Adequate ventilation is also a pre-requisite for a healthy and productive workforce. Studies show that workers who are comfortable in their working environment are over 60% more productive. Workers in a well-ventilated office are also less likely to become ill.
There are several methods to ventilate an office space. The best choice for you will depend on the office size and the range of equipment in use. An office with lots of staff, computers, and machinery will generate more heat, thus requiring better ventilation. When ventilating your office, it’s important to consider these options.
NATURAL VENTILATION
A natural ventilation system circulates air in a building without using a mechanical system. External air is directed through the internal space by using advanced control systems.
The control system can be connected to a variety of different sensor types including rain, wind, and temperature sensors. The control system can also be linked to a manual controller such as a switch or remote control to activate the ventilation process.
When designing your natural ventilation system, you must consider several factors. These include:
- Building location – Whether it’s urban or more isolated. Sheltered or exposed.
- Building height – The higher the building, the more external conditions will influence its natural ventilation.
- Indoor layout and partitions – The interior set up will both restrict and enable air flow.
- Window types – The size, shape, and opening arc of any windows will directly affect the ventilation capacity.
The type of natural ventilation system suitable for a building will ultimately be determined by a combination of the building’s natural external environment and the interior layout and building structure.
SMOKE CONTROL
In the event of fire, all office buildings must be designed to facilitate the safe escape of workers. A smoke ventilation system will release smoke from stairwells, atriums, and corridors to allow a safer exit.
Smoke ventilation systems can be manually or automatically activated. Smoke sensors or smoke alarms can directly link to the smoke vent, automatically triggering its opening when smoke is detected.
Smoke vents can also be manually activated by an emergency break glass point or by a Fire Officer at an override switch. Once the smoke ventilation system is activated, the vent will remain open until all smoke has dissipated or the system has been manually reset.
WINDOW AUTOMATION
Alongside Window Actuators connected to natural and smoke ventilation systems, there are a range of independent automatic window opening systems available. Remote window opening actuators are perfect for large office spaces, particularly where windows are situated out of reach at a high level.
Window actuators can be controlled by a selection of switches, key switches, remote transmitters and receivers, and 24V DC transformers. Window automation can be designed and implemented into the ventilation system or work separately to allow increased airflow when necessary.
At Teal Products, we have over 17 years’ experience supplying high quality window control products and ventilation systems.
We pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and are always happy to offer advice on product specification and installation. When you want to create a comfortable and well-ventilated office space, Teal Products can provide you with the best solution.
