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article banner image titled 'how to clean and maintain HVAC systems

How to Clean and Maintain HVAC Systems

Learning how to clean and maintain HVAC systems is one of the best ways to keep them safe, efficient and reliable all year round. So, what is HVAC maintenance? It’s the regular cleaning, inspection and servicing that ensures your equipment performs at its best while keeping energy costs under control. Without it, systems become less efficient, air quality suffers and unexpected breakdowns become more likely.

In this guide, we’ll explain why HVAC maintenance matters, what is done during HVAC maintenance, the simple steps you can take yourself and the benefits of using professional HVAC maintenance services. At Chillaire, we’ve been helping homes, businesses and industrial clients across the Midlands take care of their HVAC systems for more than 30 years, so you can trust that regular maintenance really does make a difference.

What Is HVAC Maintenance?

When we talk about HVAC maintenance, what we mean is the regular cleaning, inspection and servicing. This keeps your heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems working safely and efficiently.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. In simple terms, this system keeps you warm during winter and cool during summer, controlling the climate inside your building.

So, is it worth maintaining? Absolutely. Without proper care, these systems can affect your comfort, energy bills and even your health. Poorly maintained equipment can lower air quality, making it harder to breathe. Regular HVAC maintenance helps you avoid breakdowns and keeps the environment inside your premises healthy.

Is HVAC Maintenance Important?

There are plenty of benefits that come with keeping up a HVAC maintenance routine:

Safety
HVAC systems often run on electricity or gas. Having them checked each year is essential. Technicians look for electrical faults, gas leaks and carbon monoxide levels. Safety really is the top priority.

Indoor air quality
If the system is dirty, the air you breathe is dirty. Dust, mould and allergens can build up inside your ducts and filters. Maintenance makes sure your system is circulating clean air.

Lifespan
Equipment that’s blocked with dirt or never inspected will wear out faster. Regular maintenance extends the life of your system, protecting your investment.

Energy efficiency
A dirty system has to work harder, which means it runs longer and uses more power. Keeping everything clean and tuned reduces your energy bills.

Peace of mind
When all these points are covered, you can relax knowing your HVAC system is reliable, safe and ready for the season ahead.

DIY vs Professional HVAC Maintenance

Annual HVAC maintenance is an investment worth making. A system that is serviced properly not only uses less energy but also provides better comfort at lower costs.

Working with professional HVAC maintenance services is important because trained technicians can spot problems early and carry out repairs to keep everything running smoothly. Homeowners or business owners simply don’t have access to the specialist knowledge and tools required for a thorough service.

Professional HVAC Maintenance Services:

A typical annual HVAC service carried out by a professional technician should include:

  • A full clean of the furnace or air conditioning unit
  • Inspection of safety switches and devices
  • Checking for cracks or damage in the heat exchanger
  • Filter replacement
  • Calibration of temperature and airflow controls
  • Washing of the outdoor condenser coil
  • Adjustment of fans and belts
  • Inspection of drains and traps
  • Testing of all electrical components 

This level of care ensures the system runs as efficiently as possible and reduces the chance of breakdowns at the worst time of year.

How can I Keep my HVAC System in Good Condition

There are a few simple maintenance tasks that are safe and effective for homeowners and business operators:

  • Keep filters clean. Replace or wash them regularly to stop blockages and keep air moving freely.
  • Keep vents open. Avoid placing furniture or curtains in front of them so the air can circulate.
  • Clear around the outdoor unit. Remove leaves, rubbish or overgrown plants so airflow isn’t blocked.
  • Cover smartly in winter. If icicles form above your unit, protect it with a piece of plywood placed on top. Otherwise, leave it uncovered so moisture isn’t trapped inside.

These steps will help extend the life of your HVAC system, improve efficiency and make professional servicing even more effective.

Maintain your HVAC Systems with Chillaire

At Chillaire, we specialise in keeping HVAC systems running at peak performance. Our planned preventative maintenance services are designed for homes, businesses and industrial settings, making sure your equipment stays safe and reliable all year round.

