Why Schools Are Investing in Better Classroom Ventilation Posted on 26/05/202626/05/2026 by avt_admin Good classroom ventilation is now a key priority for schools and education providers across the UK. A growing body of research shows a well-ventilated environment leads to improved concentration levels, better health and wellbeing, and reduced energy costs. But it isn’t always simple to achieve. While many school buildings are showing signs of their age, funding pressures continue to be felt across the education sector. The result? Education providers are looking for practical, long-term solutions that improve indoor air quality without disruption or a spike in running costs. Why ventilation matters in classrooms Poor classroom ventilation can lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide (CO₂), stale air, humidity, and airborne pollutants. All of these can affect pupils’ ability to concentrate, stay engaged, and learn. Each day with poor education ventilation is a missed opportunity for youngsters trying to reach their full potential. Research from the University of Leeds has confirmed the benefits of improving classroom air quality, particularly in spaces where windows are not always practical due to weather, security, or external noise concerns. Those benefits are profound. With simple installations of heat recovery units like ClassFlo, they include: Supporting attendance, wellbeing, and concentration. Schools are increasingly aware of the link between indoor air quality and attendance. If pupils feel discomfort, fatigue, or headaches when they’re in class, they become significantly less likely to maintain good attendance levels. Meeting BB101 and BB93 requirements. Ventilation systems in education settings must meet specific performance standards. That’s why our systems meet complete room air change meeting BB101 requirements, with no recirculation of air and effective CO₂ management, as well as BB93 noise requirements that promote effective teaching and learning. Lower bills through effective heat recovery. As energy costs continue to trend upwards, heat recovery ventilation systems are highly valued in education settings. By capturing heat from outgoing air and using it to warm incoming fresh air, they maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without increasing bills. Retrofitting ventilation into older schools Education ventilation isn’t just about the classroom. Communal areas, sports facilities, kitchens, toilets, and shower areas all need fresh airflow supply. Many school buildings, however, were not originally designed to meet modern ventilation expectations. And that can lead to challenges around access and available space when it comes to retrofitting new solutions. Our Site Engineering Services (SES) team supports schools and contractors with installation, refurbishment, and replacement projects across a wide range of education settings. Our flexibility and experience mean we can supply and install ClassFlo systems with minimal disruption, including scheduling your fitting for school holiday periods. Introducing ClassFlo classroom ventilation ClassFlo is Air Vent Technology’s dedicated classroom ventilation solution, designed specifically for education environments. With a double-skinned case construction, the whole unit with its high efficiency counterflow heat exchanger helps to manage classroom CO2 levels while using up to 52% less energy than other alternatives. Its low noise levels and intelligent controls also mean teaching conditions are never disrupted. ClassFlo systems are designed to help schools meet modern ventilation standards while providing a practical solution for both new-build and retrofit projects. Looking to improve your classroom ventilation? If you’re looking to make the kind of investment in your education facilities that promotes wellbeing, concentration, and effective learning, contact our friendly team today. We’ll help you quickly find the right ventilation solution for your school or education facility. Get in touch today to find out how more about how our ClassFlo system can be tailored to your building and ventilation requirements.
