead is a commercial space that’s perforated with cold and hot spot. 3. Ventilate For Better Indoor Air Quality A modern commercial space isn’t just about thermal comfort. It’s also important to maintain good indoor air quality or make it better. To do this, your mechanical ventilation system must be useful in controlling humidity, removing contaminants (viruses, bacteria, dust, and carbon dioxide), and eliminating odors. This function is particularly helpful in these trying times. That being said, your heating and cooling system design need to allow for sufficient intake and distribution of air that’s coming from the outside. Likewise, the conditioned air inside needs to be distributed well. Ensuring that the system works exactly this way should adequately ventilate the space. Final Words Designing and installing the right heating and cooling system for your commercial space is not an easy task. You need to acquire specific knowledge about the process so you can ensure that your office space will get the right HVAC system that it needs. If you’re not too confident that you can handle it on your own, you can leave the task at the hands of professionals. Whichever way you choose, make sure that you’re involved in the process so you’ll be at ease knowing that you’re not compromising the comfort and safety of your employees.
The popularity of indirect free cooling of data centres in the Nordics region could place facilities at risk of corrosion if conditions are not correctly controlled this summer, according to temporary solutions specialists Aggreko. According to a recent market report by Arizton, the Nordic region can facilitate up to 8,400 hours of data centre free cooling annually due to its colder climate. Though incoming ambient air is filtered before entering the controlled data centre environment, this process can result in temperature rises of two to four degrees. When combined with rising summer temperatures, data centre sites may experience higher moisture levels that could lead to condensation forming and rising water temperatures. Keeping key data centre components like electrical distribution systems dry and within a certain temperature band phase is crucial to ensuring its continued running. According to Aggreko, not taking steps to account for changing temperatures during the construction phase could lead to long-term damage that could impair functionality and void warranties. “The ability to use the climate as a resource to help free-cool facilities is one of many reasons the Nordics region appeals to organisations looking to construct data centres,” says Greger Ruud, Sector Development Manager – Nordic Datacenters at Aggreko. “However, it must be noted that like any other region, there are fluctuations in temperature depending on geography and the seasons, so conditions will occur that make free cooling more challenging. “Site managers must therefore be aware that a rise in ambient air temperature will be reflected in the data centre environment, especially with filtration processes generating added heat. As such, plans should be put in place to cool facilities and maintain controlled conditions during the upcoming warmer months.” Additional cooling solutions like chillers and dry coolers may be used to ensure controlled temperatures during warmer periods. But with this further cooling capacity only required for a short but critical time period, expensive new equipment bought for this purpose will likely be redundant for long stretches. An innovative strategic hire approach may therefore represent the best way of alleviating both financial and humidity risks. “Optimum conditions for free cooling occur in the Nordics for the majority of the time, but crucially, not all of the time,” Greger concludes. “These temporary conditions require a temporary response, so hiring data centre cooling equipment like chillers and dry chillers may appeal. “Taking this approach can help site managers to alleviate damage risks without being shackled to expensive, permanent equipment that will not require year-round use. With COVID continuing to constrain budgets in all sectors, this freedom can allow contractors to be more dynamic as pandemic-enforced social restrictions are loosened and demand rises further.” For more information on chiller and dry cooler solutions for your data centre site, visit www.aggreko.com/datacentre.