When our technicians visit, you’ll receive a thorough service that includes cleaning, inspection and performance checks. We follow strict quality standards to ensure your system is cared for properly.

We also offer flexible maintenance packages, so you can choose a plan that fits your needs and budget. With over 30 years of experience and a dedicated team across the Midlands, Chillaire is here to help you enjoy all the benefits of regular HVAC maintenance without the worry.

Contact us today to find out more and book your maintenance.

5 Signs Your Commercial Building Has Poor Ventilation

Poor ventilation can cause multiple health concerns within a business, which is why it’s important to regularly maintain and service your HVAC system. In fact, such a scenario is known as ‘sick building syndrome.’ Whilst most common in the office, it can happen in any building.

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energy-efficiency-grants-chillaire

What Do the Government’s Energy Efficiency Grants Entail?

While the cost of living is still affecting households across the UK and energy fees are rising, businesses are seeing a huge reduction in the amount of electrical goods they are selling and installing. To combat this, the government has provided a variety of energy efficiency grants worth £6 billion.

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Multiple office workers at work

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.  

What Is Ventilation And Why Is It Important?

There is no questioning the importance of fresh air. Not only do we need it to survive, but it is essential to our overall well-being. But what is ventilation exactly and why is it important? In the following post, we hope to outline and answer these questions and more.

What Is Ventilation?

Before exploring the benefits of proper ventilation, we first need to define what ‘ventilation’ means. So, what is ventilation exactly? The process of ventilation can be understood as a two part process. Firstly, ‘clean’ (normally outdoor) air is supplied into a space. Lastly, any stale indoor air is removed.

There are a variety of ventilation systems that provide different types of ventilation. The three different methods that can be used to ventilate a building include natural, mechanical and hybrid.

There are various types of ventilation systems that fall within one of these three categories. These include, but are not limited to, air conditioning, air curtains, air recirculation. Adequate ventilation is not only achieved by mechanical means however. Even windows and doors can be effectively used to ensure a space is properly ventilated.

Pipes and ventilation outside of brick building

Why Is Ventilation Important In Buildings?

We spend a great portion of our lives inside buildings. It is important, therefore, that the air we breathe and interact with is good quality. When an indoor space is properly ventilated, you effectively minimise indoor pollutants. Whether it is an office, a classroom or a room within the home, sufficient ventilation and good air quality is something to strive for.

The Importance Of Good Ventilation In The Workplace

Your line of work will of course determine how little or often you are inside. A lot of people may need to spend a great deal of time indoors (offices, warehouses, classrooms). Using the example of an office space, you are likely to see a number of people interacting with each other in somewhat confined spaces. Though modern offices are typically spacious, there are still areas (kitchens, bathrooms) that are small. If these spaces are poorly ventilated, this can lead to a number of issues.

For owners of commercial and/or industrial spaces, proper ventilation is especially required. As stated, this will ensure indoor air quality is controlled and indoor pollutants are removed. If you are still asking yourself ‘why is ventilation important in buildings’, we have answered in greater depth below.

Air quality green thumbs up button
Heating and airconditioning thermostast

Temperature Reduction

If there are a number of people in a space, and that space is insufficiently ventilated, it can become hot and uncomfortable. A well ventilated room will ensure the temperature is better regulated. This is, of course, important for comfort. A stuffy indoor space is not relaxing nor is it comfortable. If we consider it in a place of work, having better temperature regulation may also make the workforce more productive.

Improvement of Air Quality

In some circumstances, the air we breathe indoors can be just as polluted as outdoor air. On occasion, it can be more polluted. The process of ventilation allows your inside air to interact with outside air. If this doesn’t happen, indoor pollutants such as germs and particulates such as dust will remain. As a result, your air quality will be negatively affected.

Poor ventilation is also speculated to increase the transmission of disease. Having good quality indoor air is of the utmost importance and having effective ventilation systems can achieve this.

Lowering of Humidity Levels

High humidity levels are a byproduct of an indoor space with little to no air ventilation. With high indoor humidity levels, you are essentially providing an environment in which mould can grow and thrive. If people spend long periods of time in spaces where mould is growing, they are more likely to experience health issues and respiratory problems. This will put your workforce at risk which is the chief concern. As a result of this, you may also damage people’s perception of your company and your overall reputation.

