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.
Introducing Topflo®, a groundbreaking vertical counterflow heat recovery unit Posted on 30/07/202221/09/2022 by avt_admin Air Vent Technology launches HRPVX-EC infinity® Topflo®, a new high efficiency and vertical counterflow heat recovery unit designed to give site managers and planners unprecedented options for small and restricted spaces.Buyers can choose from three different sizes and either left or right configuration, while a maximum air volume of up to 2.1m3/s offers industry-leading performance for a vertical unit.UK designed and manufactured, it is ErP 2018 compliant and fitted with the latest energy efficient EC fans to meet L2 regulations. All connections are on the top of the unit, which is available with either electric or water heating.The unit’s release is the latest advance in Air Vent Technology’s range expansion and continues to build on the company’s reputation for quality, design, and innovation.Vectaire Group commercial director Robert Francis said: “Our R&D team have worked hard to create a truly market-leading unit in HRPVX-EC infinity® Topflo®. They can be proud of their efforts, because this new heat exchanger is already generating great reviews through a combination of efficiency, quietness, easy installation procedures and a compact size.” The unit has vertical intake and discharge, with no mixing of airflows. A 25mm double skin helps to reduce noise breakout, with an acoustic high-density infill available for environments where low noise transmission is especially important.All controls are fitted to the front of the unit, allowing for easy access and maintenance, while its relatively small size makes it ideal for installation in cupboards and other limited spaces.Grade F7 (supply) and M5 (extract) filters are fitted as standard.Download the full spec sheet for HRPVX-EC infinity® Topflo® below.Download brochure