Heating and cooling a property contributes significantly to utility expenses, for both homes and businesses. But improving the efficiency of HVAC systems not only makes the surrounding environment more comfortable but also helps to lower running costs considerably. Here are some of the ways you can increase the efficiency of your air conditioning system without investing extra money. Insulate exposed ductwork Ensure that the ductwork that runs through unconditioned spaces is sealed off properly so that it doesn’t leak any conditioned air. It’s easy to see if there are any holes or unsealed spaces visually, which you can repair using a specialty duct-sealing tape – just make sure that you use the proper thickness of insulating material. Clean the outdoor condenser unit The unit will work better if it’s cleaned and free from debris, so make it a regular habit to check the condenser unit and ensure that it’s clear from dust or leaves. Cleaning the unit also maximises the efficiency and prolongs the lifespan of your air conditioner. “A well-maintained air conditioning system will not only regular air temperature and improve thermal comfort, but it can also potentially have a positive impact on productivity”, states Chris Close, senior engineer at BSE FM. You should schedule in a cleaning session at the beginning of the cooling season, such as during spring, and then again in autumn. Adjust the thermostat Turning up the thermostat by just a few degrees in the summer, or down in the winter, can help you save money and also reduces the amount of energy the unit uses. With a programmable thermostat, the temperature can be adjusted for certain times of the day, such as when you’re not going to be in the property for a few hours. Keep heat-producing appliances away Having heat-producing appliances, like lamps, close to the thermostat will inform it that the air needs to be cooled more than it actually does. This makes the system run longer and harder than it needs to. Similarly, when the temperature reaches its peak midday, keep curtains or blinds closed which will minimise the amount of heat coming through the windows which will support the air conditioning system from having to operate more than necessary. Replace dirty filters A good maintenance habit that will improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit is to check and replace dirty filters on a regular basis each year. When the filters are dirty, it prevents air flow and that results in less cooling for the property. Dirty filters can even reduce the air flow to the point that the air conditioning coil freezes, causing damage to the compressor. An easy way to avoid this problem and to make sure the unit runs optimally is to keep the filters clean or replace them when they get dirty if they can’t be cleaned. Clear the vents Covering the vents to the HVAC unit is a common issue that many people don’t realise compromises the efficiency of the air conditioning system. But when you cut off the airflow, the vents increase pressure to the duct system and this reduces the air flow to the rest of the property. In order to ensure that the system is working optimally, you need to allow plenty of air to move around the vents. This also means checking that all of the vents are open, even in rooms you’re not using, as this can also cause a problem. Clean out the drain line The drain by the indoor cooling coil needs to be kept clear – it’s a key component of the system that no-one considers until it stops working. It’s responsible for draining away the condensation from the evaporator coil and during a humid day, it can remove several litres of water. When the drain line is blocked, the moisture can back up and cause problems, so make sure that it’s kept clear by flushing one cup of chlorine bleach through the drain and rinsing it with water. Maintaining an air conditioning unit doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavour – in fact, just by keeping each element clean and free from debris, you can improve the efficiency of the unit significantly, reduce energy costs and minimise the risk of a problem developing that could pose damage to the system.
There’s no denying that you feel like using your air conditioner on scorching summer days. But you also have to keep your electricity bills in mind. As many experts point out, the best way to make your AC energy-efficient is to maintain it from time to time. But what are the techniques to make your HVAC system energy-efficient? Let’s find out. 1. Clean the condenser unit It’s not enough to clean the air filters inside your AC. You can search for an HVAC supply near me and find new filters to replace them if necessary but changing the condenser is too expensive. Ensure you clean the condenser unit at least thrice a year from the outside to make sure the AC works at its optimal best. 2. Increase your thermostat Many studies suggest that adjusting temperatures between 5 and 8 degrees helps to save money and energy. You should notch the temperature down in winter and up in summer to make your AC energy-efficient. It is best to use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically according to the weather condition throughout the day. 3. Insulate exposed ductwork There are two reasons why an air conditioner may consume more energy: first, if the air filters are jammed with debris, and second if your room has exposed ductwork. In these cases, your AC has to put extra pressure on the condenser to cool the room down. And the more pressure it puts, the more energy it consumes. You should first make sure that a professional seals the unconditioned space so that air doesn’t leak from your room. If you know the areas, you can use UL 181-rated duct-sealing tape to fill them. You can also call a professional to use thick duct insulating material to cover the gaps. 4. Keep heat-producing appliances away This concept is similar to the one with insulation. If there are heat-producing appliances near the air conditioner, it has to put more pressure to cool the room down. This means you will end up paying a higher electric bill than usual. Instead, keep the heat-producing appliance away. Or best, take them to another room. It will allow the AC to cool your room faster so that you don’t need to use it for hours every day. 5. Clean the drain line While most people pay attention to cleaning the filters, it is also essential to clear the drain line. The easiest way to clean your drain line is by flushing a cup of chlorine bleach and rinsing it with a gallon of water. With a clear drain line, you now allow the air conditioner to work freely because it doesn’t have to deal with blocked drains anymore. Hence, it would not consume more energy than before. These are some of the no-cost ways that can make your air conditioner energy-efficient. Try them and see the world of difference it makes to your energy bills, especially during the summer months when you need your AC the most.