To avoid this, you should always strive to have proper ventilation. There should be a means for outside air to replace indoor air: either through the opening of doors and windows or through a ventilation system.

Health Benefits

To emphasise an earlier point, an office or indoor space without adequate ventilation will greatly increase the risk of people experiencing respiratory problems. People who suffer from conditions such as asthma will be more comfortable and less at risk of an attack with the support of a good ventilation system.

Proper Ventilation: A Summary

As you can see, the answer to the question ‘Why is ventilation important in buildings?’ is complex. The importance of having an effective ventilation system in any indoor space cannot be understated. The need for ventilation can be more pressing in the workplace. This is because at work, people interact with a number of people in sometimes confined spaces. Though you interact with less people in your home, it is still important to ensure rooms are properly ventilated. As well as doing so to minimise health concerns, a properly ventilated room is significantly more comfortable.

What Is Ventilation: Solutions Provided By Chillaire

We hope we were able to answer the question of ‘what is ventilation?’ in sufficient detail. Here at Chillaire, we understand the importance of adequate building ventilation. Not only that, but we have experience providing air conditioning and ventilation systems to businesses in the commercial and industrial sectors.

If you own an industrial property, and are trying to achieve any of the answers in our ‘why is ventilation important in buildings’ section, we offer a free quote and consultation on any services required. To find out more, complete a contact form or ring us on 0800 092 9898. 

child colouring in

Nuaire XBOXER Hybrid

After some interesting design challenges, the mechanical ventilation experts, Nuaire, have now launched their new XBOXER Hybrid range. They provide a natural system with fans for mixing warm air when it’s cold and for higher flow rates in hotter weather.

Mixed­-mode or hybrid ventilation is a popular solution for schools. It introduces air both naturally and mechanically for better airflow.

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Warwickshire Hospital Daikin Air Conditioning and Daikin VAM Heat Recovery Ventilation installation

Daikin VAM heat recovery

Chillaire Limited supplied and installed Daikin FTX-KV / RX model range wall mounted heat pump air conditioning split systems and Daikin VAM heat recovery ventilation system into consulting rooms at the Nuffield hospital in the Leamington Spa & Warwick area.

Daikin VAM heat recovery

The Daikin FTX-KV / Rx wall heat pump air conditioning system has been installed to provide the cooling and heating combined with a VAM heat recovery unit installation to provide constant ventilation with selected air changes per hour with up to 70% to 80% heat recovery.

The Daikin VAM & VKM units are ventilation systems with heat recovery as standard with ability to provide Energy Saving ventilation using indoor heating, cooling and moisture.

The Daikin VAM / VKM Heat Recovery systems are ideal solutions for hospital consulting rooms, low specification laboratories, shops, restaurants or offices requiring maximum floor space.

Free cooling is possible when the outdoor temperature is below the indoor temperature, for example during night time. Reduced energy consumption thanks to specially developed DC fan motor prevent energy losses from over-ventilation while maintaining indoor air quality with an optional CO2 sensor, if required.

The Daikin VAM units can be used as standalone units or integrated in with the Daikin VRV systems and are available with a wide range of units with airflow rates from 150 up to 2,000 m³/h. High efficiency filters are available in F6 ,F7, F8 grades.

Shorter installation time thanks to easy adjustment of nominal air flow rate, so less need for dampers compared with traditional installations. Specially developed heat exchange element with high Efficiency Paper (HEP).

Total solution for fresh air with Daikin VAM / VKM HRV units also available with top up or back up electrical heaters.

Chillaire Limited carried out the initial site survey of the consulting rooms at the Leamington Spa & Warwick hospital, then designing, supplying and installing the Daikin systems during December 2018.

This project was carried out by Chillaire Limited from their Coventry office, 16 Lythalls Lane, Holbrooks, Coventry, CV6 6FG for further details you can call us on 024 7624 9440 or email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk also you can visit our website: www.chillaire.co.uk

You can also contact us by calling our phone number for Leamington Spa & Warwick on 01926 825681.
For Stratford upon Avon or for the Warwickshire area call us on 01789 273289.

