HVAC maintenance: why your system needs a regular ‘MOT’ check – and how to do it Posted on 29/04/202529/04/2025 by Ella Walker Do you make this common HVAC maintenance mistake?Most car owners use their vehicles every day. The physical act of getting into their car gives them a constant reminder to ensure it’s well maintained, so each year they book their MOT and do their best to keep it in serviceable condition. But when it comes to HVAC systems, there’s often very little physical interaction with the machinery involved. So even though buildings rely on their HVAC systems every say of the year, it’s easy to forget that regular upkeep and servicing is necessary. It’s time to move HVAC maintenance up your priority listPlanning and investing in a regular HVAC maintenance schedule offers four main benefits. It can:Avoid costly downtime, by preventing potential problems from developing rather than simply reacting to them when it’s too late. Maintain high performance levels and consequently guarantee better indoor air quality for longer. Decrease your company’s environmental footprint, by ensuring your system is running as efficiently as possible. This also has the benefit of reducing your overall energy costs. Extend the expected lifespan of your HVAC system and help you to avoid costly replacement programmes. Each year, you should aim to clean the outdoor units, check the electrical connections, and add the correct lubrication to mechanical components. By doing this, you’ll avoid early wear-and-tear, making the equipment last longer and instantly increasing the ROI of your investment.Air Vent Technology’s recommended HVAC maintenance scheduleThe engineers in Air Vent Technology’s SES department see the same issues arise over and over again. As a bare minimum, we recommend all site managers commit to the following maintenance schedule for their air handling units:Quarterly:Inspect all filters. If they’re heavily soiled, replace them immediately.Half-Yearly:Use a brush to carefully clean the fan impeller. This prevents undue dirt build-up and stops the impeller becoming unbalanced. Inspect the coils to ensure no foreign material has accumulated on the fans. If necessary, use a soft brush to clean the fins with a mild detergent solution. Remember: go gentle. Make sure you don’t damage the fins. If you’re regularly finding debris on the fins, check the filtration system. Clean and lubricate damper cogs, blades, and frames with a PTFE or silicone oil aerosol lubricant.Yearly:Check the security and integrity of all fasteners. Pay particular attention to the impeller fixing on the fan shaft. Inspect the unit’s paint finish. If necessary, repaint with a suitable touch-up paint. Check anti-vibration mountings and flexible connections for signs of perishing or damage.Alternatively, get the experts to help outFor a bespoke service plan designed specifically for your air handling units, email our SES department. We’ll be happy to help!
Acoustic Cabinet Fans: Why Now Is The Right Time to Invest Posted on 23/01/202523/01/2025 by Ella Walker Getting the best ventilation is always a priority for facilities managers and site owners, regardless of whether you oversee a commercial, hospitality, or retail setting.That’s why for more than two decades we’ve offered an extensive range of air handling units, each with their unique advantages and use’s.In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of single acoustic cabin fans – and how their performance, efficiency, and reliability can help to create a better environment for your employees and visitors.The benefits of single acoustic cabinet fansSingle acoustic cabinet fans are an excellent choice for many environments, combining flexibility with functionality. Here are seven reasons to choose our units:Indoors and outdoors fitting. Internal and external versions make installation possible in a wide range of settings and applications.Strong energy efficiency. Built with low energy EC fans, each of our units has a low specific fan power (SFP) to help ensure compliance with L2 regulations.Reduced noise breakout. A 20mm Barafoam ‘O’ class liner is fitted in every single acoustic cabinet fan. The liner includes a 6mm barrier mat layer. The result? Quieter operations and a more pleasant environment, especially in places where peace and concentration are necessary.Pre-wired controls. All our units have controls already wired in, simplifying the entire installation process and enabling functionality with BMS systems across Fault Out, VFC Enable, VFC Boost, and Remote Speed Control settings.Flexible designs. Whatever your application, we’ve got you covered. Our units are constructed with galvanised steel (0.9mm-1.2mm) and external models come with a removable discharge cowl.Versatile installation locations. Our units can be mounted vertically or horizontally, with top or bottom access options available. So, whether you want the fan mounted in a plant room, roof space, or externally, these units have the adaptability you need.Powder coated for durability. A powder-coated finish ensures long-lasting protection and performance against environmental factors.The advantages of twin acoustic cabinet fansTwin acoustic cabinet fans are more suited to specific use cases, such as bathrooms and toilets. Their design ensures high performance and reliability in spaces where both those attributes are needed most.Just like with our single acoustic cabinet fans, we offer both top and bottom access options while a 20mm Barafoam ‘O’ class liner, including a 6mm barrier mat layer, helps to significantly reduce noise breakout.All our twin acoustic cabinet fan units are fitted with a pre-wired ACOP, which saves both time and money on site.Secure your acoustic cabinet fan todayReady to get started? First, check out the full specs on our single acoustic cabinet fans and twin acoustic cabinet fans. Then simply fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch before you know it.If you’ve any questions, feel free to email or call (01264 356415) our friendly customer service representatives. You can even meet the team before you call. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Air Vent Technology: Our 2024 Highlights Posted on 12/12/202412/12/2024 by Ella Walker As we head closer to the end of the year and begin thinking about 2025, we wanted to reflect on the past year here at AVT and everything we have achieved.OperationsFirstly, this year saw us invest in 2 very exciting pieces of equipment. We kicked off 2024 with our new production line and lift and, more recently, in October, our new state-of-the-art wrapping machine. The installation of the new wrapping machine has immediately reduced the labour and material costs associated with wrapping and dispatching pallets. Find them here and here.Workplace SpiritOf course, here at AVT, we are all about being a team, and this was highlighted back in September during our employee BBQ and team-building afternoon. Everyone got involved in the games that involved the mind, agility, and communication—something for everyone! Also, we are not forgetting our staff appreciation day, which was complete with cakes!The TeamWe’ve had many new team members, who you might have spotted on our LinkedIn, including our Special Projects Manager, Guy Miller. If you want to learn more about Guy, you can check out his blog here.Don’t forget if you haven’t already, then follow us on LinkedIn. You’ll see weekly behind-the-scenes content as well as links to our monthly blog posts and case studies as soon as they go live!Thank you for your support this year, and we look forward to all the exciting things 2025 will bring.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