Air conditioning systems go a long way in improving comfort and air quality in indoor settings, homes, and commercial premises. The AC helps you beat the heat in summer, making your indoor environment more pleasant to be in. However, not all air conditioning systems work the same. On this note, a portable AC can be more beneficial in various ways compared to split systems and central air conditioning units. For instance, it is a more energy-efficient option in instances where cooling for only one room is needed. Moreover, some come with additional functionalities such as dehumidification, not forgetting that the unit fits better in smaller spaces and can be used on-the-go, say in travel trailers. In other words, a portable AC unit can be the perfect choice in many situations. It is, however, worth noting that not all mobile ACs are the same either. When choosing a portable air conditioner, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you are making the right investment decision. Some of these may include factors such as size, type, capacity, energy consumption, features, noise levels, drainage, and programmability. But then again, why should you invest in a portable cooling unit in the first place? How do you choose a good one? To answer these burning questions, here are some of the benefits of portable air conditioners and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. Portable AC Benefits Among others, some common benefits of having a portable AC include: 1. Great Convenience If you live in an apartment building, there’s a big chance that they won’t allow you to install your own AC. The same case applies to HOA’s, building regulations, and many city ordinances. The good thing about portable ACs is that they don’t require physical installation. They come as a standalone unit and thus won’t protrude outside your home’s window or structure. What is more convenient is that you can easily relocate it to another room in your home or business premises depending on your needs. As earlier mentioned, people who travel with camper vans and travel trailers can find a portable AC really useful. 2. Fit Well In Smaller Spaces For those living in a smaller space, especially apartments, portable air conditioners are the perfect solution. This is specifically because no permanent installation is required, so the set up can be really quick and easy. They will also not take much of your window space, meaning that you don’t have to sacrifice your precious views and natural light. 3. Cost-Effectiveness Apart from cooling your home and making it comfortable, a portable AC can also help cool your energy bills. Unlike a central AC, which has to keep running to cool the entire house or building, a portable AC will only cool the room where it is placed. This means that even if you have a whole-house air conditioning system, you can turn it off and switch to the portable AC whenever you need cooling for only one room. In line with the HVAC energy efficiency changes we’ve seen over the past few years, this can help to significantly lower your energy bills, saving you hundreds of dollars or more by the end of the year. With the energy costs soaring almost every minute, homeowners are increasingly turning to this trick for relief. 4. Cooling On-the-Go As had been hinted earlier, a portable AC also makes a great cooling alternative for campers, RVs, and travel trailers. Yes, some of these mobile dwelling units come with inbuilt air conditioning systems, but they may not always be reliable. If you’re a frequent vacationer, camper, digital nomad, or recreational traveler, you can never go wrong with investing in a portable air conditioning unit. 5. Cooling + Dehumidification from A Single Unit Those who live in humid regions will appreciate this benefit most. Many portable air conditioners of this day come with an added dehumidifier feature, which allows the unit to reduce humidity in the room while providing cool air. While beating the heat, your indoor air will also be fresh and drier. It helps keep your family safe from allergies and other health risks associated with high moisture levels in your home or space. Some models allow you to choose between cool-only and dehumidify only modes, making it even more convenient. How to Choose the Right Portable AC The best portable AC for your needs will largely depend on your needs. In most cases, this will be determined by the size of your space/home, your budget, and personal preferences. Some factors to consider when picking an Ac may include the following: Type There are two main types of portable air conditioning units. These include the single-hose and the dual hose units. While both of them work almost the same, the dual-hose unit is more advantageous since it doesn’t cause negative pressure when cooling your home, making it more energy-efficient. Cooling Capacity/BTU A higher BTU rating means a higher cooling capacity. The unit can cool a larger space. Before buying your portable AC, make sure it is the right one for the space that needs cooling. Size and Energy Efficiency Modern portable air conditioning units come with features that make them highly efficient in terms of energy consumption. A programmable thermostat, for instance, is a must-have these days when shopping for a cooling unit. Always ensure you have enough space for the unit to fit in the location you want it to cool. Noise Levels Some portable ACs can be extremely noisy when operational. Although most of the units on the market produce a noise range of between 48 dB to 60 dB, always go for a quieter unit. Other Features to Look For In addition to these, other factors you may want to look for when picking a portable Ac include: Remote control Portability (weight, rollers, and handles) Drainage system Heating function Dehumidifier function Multiple fan settings And there you have it. A portable AC is the best thing you can invest
