IRS are experts in compliance and energy management of all aspects of ventilation, air conditioning and heat exchange systems for both industrial and commercial users.
Current guidelines state that there should be 10 l/s or more of fresh air per person in any occupied space.
Unless your system was designed and installed in last few years, it is quite likely that insufficient fresh air is being provided when there is high occupancy.
A recirculating AHU would typically have to raise/lower the return air temperature by 5°C. Full fresh air could require up to 20°C temperature change, which in these unlikely circumstances would obviously result in substantially greater running costs.
Systems designed and installed pre Covid-19 were generally based on relatively small amount of fresh air, so the heating and cooling capacity would often be based on room conditions with around 10% fresh air supply. It has since become more apparent that this is not sufficient.
It is unlikely that most organisations know the air volume they are currently achieving from their ventilation systems and whether that satisfy’ s the recommended guidelines.
A simple 1-day IRS site visit could determine both these factors and allow for plans to be progressed to meet any shortfall.
Getting the correct fresh air levels is key, but the impact on temperatures is equally as important. Obviously, the quantity of fresh air supplied is matched by tempered air exhausted, so heat recovery is vital.
Current guidelines, particularly post Covid 19, call for minimum air changes per hour based on occupancy levels, with standard control philosophies being based on temperature alone. Correct fresh air supply levels should be determined by occupancy based on the room Co2 level, which then reduces energy costs to reheat/cool.
For more information of how we can help optimise your maintained environment and ensure you are meeting your compliance requirements, give us a call on 01527 577999 or get in touch through the Contact link at the top of this page.
We are experts in energy management, embracing all aspects of industrial and commercial users of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat exchange systems.
