Debunking Ventilation Myths: AVT’s Answers to The Biggest HVAC Falsehoods

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

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:

  1. First, we come to inspect the unit and complete a comprehensive site survey.
  2. 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.
  3. Our assembly options are designed to make everything as efficient as possible. Parts will either be flat-packed or sub-assembled.
  4. With everything in place, our team can recommission your air handling unit and issue an updated technical specification.
  5. 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.

Commercial ventilation: why air handling units are the only sensible choice

When it comes to temperature and humidity control in commercial buildings, air handling units are now widely regarded as the most effective solution for creating a consistently healthy environment. In this article, you’ll learn about the benefits of air handling units, the key considerations for choosing one, and start to understand the different options available on the commercial ventilation market.


The benefits of installing air handling units in commercial settings

Companies who invest in an appropriate air handling unit enjoy two immediate benefits, both of which are critical to short-, medium- and long-term success.

  • Excellent working environment. Lots of people don’t realise that circulating air can be cleaned by an air handling unit. The humidity of the air can also be adjusted, creating the perfect working atmosphere. Both of those two advantages come on top of the traditional heating or cooling of air, giving you complete control over your indoor environment.
  • Better health outcomes. With stale air eradicated, problematic developments such as mould and condensation are also significantly reduced or resolved entirely. This prevents both your staff and any visitors from experiencing troublesome allergic reactions and avoids future spends on professional mould removal.

Air handling unit installation: the key considerations

Identifying the best air handling units for your property can seem daunting at first, especially when our full range includes 29 models and the option for fully bespoke designs where necessary. But two simple principles will quickly help to guide you to a sensible choice.

  • Where will it be installed? Your setting will go a long way to determining the type of air handling unit you need. For example, buying an air handling unit for a large, open manufacturing unit would be very different to buying an air handling unit for a small, enclosed office.
  • Do you have appropriate installation space? As well as checking the size of your potential installation space, do you also have appropriate access to get the unit in place? With small units, doors and corridors may be large enough for the unit to be delivered already assembled. For larger units, flat-pack installation may be the only suitable option.

How to choose air handling units

Once you’ve got a firm understanding of what you’re looking for, choosing the best air handling unit for your needs is relatively straightforward.

Get the complete package with Air Vent Technology

Whichever air handling unit you require, our experienced team is ready to provide all the assistance you need.

Our Site Engineering Services (SES) team is trusted across the UK to install and maintain commercial air handling units of all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s refurbishment and repair, ongoing servicing, or flat-pack installation, we’ve got you covered!

Contact us today and take the first step towards an exciting new air handling unit for your commercial property.

Why maintenance and servicing of your ventilation system is so important

Ventilation systems are found in almost every building. While they’re not something most people think about, it’s essential they operate to the latest industry standards.

Whatever your building’s use, ensuring your ventilation system is functioning at its peak is important for several reasons. In this blog post, you’ll discover how our ventilation site services can help you maintain your system and enjoy a range of measurable benefits.

Introducing AVT’s Site Engineering Services

Like most businesses, ventilation probably isn’t your number one priority – even if you recognise its importance for a healthy, productive environment. That’s why our site engineering services is designed specifically to take away the hassle of having to think about maintaining your ventilation system.
Across refurbishment, repair, installation, and servicing options, we’ve got everything you need to keep your units in excellent condition.

Save up to 50% on fitting new replacements

Most building owners understand the necessity of a good ventilation system but may not understand fully what the system needs to keep it in a good state.
Not every problem requires a brand-new unit. Our refurbishment and repair services can save you up to 50% of the cost of fitting new replacements. We replace parts with higher performance rated components, which in turn ensures you have a faster solution to any broken system, experience minimal disruption, and enjoy better long-term efficiency from your existing unit.

Benefit from easy installations

If you do need a new ventilation unit or system, we have the option of flat pack installation. Our experienced team can select and design custom systems to fit the space you have available, giving you a bespoke solution that best fits your environment. Choose a flat pack installation has several benefits, including:

  • No wall knockdowns and no costly building repairs as a result
  • No expensive road closures that impact others and require significant administrative resources
  • Minimal site disruption, so your business can continue as normal while our fitters complete the project
  • Convenient service that’s scheduled to work best for you, with flexibility over the time and date of any agreed installation

Enjoy longer service lives

Finally, if you’re not in need of a repair or new system entirely at the moment, our servicing options help to keep a close eye on your air handling units and avoid preventable repairs. Choose from scheduled, annual inspections or simply book our engineers to ensure your existing system is running to its full potential.
Regularly using our servicing team gives you higher AHU performance, longer service lives, fewer repairs, and less downtime. You’ll also reduce your energy bills and save avoidable expenditure by preventing problems developing in the first place.

Keep your building and people safe

It’s essential to keep environments comfortable for all workers and customers. Poorly ventilated spaces can generate health concerns through spread of viruses and bacteria, something that’s increasingly known after the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we’re more conscious then ever of good air quality. Ensuring you have good working ventilation systems in place means you can reassure your people and provide them with:

  • Better indoor air quality
  • Lower chances of illnesses spreading
  • More comfortable environments
  • Mould-free environments by stopping condensation

Get started today

If you would like to discuss your options further, or if you already know that one of our site services is the right fit for you, don’t hesitate: contact us today.
Our friendly team will be more than happy to help.
Book your site engineering services visit now.