Why is Ventilation so Important for Buildings?

Ventilation is the essential process of replacing stale air with fresh air. Without proper ventilation, buildings become susceptible to stagnant air, where bacteria and carbon make the indoor air more polluted than the air outside.

Why is Ventilation so Important in Air Conditioning?

Ventilation is perhaps the single most important element of any HVAC system. It influences air quality and energy efficiency, and proper ventilation controls odours, dilutes gases (such as carbon dioxide), and inhibits the spread of respiratory diseases. Ventilation air is critical in educational facilities and any type of building or indoor environment where many people congrigate.

Importance of ventilation
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Terms Related to Ventilation

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a term which refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures. IAQ is known to affect the health, comfort and well-being of building occupants. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to Sick Building Syndrome, reduced productivity and impaired learning in schools.

IAQ can be affected by gases (including carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds), particulates, microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), or any mass or energy stressor that can induce adverse health conditions. Source control, filtration and the use of ventilation to dilute contaminants are the primary methods for improving indoor air quality in most buildings.

Determination of IAQ involves the collection of air samples, monitoring human exposure to pollutants, collection of samples on building surfaces, and computer modelling of air flow inside buildings.

IAQ is part of indoor environmental quality (IEQ), which includes IAQ as well as other physical and psychological aspects of life indoors (e.g., lighting, visual quality, acoustics, and thermal comfort).[1]

Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation is the process of supplying air to and removing air from an indoor space without using mechanical systems. It refers to the flow of external air to an indoor space as a result of pressure differences arising from natural forces. There are two types of natural ventilation occurring in buildings: wind driven ventilation and buoyancy-driven ventilation. Wind driven ventilation arises from the different pressures created by wind around a building or structure, and openings being formed on the perimeter which then permit flow through the building. Buoyancy-driven ventilation occurs as a result of the directional buoyancy force that results from temperature differences between the interior and exterior. Since the internal heat gains which create temperature differences between the interior and exterior are created by natural processes, including the heat from people, and wind effects are variable, naturally ventilated buildings are sometimes called “breathing buildings”.

The static pressure of air is the pressure in a free-flowing air stream and is depicted by isobars in weather maps. Differences in static pressure arise from global and microclimate thermal phenomena and create the air flow we call wind. Dynamic pressure is the pressure exerted when the wind comes into contact with an object such as a hill or a building.

The impact of wind on a building affects the ventilation and infiltration rates through it and the associated heat losses or heat gains. Wind speed increases with height and is lower towards the ground due to frictional drag.

Very broadly, Ventilation in Buildings Can be Classified as ‘Natural’ or ‘Mechanical’.

Mechanical Ventilation of Buildings

Ventilation is necessary in buildings to remove ‘stale’ air and replace it with ‘fresh’ air:

• Helping to moderate internal temperatures.
• Helping to moderate internal humidity.
• Replenishing oxygen.
• Reducing the accumulation of moisture, odours, bacteria, dust, carbon dioxide, smoke and other contaminants that can build up during occupied periods.
• Creating air movement which improves the comfort of occupants.

Mechanical Ventilation of Buildings

• Mechanical (or forced) ventilation is driven by fans or other mechanical plant.
• Natural ventilation is driven by pressure differences between one part of a building and another, or pressure differences between the inside and outside. For more information see Natural ventilation.

Natural ventilation is generally preferable to mechanical ventilation as it will typically have lower capital, operational and maintenance costs. However, there are a range of circumstances in which natural ventilation may not be possible:

• The building is too deep to ventilate from the perimeter.
• Local air quality is poor, for example if a building is next to a busy road.
• Local noise levels mean that windows cannot be opened.
• The local urban structure is very dense and shelters the building from the wind.
• Privacy or security requirements prevent windows from being opened.
• Internal partitions block air paths.
• The density of occupation, equipment, lighting and so on creates very high heat loads or high levels of contaminants.

Some of these issues can be avoided or mitigated by careful design, and mixed mode or assisted ventilation might be possible, where natural ventilation is supplemented by mechanical systems.

