The Sustainability Benefits of Refurbishing Existing Ventilation Equipment Posted on 28/08/202628/08/2026 by avt_admin As your ventilation system reaches the later stages of its working life, replacement can seem like the obvious choice. Improved efficiency, modern controls, and updated components all make new air handling units (AHUs) look attractive. But replacing old equipment also has a significant environmental cost. And it’s this cost that can be the key issue when you’re trying to decide the most sustainable route forward. In the right circumstances, and with the supporting calculations to prove it, choosing to refurbish existing ventilation equipment can result in reduced waste and lower levels of embodied carbon compared to installing a new unit. Making sure you have a basic understanding of embodied carbon is the first step in your decision. What is embodied carbon? Ask most people about the carbon impact of their HVAC unit, and they’ll tend to think about how much energy is used when the machine is turned on. Less obvious, though, are the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the equipment throughout its life. CIBSE’s TM65 methodology considers emissions linked to manufacture, installation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and end of life. For ventilation equipment, these ‘unseen’ greenhouse gases can be significant. Large units often contain substantial quantities of steel, aluminium, and iron, all of which have an associated carbon footprint. So while a new unit might use less energy when it’s running, its environmental impact began long before it was ever switched on. The full environmental cost of replacing HVAC units Replacing an existing AHU also involves more than manufacturing a new unit. Consider also the greenhouses gases used in its transportation to site, the dismantling and removal of the old unit, and the installation, connection, and commissioning of the new unit. Any associated construction work, like modifications to ductwork or electrical systems, also come with their own environmental cost. None of this means replacing old equipment is always the wrong sustainability choice. It’s just that both sides of the equation should be considered. Extending the life and performance of HVAC equipment Refurbishment is the single biggest thing you can do to improve both the lifespan and the ongoing performance of your existing AHU. From minor tasks, like replacing worn or inefficient components, through to upgrading fans and motors or repairing damaged sections, the amount of refurbishment needed depends on the AHU’s current condition. Even relatively small but targeted improvements can improve both the reliability and performance of an existing AHU. This also means fewer waste materials, with the majority of an existing unit staying in place and only specific elements being replaced. CIBSE’s guidance on existing building services highlights the importance of considering restoration and retrofit alongside replacement. It also offers a starting point for embodied carbon calculations. This helps you to better identify, given the importance of whole-life performance, whether refurbishment or replacement is the greener option for your specific circumstances. Refurbishment as part of a wider sustainability strategy Existing buildings will play a major role in reducing carbon emissions, which means retrofits and refurbishments are set to become more prominent than ever. But they’re not always the right approach. Sometimes, installing from new is the only sensible way forward. A comprehensive sustainability strategy recognises these two options can co-exist, even within the same building. What’s key is the best whole-life outcome, rather than the option that best aligns with a belief rather than an evidence-backed case. Good sustainability strategies also look at a series of other initiatives: reducing unnecessary energy use, improving controls, and maintaining equipment properly can all contribute to better building performance. Refurb or replace? Our experts are ready to help Before committing to a full replacement, it’s worth assessing whether your existing ventilation equipment has useful life remaining. Air Vent Technology can assess existing systems and advise on potential refurbishment or replacement options, helping you understand whether upgrading or replacing your equipment is the most appropriate route. Contact us today. We’ll be happy to help!
Top Marks for Classroom Ventilation: Introducing the Infinity® ClassFlo® CF350 Posted on 21/08/202504/11/2025 by Ella Walker Our latest decentralised heat recovery unit for classrooms, the Infinity® ClassFlo® CF350, has now officially launched – allowing schools nationwide to immediately create healthier, quieter, and more efficient learning spaces. Purpose-built for education settings, this unit combines high-performance engineering with intelligent control to deliver cleaner air, lower energy bills, and quieter learning environments. Whether your school is planning maintenance during the next half- or full-term break, or wants to upgrade as soon as possible, the CF350 is available now and primed to make an instant difference. The benefits of the Infinity® ClassFlo® CF350 From mainstream classrooms to special educational needs (SEN) environments, the CF350 is tailored to meet the complex needs of modern education settings. It meets the latest standards for school ventilation and building performance, including BB101, BB93, Approved Document F, and Approved Document L. So excellent indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and sustainability are all guaranteed. This system provides 100% fresh, filtered air with no recirculation or mixing, helping keep classroom CO₂ levels below the recommended daily average of 1,000 ppm. For pupils, this translates into better concentration, less fatigue, and more productive learning environments. Understanding the full tech specs The CF350 is a high efficiency counterflow heat exchanger available in above ceiling and below ceiling configurations with either left- or right-hand access. Installation is straightforward, with top and bottom access for maintenance and most sensors housed within the unit itself to reduce additional setup costs. Once installed, intelligent controls make operation a breeze. Remote access via Bluetooth or NFC means no specialist tools are required. The unit also integrates with building management systems via Modbus, with BACnet compatibility available on request. Once in place and fully operational, each CF350 unit: Recovers up to 88% of heat, reducing the need for additional heating or cooling Uses up to 52% less classroom energy compared to low-efficiency or hybrid systems Delivers up to 78% greater energy efficiency Offers full heat recovery with consistent temperatures and ventilation, even during winter and summer peaks Meets the 30 dB(A) requirement for SEN sensory spaces, vital for pupils with auditory sensitivities or hearing impairments. Ensures noise stays low via a double-skinned construction with acoustic insulation Supports respiratory health and school attendance with high-efficiency F7 and M5 filters removing pollutants, allergens and fine particles from the air Optimises comfort with four seasonal operating modes, including heat exchange and free cooling The CF350: ready when you are Whether you’re upgrading a single classroom or planning a site-wide rollout, the CF350 can be installed with minimal disruption. If your school also needs ventilation solutions for kitchens, toilets, shower areas or communal spaces, Air Vent Technology has a full range of systems to support your project. Download the Infinity ClassFlo CF350 brochure today and get in touch to discuss your next steps.
HVAC maintenance: why your system needs a regular ‘MOT’ check – and how to do it Posted on 29/04/202504/11/2025 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 list Planning 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 schedule The 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 out For 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 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!
Air Vent Technology: Our 2024 Highlights Posted on 12/12/202404/11/2025 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. Operations Firstly, 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 Spirit Of 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 Team We’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!