National wholesaler TF Solutions has become the latest addition to the REFCOM Elite Supplier scheme. Part of the BSS Group, which is a BESA affiliate member, TF Solutions joins just as REFCOM is celebrating receiving the Industry Initiative of the Year award at the ACR News Awards for the scheme. The refrigeration and air conditioning distributor is the latest supplier to be audited and accredited as an Elite Supplier in line with REFCOM’s ambition to encourage all parts of the supply chain to voluntarily commit to the highest professional standards. REFCOM Elite is a best practice company registration scheme that has been running since 1994 to promote environmentally responsible refrigerant management and compliance with the latest industry legislation. Head of REFCOM Graeme Fox said the Elite Supplier scheme was set up so that responsible suppliers could help ensure that only properly qualified and registered companies were accessing refrigerant gas and equipment in line with the F-Gas Regulation. Unscrupulous “This scheme means suppliers have a way of demonstrating that they have signed up to a voluntary code of conduct that will level the playing field across the supply chain,” said Mr Fox. “This will also free up resources so the enforcing authorities are better able to police and clamp down on irresponsible online or unscrupulous sales to non-registered installers.” He said TF Solutions was a welcome addition to this “exclusive club” who had demonstrated to REFCOM’s independent inspector that they were working to the highest standards. TF Solutions commercial director Andy Reed said his company was happy to be “an early adopter” demonstrating support for the improved professional standards championed by the REFCOM scheme. “TF Solutions has always focused on providing our customers with the best service; so we felt that it was only right that we, as a leading national wholesaler, should participate and uphold the highest values and standards,” he said. “Supporting the F-Gas Regulation will be vital if the industry is to achieve its environmental and climate change goals and REFCOM’s Elite programme is playing a crucial role,” said Mr Reed.
There can be no doubt that the environment is something that businesses are increasingly thinking about. Going green is becoming a necessity for organisations across all industries, and this certainly goes for construction. In fact, industry experts predict that the majority of constructions projects will be ‘green’ in the very near future. As regulations become more stringent in terms of the need for business to be environmentally friendly, we can expect the rate of green construction to only increase further. So, what does this mean for 2020? In order to meet the challenges of green building construction there are a number of innovative products and new approaches that we are seeing become the norm across the industry. Here we take a look at building construction is becoming increasing eco-friendly in 2020. Smart bricks One very interesting development in green construction to watch out for in 2020 is that of ‘smart bricks’. Researchers are still working on the concept, but it would look to create actually building materials that are able to extract energy from sunlight, as well as resources such as waste water and air. The bricks will be able to react to their surroundings, and carry out a number of different tasks such as cleaning water. They could eventually be rolled out in construction, and would allow buildings to be created to make use of their properties. This would be a huge benefit to the environment, so the faster they can be developed – the better. Self-healing concrete Another innovation that we could begin to see influencing green construction is self-healing concrete. This product is the brainchild of microbiologist Henk Jonkers and concrete specialist Eric Schlangen, and it utilises bacteria in order to close cracks that appear in concrete. This innovation helps to ensure that the concrete does not need to be repaired manually. Reducing the need for regular infrastructure improvement could lead to massive reduction in carbon emissions, and could extend the life of a building. Using recycled materials Increasing architects and developers are looking into innovative ways of re-using materials such as cardboard, plastic and scrap metal. Recycling is essential in terms of reducing the carbon footprint, so anytime that the construction sector can make use of recycled materials it can have a massive impact. We are already seeing examples of recycled paper being used as insulation for buildings which both re-utilises the material and makes new buildings more energy efficient. New approaches to HVAC Of course, it is the case that heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) is a major part of constructing any kind of new building – but this is an area that has faced criticism in terms of its environmental impact. Older heating and air conditioning systems have had a significant carbon footprint. In 2020, this has become a major issue that contractors are taking increasingly seriously. Leading HVAC specialists BSE FM have put a focus on “installing low carbon mechanical and electrical schemes means that we are able to assist our clients in meeting their sustainability targets and deliver significant long term value of their property assets”. This shows how seriously the industry is taking the issue. And given the fact that gas boilers are being phased out of new domestic building construction by 2025, it seems likely that this will soon extend to all areas of construction, forcing contractors and developers to look into greener options such as ground source heat pumps and solar heating. The challenges When there is change in any industry it can produce challenges, and as construction goes greener in 2020 it is inevitable that there will be some issues. One of the major ones might be the hurdle of perception that green construction is more expensive. In reality, green construction needn’t be any more expensive than traditional construction, and actually some of the projects – such as fitting an array of solar panels – can actually decrease costs long-term, meaning that this sort of construction can actually be cheaper as time goes one due to lower operating costs. Final thoughts Just as there may be challenges in the construction industry going green, there are also opportunities. As construction evolves to be more environmentally friendly it can make for massive improvement throughout the industry. This is something that we can expect to expand and develop in 2020 and beyond.