Typical Mechanical Ventilation Systems for Commercial Buildings

In commercial developments, mechanical ventilation is typically driven by air handling units (AHU) connected to ductwork within the building that supplies air to and extracts air from interior spaces. Typically air handling units (AHU) comprise an insulated box that forms the housing for; filter racks or chambers, a fan (or blower), and sometimes heating elements, cooling elements, sound attenuators and dampers. In some situations, such as in swimming pools, air handling units might include dehumidification.

Where mechanical ventilation includes heating, cooling and humidity control, this can be referred to as Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

Extracting internal air and replacing it with outside air can increase the need for heating and cooling. This can be reduced by re-circulating a proportion of internal air with the fresh outside air, or by heat recovery ventilation (HRV) that recovers heat from extract air to pre-heat incoming fresh air using counter-flow heat exchangers.

The design of mechanical ventilation systems is generally a specialist task, undertaken by a building services engineer. Whilst there are standards and rules of thumb that can be used to determine air flow rates for straight-forward situations, when mechanical ventilation is combined with heating, cooling, humidity control and the interaction with natural ventilation, thermal mass and solar gain, the situation can quickly become very complicated.
This, along with additional considerations, such as the noise generated by fans, and the impact of ductwork on acoustic separation means it is vital building services are considered at the outset of the building design process, and not seen as an add-on.

Building Management Systems

Mechanical ventilation may be controlled by a building management system (BMS) to maximise occupant comfort and minimise energy consumption. Regular inspection and maintenance is necessary to ensure that systems are operating optimally and that occupants understand how systems are operated.

Building Regulations Requirements

Ventilation in buildings is regulated by Part F of the building regulations. Approved document F includes standards for ventilation and air quality for all buildings and requirements for the prevention of condensation. The types of ventilation covered include; mechanical, passive stack, background and purge (rapid).

It is supported by the Domestic Ventilation Compliance Guide, which provides detailed guidance about the installation, inspection, testing, commissioning and provision of information when installing fixed ventilation systems in new and existing dwellings.

Heat Recovery Ventilation

MECHANICAL ventilation is not something many people would be familiar with in their homes, but it is something many would have experienced in other types of buildings, such as offices and hospitals. Mechanical systems are often regarded as unnecessary for dwellings, but, as our Star ratings encourage us towards better-sealed dwellings, these systems become important. Here I hope to outline the reasons why a truly comfortable and efficient home would include mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR, also called heat recovery ventilation, or HRV systems).

Heat Recovery Ventilatation

In MVHR systems, heat is transferred between the air flows in and out to greatly reduce thermal flows while allowing high levels of ventilation.

MVHR System

Air infiltration in homes can account for a significant component of the total heating and air conditioning loads in a building (around a third to a half), and this load can be particularly significant in low-energy buildings where all other loads have been reduced.

At a time when housing sustainability is on many householders’ minds, the best way to increase energy efficiency is to take advantage of the basics of building physics by making improvements to the envelope. This involves using basic passive solar design principles in conjunction with insulation and building sealing.

However, sealing a building does mean you need to consider how the building is then ventilated.

What we refer to as ’natural ventilation’, and what the majority of homes rely on for fresh air, is a combination of open windows and imperfections in construction (gaps and holes). This method of ventilation is largely imperfect¹; good natural ventilation relies on natural variations in pressure and temperature, and the best designs use cross- flow and stack principles to induce air flow into and through a building.

Relying on natural ventilation to provide adequate conditions for good health, as well as comfort, is likely to be insufficient in a well-sealed building. This is because the amount of air infiltration relies on a number of factors, including the time windows are open, openable area and prevailing weather conditions. Mechanical ventilation provides a way to address this, using fans to move air into and/or around a building. A number of studies have also shown that the use of MVHR can be more efficient, in terms of reduced energy use and the resultant carbon emissions, than relying on natural ventilation. As with any system, appropriate system selection and design is key.

Why is Adequate Ventilation so Important?

