As experts in our field, we get asked a lot of questions about airflow control. Here are the four we hear most regularly:

Q: Do all businesses and organisations need airflow control?

A: Yes.

Airflow control impacts worker safety, energy efficiency and productivity in all organisations and indoor environments.

Without effective airflow control, organisations risk failure to comply with health and safety regulations and the negative impacts on productivity associated with poor indoor air quality (‘IAQ’). Precision airflow control also helps businesses operate more sustainably, reducing carbon emissions and energy costs in line with the UK’s net zero targets.

TEL’s Variable Air Volume (‘VAV’) airflow control and monitoring solutions can help reduce energy use – and therefore costs – by up to 85%.

Q: Does a bigger space mean better air quality?

A: Not necessarily.

It’s often assumed that the bigger the space, the more diluted any toxic or harmful airborne particles will be. But although extra space might dilute them, it won’t eliminate them. They can still be present at dangerous levels and accumulate over time.

Other factors to consider include activities undertaken, footfall and the number and type of pollution sources within the space. The best way to ensure consistently clean, safe air is to control its movement, replace it regularly and ensure appropriate filtration for the environment.

Q: Does passing the Thorough Examination and Test mean we’re safe and compliant?

A: Yes – but only on the day you passed it.  

There is potentially a 14 month gap between each Thorough Examination and Test during which problems might arise and go undetected, compromising safety and risking non-compliance with health and safety regulations.

The only way to really ensure the safety and compliance of your airflow control system is with ongoing monitoring. TEL’s automated control systems, incorporating real time monitoring and alarms, prioritise safety and offer belt and braces compliance.

Q: Is it expensive to replace our system?

A: It’s unlikely you’ll need to completely replace your existing system.

At TEL our knowledge and experience mean we can retrofit our solutions to most existing systems. The investment needed for our energy efficient solutions is usually recouped within two years.

In the medium to long term, it is more expensive to continue to operate older, inefficient systems that are using – and paying for – more energy than you need.

If you’ve got a question about airflow control, give the team a call.