Landmark Pinnacle, a new 75-storey development under construction in Canary Wharf that is set to be the tallest residential building in Western Europe, will be heated and cooled by high quality bespoke CIAT air conditioning. CIAT is part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. The 239m (784 foot) building, developed by Chalegrove Properties, comprises more than 800 premium residential apartments with spectacular views of the city and beyond. Amenities occupying five floors include restaurants, a leisure centre and gym, a sky-garden and a double-height roof-terrace. The custom system includes 1,776 of CIAT’s top-of-the-range Major Line fan coil units (FCUs) that are being installed by Haydon Mechanical and Electrical Ltd. The units will provide an outstanding indoor environment to apartments, common areas and facilities, distributed throughout the building. The highly energy efficient, four-pipe FCUs were specified in six sizes and configurations to suit the variety of capacities required and situations within the building, which is due to be completed in 2020. Manufactured at CIAT’s global centre of excellence at Culoz, France, the units are equipped with bespoke controls and connection sets specified by Haydon. “One of the biggest challenges for equipment specification was space constraints,” said Paul Graham, technical director for Haydon, who is leading the installation project. “Indoor units are installed in ceiling voids to ensure a perfect concealed finish. With limited headroom, this required changes to the design of the fan coil unit. “We worked closely with CIAT on a previous project and were aware of the quality of the equipment and the company’s flexible approach. They were able to redesign the Major Line units to fit the available space at Landmark Pinnacle, which required a new lay-out and extended drip-tray. The company provided timely support on site whenever needed, and it was proven to be a very successful collaboration.” Another key requirement was low operating sound levels, due to the premium residential nature of the building. The air conditioning units were selected in medium and low-speed configurations to ensure whisper-quiet operation. Air conditioning units were delivered to site in phased batches, timed to coincide with installation stages as the building fit-out proceeded. Before leaving the factory, each was tested for water-tightness, with a certificate of compliance provided as part of its manufacturing record. CIAT built a support structure around FCU connections to ensure the factory-installed valve sets were protected and supported during transit, so units arrived on site in perfect condition. CIAT’s Major Line FCUs are available in vertical and horizontal configurations, cased and uncased, with heating capacities from 1 to 11.5 kW and cooling from 1.4 to 7 kW. They feature a high-performance coil design with up to 15% larger surface area, twinned with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) impellers with airfoil blades, which together help cut energy consumption by 20% compared to previous models. Sound output is also reduced by 2dB(A). “Landmark Pinnacle is an outstanding new building in the UK’s capital,” said Paul Smith, sales manager for CIAT. “We are delighted that CIAT was chosen by Haydon to provide the high quality, high efficiency indoor environment required to match the building’s premium residential apartments and facilities.” For more details on CIAT Major Line, visit: https://www.ciat.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Major-Line-brochure.pdf . About CIAT CIAT is one of Europe’s leading names in cooling, heating, and indoor air quality. Renowned for its capacity to create innovative, durable and high-performing products, CIAT offers a complete range of equipment that is designed to work together. CIAT latest innovations have been specially designed to meet the most demanding requirements. CIAT is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. For more information, visit www.ciat.uk.com.
