Introducing our Special Projects Manager Posted on 28/08/202430/08/2024 by Ella Walker Meet Guy Miller! Guy is our newest team member and is joining us as our Special Projects Manager. We caught up with him to see how the first three months have been: It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to join the AVT team. The first three months have flown by, and I have enjoyed getting to know everyone and understanding the AVT business. I was given a great opportunity to join the AVT team in June 2024 as the Special Projects Manager, and this is my first direct experience in the heating and ventilation industry. I have a wealth of experience in leadership, engineering, process improvement, and managing change through CI and Lean Six Sigma. A bit of background on myself: during my career, I started as a manufacturing engineer in my early days, working my way up to operations leader in multiple different industries. I have had responsibility for many different business areas during my career, predominantly operations, engineering, design, facilities, quality, supply chain, health, and safety. Starting in British Aerospace as an engineer after university, I then moved into Automotive for over 15 years as a senior manager working with customers including Toyota, Ford, BMW, and Audi. I then changed industries again into Medical Devices for a few years. followed by high-volume fixings and connecting devices into a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and marine. Next, I took charge of a site making bespoke high-end furniture, then moved to a company that supplies the NHS with a variety of equipment, including sheet metal and wooden products. Finally, before joining AVT, I managed a company making high-precision air bearings used in the manufacture of silicon wafers for chip manufacture and precision lens manufacture for optical industries. Regarding the processes with which I am familiar, in addition to a variety of assembly processes, I have worked with sheet metal work, precision machining, grinding, chemical machining, metal treatment, powder coating, plastic injection moulding, cold forming, stamping, and electromechanical assembly, amongst other processes. Outside of work, I have two Husky’s that keep me busy and a grown-up family. I enjoy cycling as my main hobby but also enjoy getting together after work socially. I am looking forward to working with everyone at AVT and becoming involved in the great culture that I can see here.
Debunking Ventilation Myths: AVT’s Answers to The Biggest HVAC Falsehoods Posted on 01/08/202401/08/2024 by Ella Walker Ventilation systems are the unsung heroes of modern buildings. Every day, they work to ensure that we breathe clean air and enjoy a comfortable, year-round climate. But despite decades of improving the buildings in which we live and work, they’re still the subject of so many myths and misconceptions. In a typical month, our engineers and in-house experts hear different versions of the same ventilation myths over and over again. But this post gives you the truth about your HVAC system and how to keep it operating at its best. Here are five of the most common myths we hear: 1. Internal Ducts Don’t Need Regular Servicing Wrong! Over time, dust, debris, and other contaminants can accumulate in ducts, which leads to impeded airflow and reduced system efficiency. Regular servicing ensures your ducts remain clean and your system operates as it should. It also extends your system’s lifespan and improves indoor air quality. The alternative – avoiding regular servicing – risks increased energy consumption and potential health issues from the recirculation of polluted air. Get your next service booked today. 2. Ventilation Systems Aren’t Very Effective Wrong! Modern ventilation systems, like those offered by AVT, are designed to efficiently manage air exchange, remove pollutants, and maintain optimal humidity levels. And they deliver in the real world, not just in lab testing. Heat, humidity, and precipitation will all effect a ventilation system. But we know our systems deliver consistently fresh and healthy indoor environments – wherever they’re installed. Browse our ventilation systems. 3. Mould Only Develops in Hot and Humid Climates Wrong! If you’ve ever been in a poorly ventilated UK property in the depths of winter, you’ll instantly know mould isn’t restricted to warmer locations. All you need is moisture and organic material. From there, mould will run riot in any conditions. Cooking, showering, and even breathing can increase indoor humidity levels. A good ventilation system is the antidote, working to control indoor humidity and therefore prevent mould formation. Browse our extract fans. 4. Indoor Air Quality Doesn’t Affect Health Wrong! So many people underestimate the impact of indoor air quality on health. Research from the World Health Organisation shows that more than four million people die early every year due in part to poor indoor air quality. In those environments, respiratory problems, allergies, and even cardiovascular disease become an even greater risk. Good ventilation is key. Browse our air handling units. 