How to Ventilate Your Residential Property During Winter Posted on 28/11/202428/11/2024 by Ella Walker As the winter months roll in, ensuring proper ventilation in your home or residential property is just as important as keeping it warm. The dark chill outside might mean you focus more on indoor warmth. But it’s also essential to maintain proper airflow to combat issues like mould, condensation, and indoor air pollution.Here at Air Vent Technology, we know a thing or two about creating a comfortable, healthy indoor environment – even when it’s so cold outside that slippers, blanket, and a hot drink seem the only sensible choices. This article will explain why ventilation matters in the coldest months and how to keep your home free from ventilation problems during the depths of winter.Why Winter Ventilation MattersIndoor air can be up to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air. So fresh indoor air isn’t just something to dismiss. It’s actually a critical factor for your family, tenants and residents’ long-term health.One of the leading causes of wintertime condensation and mould is excess humidity. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, and even drying clothes release moisture into the air. If you’ve ever been in a poorly ventilated kitchen – with hobs blazing, pans simmering, and windows fogging up – you’ll know exactly how quickly condensation can form.Without proper ventilation, this humidity has nowhere to escape, leading to damp walls, musty odours, and even health problems like respiratory issues.But that’s not all. Stale indoor air can also spread germs and exacerbate illnesses – which is far from ideal with flu season fast approaching.Top Tips to Keep Residential Properties Ventilated in WinterWhen there’s frost on the ground, very few of us would consider opening windows to circulate fresh air. But here’s the good news: ventilation doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort.Here are some simple and effective ways to keep the air flowing in your property while still preserving warmth:• Heat and ventilate unused roomsSpaces like conservatories and guest rooms often get overlooked in winter. But keeping these areas heated and ventilated will help to prevent stagnant air and moisture build-up.• Let in fresh air (briefly)It only takes five minutes for fresh air to circulate in a room. Open a window, go make a cup of coffee, and by the time you’re done you’ll have let in enough clean air without the indoor temperature drastically dropping.• Clean your extractor fansIn kitchens and bathrooms, these are your best friend. Keep them clean – and don’t forget to change the filters. A well-maintained fan is one of the easiest ways to control humidity.• Ventilate while showeringRunning hot water indoors while outdoor temperatures are plunging is a perfect recipe for window condensation. Before you get in the shower, open the bathroom window or turn on an extractor fan. This will help to release steam immediately and prevent any build-up.• Rethink drying clothesUse a tumble dryer instead of radiators for drying clothes. Radiators add unnecessary moisture to the air, increasing the likelihood of condensation.AVT Products for Hassle-Free Winter VentilationLooking for a reliable ventilation system in your property? Explore our range of products designed to keep your home fresh, dry, and healthy all winter long. Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered.Check out our ‘Residential Ventilation’ page here. To find more about our ventilation products for communal areas, SAP-listed MVHR and MEV options, as well as quiet and energy efficient systems.And if you’re unsure where to start, our expert team can offer all the advice you need. Call 01264 356415 or email enquiries@airventtechnology.co.uk.
Productivity and employee safety both enhanced after strategic machinery investment Posted on 29/10/202429/10/2024 by Ella Walker Air Vent Technology has continued the progression of its ongoing growth plans by investing in a state-of-the-art wrapping machine that has enhanced the company’s safety, productivity, and financial performance.Installation of the new wrapping machine has immediately reduced the labour and material costs associated with wrapping and dispatching pallets.It has also eliminated wrapping inconsistencies, helping to ensure our shipping consignments arrive at their destination in pristine condition, and significantly reduced the average wrapping time from up to five minutes per pallet down to just seconds.Dave Young, Operations and CI Manager at AVT, hailed the impact of the new machine and its strategic importance to the company’s overall ambitions.He said: “We’ve already been able to save significant sums in both stretch wrap, which a machine uses much more efficiently than humans, and in time. As a result, we’ve seen a 20% increase in warehouse productivity on outbound goods and been able to stretch wrap more than double the amount of product than we could by hand.”He added: “We can now move away from the time-consuming and costly process of hand-wrapping pallets and concentrate fully on providing the best possible service to our valued customers and partners across the UK.”Thanks to a pioneering partnership with IBIS Packaging Solutions Ltd, Air Vent Technology has now been able to wrap 860 pallets in just three months.Dave Young added: “While the wrapping machine has offered obvious financial benefits, the most important upside is the increase in employee safety. We will never sacrifice health and safety procedures and we’re delighted to have been able to reinforce those commitments with the purchase of this machine.”The wrapping machine represents the company’s second major equipment investment of 2024. In January, Air Vent Technology secured a new production line and lift arm that drove a 20% productivity increase.Your browser does not support HTML5 video.