Adequate ventilation within a building ensures good air quality, by removing toxins and CO2, and also helps to control humidity, thus reducing the risk of condensation. Energy efficiency and thermal comfort can also be enhanced. Air quality can be affected by a number of impurities, such as low-level irritants (dust, pollen) right through to radon and volatile organic compounds. In humid or colder areas, and particularly in uninsulated buildings, there is also a significant potential for condensation when humidity levels are too high, and this can result in mould growth and various health issues. Building fabric can also be affected by moisture and deteriorate, reducing the life of a building and adding to life-cycle costs.

Why Use Mechanical Ventilation?

A mechanical ventilation system can:
•remove stale air and introduce fresh air into a building assist with reducing indoor humidity levels
•reduce incoming pollutants, when effective filtration is included
•remove indoor pollutants, including CO2 and VOCs from off-gassing of materials such as those used in furniture and finishes.

Studies show that to ensure adequate ventilation by natural means, the windows in a reasonably well-sealed building would have to be opened at least four to six times a day for a reasonable amount of time.

Who Does it Work For?

One of the most important things to get right before introducing a MVHR system is your building sealing—for what is the point in controlling the ventilation and attempting heat recovery when your building leaks like a sieve anyway? It’s similar to turning on the heater while you have all the windows open— fighting the classic ‘losing battle’.

In order to be successful, ultra-low energy buildings require a very good level of airtightness. Once a building is airtight, it then becomes necessary to introduce ventilation in order to make the building habitable.

Types of Systems

The simplest mechanical ventilation system uses exhaust fans only, with fixed inlets to provide makeup air. There is no heat exchange on this system, so incoming air is the same temperature as ambient. Exhaust points would likely be provided in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Another simple system is a two-way ventilator, which operates on a push-pull basis to generate a flow of supply and exhaust. These ventilation systems operate with one fan unit exhausting and the other supplying air.

An integrated heat recovery heat exchange bank is used to transfer heat between exhaust and supply air streams.

At the other end of the scale, a fully-ducted ventilation system is the most effective solution, and utilises fully controlled and balanced ventilation. This type of system is most effective when applied in a well-sealed building, where other infiltration sources are reduced (note: this does not preclude openable windows!) These systems supply fresh, filtered air to the building, where it then flows through the building before being exhausted back to outside, thereby removing hot or humid air. The air volume supplied is balanced with the exhaust.

The most efficient way to operate such a system is to include heat exchange, whereby thermal energy is transferred between the outgoing and incoming air streams, keeping the internal conditions stable and retaining that energy. Bypass arrangements are possible on these heat exchangers, to take advantage of times when outdoor conditions are good enough for direct air supply.

Heating and/or cooling coils can be added to the more complex MVHR systems, and radiant or refrigerant systems (split systems or radiant panels) can be located internally to provide any additional heating or cooling requirements.

What to Look For

Like everything, it’s about selecting the system that’s right for the application. There is reduced benefit from installing a heat recovery system if the issue of building sealing first hasn’t been addressed, as uncontrolled air infiltration will negate the effectiveness of your mechanical system.

Units should be selected based on predicted ventilation requirements (a function of occupancy and heat loads) and then size.

The unit should be selected for high thermal exchanger efficiency. A good unit will have a sensible (related to temperature) heat exchange efficiency of greater than 80% (it can be up to 93%). However, a reasonable efficiency could be around 75% and such units will typically be more affordable.

Electrical efficiency should also be considered (energy consumption per m3 air delivery—less than 0.45 Wh/m³ is excellent).

Controls can be as complex or simple as desired.

For advice on ventilation please call us on Coventry Tel: 024 7624 9440 or email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk / 16 Lythalls Lane, Holbrook, Coventry, CV6 6FG

Sanyo Air Conditioning Spares

Chillaire Limited continue to supply Sanyo spares and providing replacement parts / systems for Sanyo air conditioning systems with replacement Panasonic spares / systems.

Sanyo which had been going since 1958 was merged and bought out by Panasonic air conditioning systems. The product ranges of Sanyo and Panasonic were merged under the Panasonic logo and the Sanyo name ceased to be an active brand, at least in air conditioning.