5. Open Windows = Optimal Indoor Air Quality Wrong! Yes, getting some fresh air into the building can sometimes help with ventilation. But it’s definitely not the best way to improve indoor air quality. Outdoor air carries all sorts of nasties, including pollen, dust, and vehicle emissions. If they come into your building unchecked, you might even be making the indoor environment worse. Instead, it’s wise to invest in a HVAC system that filters and conditions the air. Get specialist advice today. Don’t Fall Victim to These Ventilation Myths! Our friendly team of experts is always ready to help you achieve the best possible indoor environment. So, if you’ve got any concerns at all about your ventilation system or indoor air quality, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Air Handling Units 101: Everything You Need to Know Posted on 27/06/202427/06/2024 by Ella Walker Air handling units (AHUs) play a central role in the overall success of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems installed across the UK. But many people are still unclear about the precise function of air handling units. In this article, we’ll run through all the essential information you need to know to help you maintain healthy ventilation across your entire indoor environment. What is an air handling unit? An AHU is crucial for good ventilation. It normally consists of a blower, heating or cooling elements, filter racks or chambers, sound attenuators, and dampers. Once installed and in operation, each AHU is tasked with one overall function: to regulate and circulate air through the building’s ductwork to create optimal conditions for everyone living or working inside in the building. The heating or cooling elements found inside a typical AHU are used to heat, cool, humidify or even dehumidify fresh, ambient air from outside. Only when the air is at the building owner’s desired state does it begin its journey through the building’s HVAC system. Why do I need an air handling unit? Across both health and comfort, AHUs offer several clear and measurable benefits. They include: • Humidity control. A good AHU can remove moisture from the air, which in turn can dramatically reduce the amount of condensation in your building. That’s essential because condensation is an often overlooked health risk. It can cause respiratory problems, or even lead to the arrival of mould and rot in your building. And if the external air is too dry, an AHU can also add an appropriate amount of moisture to deliver the ideal humidity rate. •Temperature regulation. Regardless of the outdoor temperature, a good, well-functioning AHU can deliver and maintain consistent and comfortable indoor environments. In our experience, guaranteed comfort and ventilation in indoor workplaces almost always means happier and more productive staff and guests. •Cleaner air. Outdoor air can pose two common risks. One the one hand, smog and pollution might make it unpleasant and even unsafe for humans. On the other, people who suffer from allergies often find the dust, pollen, chemicals, smoke, or waste that’s found in non-controlled air can cause serious discomfort. Regardless of whether your indoor environment is used by one person or 100, an AHU will make a noticeable difference to the purity and cleanliness of your indoor air. Is it time to update my air handling unit? As your AHU ages, there are several key indicators to watch out for. Any one of them could mean that your AHU needs servicing, repairing, or replacing. In general, you should look for: •Decreased or inconsistent performance, including rising energy use. If your energy bills suddenly start to show that you’re using more units of energy, your AHU may have stopped working at its optimum efficiency. •Regular breakdowns or unusual noises. Over time, you should get completely used to the sound of your AHU. If you start noticing unusual noises, it’s likely to be a sign that something is amiss. •Reduced indoor air quality. Pay attention to the quality of your indoor environment. If you or your colleagues begin to notice a difference in the cleanliness, temperature, or humidity of the air flowing through your HVAC system, it could be time to investigate your AHU. Ready to update your AHU? Talk to the experts at Air Vent Technology Our friendly Air Vent Technology team is always on hand to assess your situation, guide you through your options, and help you arrive at the best possible solution for your needs. Contact us today to get started. