Modern offices are designed based on the scope of a particular business, and the use of HVAC systems will definitely help you create and maintain a pleasant microclimate. However, depending on the type of business, office occupancy, and other needs, not only different sets of HVAC components may be required, but also different temperature, humidity, or air flow settings. The correct choice of HVAC system, correct installation, as well as automation of control of engineering systems in this case, allows you to use the maximum capabilities of the office space. In this article, you will learn about why it is worth installing an HVAC system in an office, why automate the management of an HVAC system, as well as the cost of installing an HVAC system or its components.
Table of Contents
Why Is It Worth Installing an HVAC System In The Office And Automating Control?
An office is a place where a close-knit team under leadership accomplishes assigned tasks. Maintaining an optimal microclimate in such an environment is extremely important since the well-being of the team, their performance, and the success of the business depend on it. An HVAC system is a reliable solution for maintaining the microclimate in the office, which, along with automation of system management, can greatly improve the productivity of employees.
Improving Ventilation And Indoor Air Quality
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems not only maintain the desired temperature in the premises but also directly affect the quality of indoor air.
Most rooms do not have access to fresh outdoor air, which leads to many unpleasant consequences: the air becomes musty if there is insufficient ventilation, and odors, dust particles, and pollutants accumulate. Even with heavy traffic outside, the air in the office can contain more dust particles and toxins than outside air, because these particles accumulate indoors.
In addition to the fact that it becomes unpleasant to be in the office, a decrease in oxygen concentration in the air leads to a decrease in the attention of workers, makes people drowsy, and causes headaches.
Installation and automation of HVAC systems allow you to achieve fresh air and optimal temperature in the office, as well as monitor parameters such as temperature, air humidity, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, pollution levels in real-time, and, depending on the data received, regulate the operation of integrated systems
Even with adequate ventilation, a building may require additional solutions to improve air quality, including air purification systems, filters, and similar solutions that eliminate odors, dust, and viruses in the air.
Health
Doctors call regular ventilation of rooms one of the measures to combat viruses. If this task is not automated, employees will most likely ventilate the premises no more than 1-2 times a day. The use of devices such as breathers in the ventilation system, as well as their integration into a unified building or office management system, will automate the process, guaranteeing the regular supply of fresh air and the removal of polluted air in the premises.
In addition, purifiers are characterized by the number of cubic meters of air that are driven through the system per minute. By choosing a system powerful enough for your office, you will ensure air purification in all rooms, protecting both those employees whose workplaces are located near the ventilation system outlets and those who work far from them.
Productivity
Increasing concentrations of CO2 relative to oxygen can reduce employee productivity and their ability to concentrate. On the contrary, by ensuring a sufficient supply of fresh air into the premises and its purification, you guarantee an adequate level of oxygen in the air. High oxygen levels lead to increased productivity among employees and allow them to feel more motivated to complete their goals for the day.
Cost Reduction
HVAC systems are major consumers of electricity, so designing an energy-efficient office requires implementing additional solutions beyond standard insulation.
HVAC automation leads to both lower energy costs and improved environmental quality. If the outdoor air has the right temperature and humidity to cool indoor air, the system can increase the flow of incoming air while reducing the power of the air conditioners. Thanks to the difference in energy consumption between fans and air conditioners, savings are achieved.
Zoning
Ideally, each room should have a system of sensors installed that collect data on controlled parameters, because each individual zone has slightly different requirements from the others:
- The server room and computer room have specific requirements for air humidity
- Kitchens and breakout areas experience high traffic at certain times, storing more heat than offices or individual workstations.
- Meeting and conference rooms require different temperature conditions depending on their use.
- Areas near the building’s external walls and windows are most susceptible to the influence of outside air temperature.
How Much Does it Cost to Install an HVAC System in 2024?
Employees who are fully engaged in their work are a critical factor in protecting a business from wasting time and money. Thus, installing an HVAC system in an office is extremely important. In 2024, the cost of installing an HVAC system is approximately $7,200 – $16,500. At the same time, the equipment itself costs about $4,000 to $8,100, and the cost of work can vary from $3,200 to $8,400. Several factors influence the final cost of installation, including size, brand, SEER rating, fuel type of a HVAC system, and area and accessibility of the premises. For example, for 1.000 sq. ft premises, the new HVAC system costs between $2,900 and $6,100, and for 2.500 sq. ft premises, the price can reach $7,600 – $15,100.
Final Thoughts
The importance of using an HVAC system in your home and office is extremely important since the correct microclimate has a positive effect on health, mood, and performance. When choosing an HVAC system, you should focus on its characteristics, as well as their compliance with the room, and the requirements for air quality and air, floor, and water temperature levels.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