5 signs your ventilation systems needs refurbishment or repair Posted on 24/03/202624/03/2026 by Ella Walker Across the UK, rising energy costs rise are putting businesses under even greater financial strain. But it isn’t just global events that are impacting bills. Poorly maintained or inefficient HVAC systems can also lead to wasted cash. Ventilation systems that are working harder, but delivering less, are common in factories, warehouses, and other commercial settings. Unfortunately, HVAC maintenance is often overlooked… until something goes wrong. But by the time a system fails, you’ve usually already been paying the price in higher bills, poor performance, lower air quality, and increased noise. Here are five clear signs your ventilation system may need refurbishment or repair, and why acting early matters more than ever. 1. Rising energy bills If your energy costs are rising faster than your energy unit rates, your ventilation system could be a major contributor. Over time, key components such as fans, motors, and control systems lose efficiency. As performance drops, systems have to work harder to deliver the same level of airflow. That increased workload directly translates into higher energy consumption and, in turn, that means higher operational costs. But a good refurbishment can use upgraded components to restore some of that lost efficiency, helping bring those costs back under control. 2. Increased noise or vibration A well-functioning ventilation system should operate smoothly and relatively quietly. If things are starting to rattle or shake, it’s often a sign that something isn’t right. An experienced refurbishment engineer will take time to check for worn bearings, loose components, ageing fan motors, and imbalanced fans. If any of these faults are left unchecked, they can lead to more serious mechanical failures – and potentially costly downtime. Getting an expert in early can resolve small issues before they become something much more challenging. 3. Poor or inconsistent airflow Inconsistent airflow is one of the most noticeable and disruptive signs of a struggling system. If you’re experiencing hot or cold spots across your facility, areas with poor ventilation, or even just a general decline in indoor air quality, it could be time to get your system checked. A thorough repair or refurbishment can restore balanced airflow and improve overall system performance, without the cost of a full replacement. 4. Frequent breakdowns or rising maintenance costs If your maintenance team is being called out more often, or repair costs are steadily increasing, it’s a clear warning sign that a full refurbishment might be the most cost-effective way forward (sometimes cutting costs by up to 50%). As ventilation systems age, components fail more frequently, repairs become more regular, and maintenance costs begin to stack up. But at a certain point, investing in refurbishment is simply cheaper than continuing to patch up an ageing system. Taking a proactive approach, and making that decision early, can reduce unplanned downtime and bring long-term savings. 5. Your system is 10–15+ years old Many commercial ventilation systems are built to last, but that doesn’t mean they stay efficient forever. Even if the structure of the system is still sound, internal components can become outdated and inefficient. Refurbishment offers a smarter alternative to full replacement, allowing you to upgrade key elements like fans, control systems, and filtration. It also provides an opportunity to install the most energy-efficient components. This approach modernises performance without the cost and disruption of installing a completely new system. The benefits of refurbishment Refurbishing or repairing your ventilation system helps to improve performance in a range of areas. From lower energy consumption and reduced running costs through to improved indoor air quality and extended system lifespans, repairs and refurbishment have been proven to deliver the best balance between cost and performance. They also offer far less disruption than a full HVAC system replacement. The key is to act before problems escalate. Ventilation issues rarely fix themselves, and waiting too long can turn a manageable upgrade into a costly emergency. If you’ve noticed any of these five signs, now is the time to act. Contact our servicing specialists to start future-proofing your system and put your business in the best possible position.
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 fans Single 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 fans Twin 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 today Ready 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!
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: how to cut costs by up to 50% through refurbishment and repair Posted on 13/07/202322/08/2023 by Laura Slegg We’re all feeling it: the cost-of-living crisis has gone beyond our personal wallets and is now impacting businesses of all sizes across the UK. If you’re a business owner or manager, you’ll be looking to save money wherever possible – without impacting on your overall operations. But maintenance and running costs still mount up, especially with large investments like air handling units. Money saving maintenance for air handling units AVT’s refurbishment and repair services have been specifically designed to save you money and boost your environmental credentials. Instead of replacing faulty air handling units with brand new machines, the expert engineers in our Site Engineering Services (SES) department can diagnose, repair, and refurbish units that are starting to show signs of deterioration. At the end of the process, you’re left with a perfectly working unit – often at only half the expense of a brand-new system. And you’ve saved the environmental impact of scrapping an AHU that still had plenty of life in it. Here’s how it works in five simple steps: First, we come to inspect the unit and complete a comprehensive site survey. Next comes the planning. Our engineers will itemise all the necessary parts and draw up a schedule of works, giving everyone a clear understanding of what’s needed and what timetable we’re working to. Our assembly options are designed to make everything as efficient as possible. Parts will either be flat-packed or sub-assembled. With everything in place, our team can recommission your air handling unit and issue an updated technical specification. Finally, we’ll safely recycle or dispose of any old parts that were removed from your unit. AHU refurbishments and repairs Our team was recently called out to an air handling unit that had been operational for 25 years. It’s fair to say it had seen better days. But no challenge is too big for our SES team. They quickly identified the upgrades, modifications and new parts that were needed. The full programme of works included: Updating the appearance by installing smart new external panels Replacing old belt-drive AC fans with new energy-efficient EC motors Fitting a new gas burner and DX coils Installing replacement filters and a new control package We could easily do the same for you! Find out more about booking our AHU refurbishment and repair services.