Over time virtually all of the Sanyo RAC products and all of the Sanyo residential air to water range were replaced by Panasonics RAC and Aquarea ranges.

Sanyo air conditioning commercial products had already been launched into Panasonic range,starting with ECOi electric VRF which replaced the previous Urban Multi UM4 range in its entirety and running alongside Panasonics own FS-Multi simplified VRF range . A new Panasonic branded Elite PACi and GHP range followed, with Elite PACi being run in parallel with Panasonics own FS range.

Panasonic FS and FS-Multi ranges have been discontinued in the UK and the entire Panasonic commercial air conditioning and heating ranges are now based upon what was Sanyo’s PACi, ECOi and ECOG products.

Supporting the old Sanyo versions of these products is easy because the electronics are virtually identical.

Chillaire Limited have been supporting existing customers with Sanyo air conditioning systems already installed over the past 10 to 15 years. Chillaire Limited have, and continue to source and supply spares, technical support and replacement Panasonic equipment.

Chillaire Limited have when required attended customer sites with Panasonic (Sanyo) to assist with modification and repair of old Sanyo systems.

Chillaire with the support of Panasonic have access to Sanyo technical information. We recognise existing Sanyo model references. We can anyone who has Sanyo wall / cassette / ducted split systems, Sanyo multi split systems, Sanyo VRF systems or Sanyo chiller units

If you have Sanyo equipment on site and require any assistance, breakdowns, repairs or replacement please call Chillaire Limited on Coventry area 024 76320300, Northampton area 01604 269540, Leicester area 0116 2025094, Kettering & Peterborough area 01536 384046, Banbury area 01295 207682, Redditch area 01527 531275, Derby area 01332 561729 and Milton Keynes & Bedford area on 01908 483585. You can email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk or service@chillaire.co.uk for more information on air conditioning, heat pumps, gas fired heating, chiller units, VRV / VRF systems, ventilation, heat recovery, humidification and dehumidification systems visit our website www.chillaire.co.uk

Sanyo Air Conditioning Systems Spares & Technical Support

Panasonic & Sanyo Air Conditioning System Brands

Sanyo air conditioning were taken over by Panasonic air conditioning a few years ago, and have slowly phased out the Sanyo brand and are no longer supplying the Sanyo air conditioning branded range as Sanyo, but instead as Panasonic.

Any new spare parts for existing Sanyo systems come with the Panasonic logo / branding. Existing customer sites with existing Sanyo systems, where we have had to replace the whole indoor or outdoor unit due to faults, as they are sometimes compatible, can lead to having both Sanyo & Panasonic brand names on the same air conditioning split system, which can sometimes cause confusion. We usually install a label on the indoor or outdoor unit to clarify what has happened.

The good news for all customer with existing Sanyo equipment is that getting hold of Sanyo spare parts has not been an issue for Chillaire Limited. We can obtain spares through Panasonic or due to our knowledge of the air conditioning industry through our network of ex Sanyo suppliers. Chillaire Limited has a good relationship with the Panasonic technical department, who have ex-Sanyo staff with good Sanyo equipment knowledge to assist our engineers, even though our engineers have good knowledge on the Sanyo brand.

Chillaire Limited will continue to offer technical support and repair of Sanyo systems, for the foreseeable future. Our engineers have years of experience working on Sanyo split air conditioning and VRF systems. We will also continue to offer support for the Sanyo rooftop units, packaged units, chillers, close control air conditioning systems and their gas fired air conditioning systems.

Panasonic can offer a like for like replacement air conditioning systems for existing Sanyo air conditioning systems that may require upgrading or replacing, which they are able to do with relative ease and quickly. You also have the option to consider alternative brands, which Chillaire Limited can offer, such as  Hitachi / Daikin / Fujitsu / Mitsubishi / Samsung / LG matching existing Sanyo air conditioning system capacities, types of equipment and design.

If you have a Sanyo system that you are having problems with and you require assistance, feel free to contact us on 024 7632 0300024 7632 0300 or by email: service@chillaire.co.uk.