It’s a very strange and humbling understanding, that the item in the museum’s glass case in front of you is so many times older than you are! That the person who made it might not have thought much beyond its primary use, much less that it would be a lasting record of their era. That it would survive not only them and the intended original owner, but so many centuries after. It makes you wonder what will remain long after we’re gone, and realise how important it is that such items are preserved as information for the future. It is always heart-breaking to hear if a museum piece or artwork has been destroyed by natural causes or human interference. While only so much can be done to prevent the latter, museums have an abundance of technology at their disposal. According to the Smithsonian, the most damaging causes of deterioration are: Neglect — lack of process, forgotten storage, or failure to maintain records can lead to secondary deterioration causes, such as… Water — from full-scale floods to creeping damp, water can cause so many problems for artefacts. Fire — of course, fire will obliterate many artefacts, but those that survive may also be damaged by the heat and smoke. Pollutants — dirt and gas can react badly with some artefacts, hastening their decay. Chemicals in cleaning can also erode away materials. Even the oils on your hands can be harsh enough to pollute some delicate artefacts. Pests — taxidermy and natural materials can find themselves rapidly ruined by a hungry rodent or greedy bugs. Light — sunlight or artificial light can cause fading, drying, and cracking. Physical force — everything from impact to vibrations can affect artefacts. This is why museums display their pieces in cases or behind designated barriers. Of course, this isn’t always fool-proof. For example, did you know Michelangelo’s David has a delicate flaw in its ankles? A slight shift in angle, a strong vibration from a train or footfall, or a natural disaster like an earthquake would send David tumbling. Theft and vandalism — intentional damage by vandals or mishandling by thieves can obviously cause an artefact or artwork’s condition to fall. One of the more difficult to control elements of potential deterioration is a combination of humidity and temperature. These two elements are noted to be able to accelerate the rate of decay, growth of mould, or warping. Without adequate protection, the cost of artefact lost can be immeasurable, from a loss of monetary value to a loss of any physical record of that item. Take the Oxford Dodo for example, which is the most complete single dodo specimen anywhere in the world. And yet, all that has survived is the head and a foot thanks to an infestation noted in the specimen around 1755; feather mites are highlighted as the main culprit for devouring the taxidermy dodo’s torso, wings, and feathers. Preservation Equipment advises that a high humidity can encourage fungal growth and pests in natural materials; could better temperature and humidity controls have saved more of the last dodo specimen? Humidity and temperature can not only encourage pests, but also bring a whole host of other problems. The Telegraph reported how, when the glass roof of the Natural History Museum was cleaned of around 150 years’ worth of dirt, it was quickly discovered that the gathered dirt and the decision to remove the solar reflective film from the glass had had unintended side effects. The result? Temperatures in the museum soared to 40°C and the humidity tumbled, and the artefacts and specimens have already suffered irreversible damage, the article states. The skin of specimens has cracked and dried, fading as they have been sun-bleached, and whale skeletons are also degrading as a result. The museum is not only looking into replacing the solar reflective film, but also at installing a new HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system to try and save the artefacts. The problem of correct temperature and humidity control stretches beyond the UK. Over in Denmark, the country faces losing many historical artefacts due to a rise in damp and mould growing in its museum storage areas, which are reported to lack air conditioning units. CPH Post commented that the museums are using old buildings such as barns or lofts to store the artefacts, which means they aren’t being protected by any level of temperature control. More than 70,000 items are at risk of being destroyed as a result of 118 buildings used for storage being marked as riddled with mould. For both stored and displayed artefacts, it is vital that temperature and humidity are monitored closely. The optimum temperature is between 16°C and 20°C — though temperatures as low as 10°C probably won’t cause harm, the risk of condensation grows for anything below 10°C. In terms of humidity, the advised relative humidity is between 40% and 70%, to avoid drying out items or encouraging pest or fungal infestations. It has also been noted that rapid fluctuation in humidity can be problematic. A good HVAC system is invaluable for both museum and home collectors with artefacts to preserve. With this, temperatures and humidity can be monitored and controlled quickly, providing much-needed protection from the elements when it comes to artefacts and artwork. Sources:
From April 2018, there will be changes made to the energy efficiency regulations which will mean that every property that is non-domestic and privately rented must have an energy performance certificate, or EPC. It has been said that, as part of the changes, the property must have a rating of at least an E energy efficiency, as with will be a central part of meeting regulations as well as cutting costs and minimising the level of carbon emissions released. For heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, a number of tips have been laid out by John Rush, the HVAC and mechanical services expert for Boulting Environmental Services, the cleanroom and laboratory design and construction specialist. The company begin by saying that when designing the facility, it must be safe comfortable and energy efficient. Making a building energy efficient can be achieved in a number of different ways, such as making improvements to any of the HVAC systems, which can have the most significant effect especially in laboratories. Labs have to feature large HVAC systems, which means that they consume a large amount of energy per square metre. These units are essential for the control of airflow and temperature, and by installing a good HVAC design, the carbon footprint of a laboratory can be dramatically reduced. In commercial buildings, the ventilation requirements of a typical office equates to around 4 Air Changes per Hour. However for laboratories this increases dramatically to anywhere between 8 and 30 Air Changes. This means that the HVAC used needs to be able to cope with the higher demand, which has a knock on effect on the amount of energy used. Another development in HVAC is the use of Direct Digital Controls which can be introduced by designers and can offer variable flow control for fume cupboards and supply air, which can be altered depending on the occupancy and usage of the room. The Automatic occupancy controls means that air change rates can be reduced when there is a lower level of fume cupboard use.