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to keep cool this summer with Air Vent Technology Posted on 22/05/202423/05/2024 by Ella Walker After a long, cold British winter, spring and summer are finally here! Suddenly, the weather forecast offers some hope, winter clothes have disappeared, and the weekends smell of barbeques. All is good – unless you’re in a poorly ventilated indoor environment. With temperatures rising, now is the perfect chance to get prepped for summer. Installing suitable air handling units (AHUs) or extract fans helps to create a clean, fresh, comfortable, and healthy working environment for staff and visitors alike. The benefits of air handling units and extract fans in warm weather AHUs and extract fans are great investments across a range of settings, including commercial, industrial, residential, healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality environments. In busy indoor environments – especially those where air can become either stale or humid – an AHU or extract fan can clean the air entering your building, adjust the humidity levels of your indoor space, and keep everyone comfortable by providing cooler, fresher airflow. A good AHU or extract fan can also: • Reduce the potential of mould • Prevent damage to your building • Minimise or eliminate problems with condensation • Provide ongoing relief for people with summer allergies The best air handling units and extract fans for summer If your priority is to ensure a constant flow of fresh air to avoid humidity, AHUs are likely to be your best investment. Our range includes: Large air handling units available in 11 standard sizes. Bespoke sizes are also available. With these units you can choose from plantroom or rooftop versions, benefit from flat-pack site assembly, and secure up to 25m3/sec airflow. Small air handling units that are ErP compliant and come with acoustic lining to reduce noise breakout. Each unit is constructed from galvanised steel and offers EHB and LPHW heating, with EC fans built to suit L2. Compact AHUs with an LPHW heating coil and EC motor, small AHUs with an EC motor and LPHW heating coil, and compact AHUs with electric heating and an EC motor complete our offering. However, if your priority is to remove pollen and dust while keeping rooms at a comfortable temperature, extract fans might be more suitable. Our range includes: Acoustic cabinet twin fans with a removable discharge cowl and fitted comprehensive controls. These are ErP compliant 2009/125/EC, come in 14 different model options, and use low energy EC fans to suit L2. Acoustic cabinet single fans that are also ErP compliant 2009/125/EC. Again, these incorporate low energy EC fans to suit L2. Choose from 14 different model options, with flexible designs available to suit your application. Mixed flow fans available in four models. Robust galvanised steel construction and a mixed flow impellor help to ensure high performance. Thermal cut-out protection also comes as standard. Now is the time to invest in AHUs and extract fans Don’t wait until it’s too late. The warm weather is coming and our friendly team at Air Vent Technology is ready to help you find the perfect solution for your needs. Contact us today to get started. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to reduce your energy bills in 2023 with good ventilation Posted on 03/02/202317/08/2023 by Ella Walker Could good ventilation be the way to lower your energy bills as the UK’s battles with the cost-of-living crisis? For many people, ventilation might not seem an obvious starting point when energy prices are sky high. But improving a building’s ventilation can significantly contribute to reducing energy bills. If you’re a residential developer, homeowner, or commercial building owner, investing in good ventilation could be a strategic and prudent choice as energy costs continue to soar. Here are three of the most effective ways to use ventilation to put more money in your pocket. Install modern heat recovery units Investing in a modern heat recovery unit has two main impacts. First, it improves the air quality and thermal comfort inside a property. But it also helps to reduce your overall energy costs, because fitting a system with a heat exchanger can mean up to 85% of your property’s energy is retained. The heat exchanger acts as a highly efficient way to maintain internal temperatures. As stale air leaves your building, the heat exchanger captures the warmth from that outgoing air. It then transfers that warm energy to the cool air coming into your building from the outside. Heat recovery units can dramatically reduce a building’s reliance on central heating or other high energy options. Choose heat recovery units with pre-heatersIf the air from the outside is particularly cold, this can place a greater strain on the heat exchanger. But there is an answer. A pre-heater on a heat recovery unit cools the outdoor air before it reaches the heat exchanger, thereby making it easier and quicker to heat it to the required internal temperature. Use EC motors in your heat recovery unitWhile a typical heat recovery unit is very efficient at retaining heat, it still needs energy to power it. Choosing a heat recovery unit fitted with EC motors helps to improve the operational efficiency of the unit because the motors can run at lower temperatures than traditional brush motors. As a result, the overall energy spend for running the heat recovery unit is lower than if you opt for a model without EC motors. Air Vent Technology’s range of heat recovery units features some of the best and most energy efficient models on the UK market. View the full range today.
