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 ServicingWrong! 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 EffectiveWrong! 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 ClimatesWrong! 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 HealthWrong! 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 QualityWrong! 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 TechnologyOur 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!
AVT’s new investments drive 20% productivity increase Posted on 18/01/202419/01/2024 by avt_admin State-of-the-art production line and lift arm now in place at Air Vent Technology HQ. Air Vent Technology is celebrating a 20% increase in productivity and a significant improvement in team morale following the installation of a bespoke new production line and lift arm.The investment was made as part of the company’s overall strategy to support the health and safety of its employees – and the continued growth of the business.Dave Young, Operations & CI Manager at AVT, said: “This new equipment is a major step forward for Air Vent Technology. As the company’s domestic range continues to surge in popularity, it’s so exciting to know we’ll be able to consistently fulfill more orders while enhancing our safety standards.“Every member of the shopfloor staff has been impressed by the design and workings of the new production line and lifting equipment. Our day-to-day operations are now much more comfortable and I’m confident this investment will help us to continue to go from strength to strength in the coming months and years.”After a prolonged period of high demand, Air Vent Technology leaders began discussions with Aluminium Frame and Tooling Solutions and Scaglia Indeva in a bid to find the innovations needed to support a sustained uplift in productivity.A timeline and initial design concepts were agreed early in the process. Weekly meetings with both suppliers, along with regular site visits, maintained that initial momentum. Air Vent Technology’s shopfloor, finance, and R&D teams were also asked for input to ensure all aspects of the project were covered in detail.Dave Young, Operations & CI Manager at AVT, added: “I’m so proud of how all parties maintained excellent communication throughout what was undoubtedly a complex project. The process flowed from start to finish exactly as we’d hoped. I can’t thank our suppliers enough.”As well as delivering increases in productivity, the new production line and lift arm will also enable Air Vent Technology’s domestic production team to continue to work at ISO9001 standards.If you would like to get in touch with a member of the team you can email us enquiries@airventtechnology.co.uk or call us on 01264 356315.
Vertical heat recovery units: 5 benefits and incentives for your next installation Posted on 16/08/202322/08/2023 by Laura Slegg Could a vertical heat recovery unit (HRU) make your building – and the planet – a healthier, happier place to be?When it comes to making a property more energy efficient and reducing its carbon footprint, few choices will have a bigger impact than its heating and cooling system. At the same time, there is an increasing awareness of the dangers of poor air quality and the need to provide healthier indoor environments. That’s why HRUs have never been in a stronger position.Here are five environmental benefits and incentives for choosing a vertical HRU in your next retrofit or new build project.1 Use less energyWith up to 90% efficiency, our vertical heat recovery units include heat exchangers and can therefore retain up to 85% of your property’s energy.Further steps can also be taken to ensure a HRU operates at its maximum possible efficiency. Selecting a unit fitted with EC motors will enable lower energy usage than those using traditional brush motors. A top-up heater battery can also raise the temperature from the plate heat exchanger, ensuring fresh air is delivered at the correct temperature for the space.2 Generate lower greenhouse gas emissionsAccording to government figures, the built environment makes up 25% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions.If your building currently relies on central heating or other high energy options, a vertical heat recovery unit can make a noticeable impact in your carbon footprint. HRUs provide heat without any need to use gas. To compound that benefit, the electricity needed to power a HRU can be generated from 100% clean and renewable sources. Installing a HRU is an easy way to contribute to creating a more sustainable planet and help the UK meet its target of a 68% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.3 Enjoy increased indoor air qualityPoor air quality is one of the biggest health issues facing the industrialised world and tackling dangerous levels of pollutants is a key aim of the World Health Organization, which has set a target for PM2.5 of 10 µg/m3 (WHO-10) by 2030.In indoor environments, poor air quality can contribute to both allergies and respiratory problems. But modern HRUs are equipped to handle this issue much more effectively than traditional ventilation systems.HRUs installed today contain powerful filters that remove allergens and pollutants before they have a chance to circulate in your building, thereby protecting those living and working in the property from potentially severe health consequences. They are also designed to operate with 100% fresh air, so contaminated internal air is never recirculated.4 Access financial incentivesIn recent years, the UK government has used financial incentives to try to encourage the installation of vertical heat recovery units. Schemes like the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and the Green Homes Grant were powerful persuaders, convincing many to make the necessary investment.Today, those schemes are no longer active. But the government is still planning to spend the surplus budget allocated to those schemes on other green measures. Keep an eye out for local authority grants: these are expected to come increasingly to the fore.5 Mitigate the effects of global warmingTemperature extremes are part of our new reality. In the summer of 2022, the UK baked in temperatures exceeding 40°C. The following year saw July 2023 confirmed as the hottest month ever recorded. The global mean surface air temperature record was broken on four consecutive days.Thankfully, heat recovery units are dual purpose. As well as providing heat during the colder months, they can also cool a property’s air during warmer periods. This is likely to prove invaluable if further heat waves occur.It’s time to invest in vertical heat recovery unitsIf you’re looking for a heating and cooling solution that improves air quality, minimises energy use, and creates a more sustainable environment, vertical HRUs are your best choice.View our full range of market-leading vertical HRUs today.