National regional numbers are available on our website: www.chillaire.co.uk

You can also call us on our National Freephone Number: 0800 092 98980800 092 9898 FREE

F-Gas Records – Not Keeping up to date F-Gas records could put users and owners of refrigeration and air conditioning at “risk of legal action”

If users or owners of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment do not keep documentation on site is up to required standards of new F-Gas legislation, could leave them to them open to the risk of legal action being taken by the ruling body of F-Gas compliance.

F-Gas compliance standards on many commercial refrigeration and air conditioning sites fall short of mandatory requirements.

Chillaire Limited believes that contractors need to investigate and review their current approaches to ensure that F-Gas requirements are met properly, and customers (Users or owners) are better informed about their responsibilities, we regularly send out reminder letters to all of our customers. A key element for both the contractor and the customer is the need to maintain detailed records on site for activities involving work on all refrigeration / air conditioning or any F-Gas-containing equipment.

The F-Gas Regulation lays down strict requirements for record keeping, designed to ensure a log is available on site for all operations affecting F-Gas plant.

This has to include a log sheet for every applicable F-Gas asset, and record all mandatory leak tests carried out, whether any leaks are identified and if any remedial work is required, with a record of all refrigerant moved in/out of the plant.

Importantly, there is a requirement to log all top-ups of F-Gas refrigerant made to equipment. Full records should be kept for at least five years. This is designed to ensure there is a continuous log of F-Gas-related work, giving inspecting authorities a complete history to ensure cradle-to-grave compliance. However from experience this not always the case.

The requirement applies to all systems containing more than 5 tonnes CO2-equivalent of F-Gas, and includes the common refrigerants R134a, R410A, R407C and R404A. Hermetically sealed equipment containing up to 10 tonnes CO2-equivalent is exempt, and there is a grace period for units containing less than 3 kg of any F-Gas to the end of 2016.

The obligation came into force on 16 April 2014, with the introduction of EC Regulation 517/2014, updating the previous 2007 Regulation.

Our engineers have attended new sites, where Chillaire Limited has recently taken over the service & maintenance contract and there is no F-Gas Register with the necessary information for each piece of relevant equipment. In these situations, end users are laying themselves open to legal action.

In some cases, there is some form of register or fragmented service record, but the information is incomplete or out-of-date and very difficult to review, meaning equipment owners are not compliant. It is a major issue.

This is usually a major problem on sites attended by different contractors over a period of time, with varying approaches and levels of compliance.

For example, a contractor responsible for a site may be replaced, perhaps a number of times over several years, and data lost or subsequently recorded in a different format or physical place.

An FM provider may be using various different contractors on the same site, who each have their own way of recording the F-Gas information, in some instances the contractor may not even bother, as they may only be going to that site the once on behalf of the FM provider.

The governing body assumes continuity, handovers of record keeping between companies and a minimum continuous record of five years, but in reality it may be different.

In this situation, the client whose responsibility it is to meet many of the F-Gas requirements is left exposed, if an inspection reveals incomplete or non-existent records. Many equipment owners assume that because they have a maintenance contract in place with an F-Gas registered service company, they are fully covered in terms of F-Gas compliance.

The regulation clearly lays down specific responsibilities on equipment owners, for record keeping as well as physical leak checks, and they are legally responsible for meeting them.

Responsibility is only passed to the service company if this is agreed as part of the contract. Unless this transfer of responsibilities is explicitly agreed, the default position is the equipment owner is responsible in law.”

Enforcement agencies are known to be stepping up action around non-compliance, with some cases going to court.

Chillaire Limited keep customer F-Gas equipment asset registers and logs all service maintenance visits and keep copies of all F-Gas visit check sheets for each visit and each end user / customer on file. We can provide copies to end users or customer upon request.

Total Air Conditioning ● Heating ● Ventilation Solutions for all applications

Chillaire are based in the heart of England with various offices in surrounding areas, from where we provide a national service through our locally and remotely located engineers.
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CONTACT US

Freephone 024 7632 0300

Head Office
Patani House
16 Lythalls Lane
Coventry
West Midlands
CV6 6FG

service@chillaire.co.uk
sales@chillaire.co.uk

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