As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your employees feel comfortable in their working environment at all times. Whether it’s providing comfortable office chairs that support their backs or investing in ergonomic keyboards, there are a number of things that you can do to ensure that your employees are comfortable at their desks.
When it comes to the temperature of your office, one thing is for sure – working in a hot office can be extremely uncomfortable, leaving us all feeling a little hot and bothered. To ensure that your employees are working to the best of their abilities and your office is a productive one, it is important that the temperature is regulated. Coping with heat in the workplace can be uncomfortable and difficult, with the main risks being dehydration and overheating.
Today, air conditioning in the workplace is not uncommon, and there are an abundance of advantages of installing it. From protecting the health of your employees to increasing productivity and performance, installing an air conditioning system can be extremely beneficial. Below, we take a look at the benefits of installing air conditioning in the workplace and discuss some of the cons associated with it too.
The benefits of air conditioning units in the workplace
Increased productivity
Ensuring that your employees are comfortable in the workplace is essential to maximise productivity and ensure that they are working to their best capabilities. If employees are spending time fanning themselves or stepping outside for a break, they’re spending less time focusing on the tasks at hand. Plus, trying to focus on work when you’re feeling uncomfortably hot and bothered is difficult in itself.
Regulating the temperature in your office creates a comfortable environment and can have a positive impact on the health and motivation of your employees, leading to a healthier and more efficient work environment. It is recommended that you keep the temperature above 20ºc and below 26ºc. Installing an air conditioning system in the workplace ensures that the temperature of the office is regulated throughout the day, ensuring that employees can work to their best capacity.
An air conditioning system can also be particularly beneficial in workplaces where equipment is generating a lot of heat in addition to the warm weather.
Filtered quality air
When maintained correctly, an air conditioning system can actually improve the quality of the air circulating around the office. As a business owner, you’re likely already aware of the impact employee sick days can have on your business; temporarily losing them due to illness can leave the business struggling to meet deadlines and targets.
Installing an air conditioning system can help to improve the ventilation in your office, as well as reduce allergens, such as pollen, in the air. The evaporative unit of an air conditioner draws the air into an inbuilt air filter before absorbing the heat, removing dust and other air pollutants. It is important to note, however, that the air conditioning system must be clean and properly maintained, ensuring that the air filter inside is pure and clean. If it is dirty, this can lead to indoor air pollution which can affect the health of your employees, leading to severe health issues and further sick days. Be sure to change the filter regularly to ensure that it stays in top condition.
Deters insects
In addition to improving the quality of the air, air conditioning systems also help to keep insects and bugs at bay. Reducing the temperature in the room reduces the number of parasites and insects in the air as cool temperatures are less favourable to microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Not only does this improve the air quality and discourage germs and toxins from the air, but it also makes the office a generally nicer place to be – after all, working with flies or insects in the room can be distracting and irritating.
Furniture and electric device maintenance
Many electronic items that you have in the office are sensitive to heat and also heat up in order to function. To ensure that all electronic devices in your office stay in top condition and continue to run efficiently, it is important that you keep them cool. When technology overheats, it can switch itself off or even break entirely which can cost your business money and time – something that can cause disruption to your business. Installing air conditioning in the office will ensure that temperatures remain cool and will prevent devices and equipment from overheating.
Disadvantages of installing air con in the workplace
Higher energy bills
One of the downsides to installing air conditioning in the workplace is the potential increase in the cost of your energy bills. Air conditioning can increase your energy bill and cost your company more money, particularly if you’re moving from no air conditioning to a central air conditioning system. However, when you weigh up the benefits that air conditioning will offer both your work environment and employees, paying a little bit extra is worth it.
Regular maintenance
As discussed above, air conditioning systems require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure that they stay in top condition and continue to work safely and efficiently. If the system is not regularly cleaned and the filter not replaced, dust and dirt can build up and polluted air may be circulated around your office. We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally cleaned at least once a year, and always keep a close eye on the cleanliness of the ducts to prevent any issues.
Bacteria and mould
When maintained properly, you should experience no problems with your air conditioning system. However, it is important to note that air conditioners can be a breeding ground for the growth of bacteria. When cold air circulates through the system, moisture can accumulate, leading to condensation. If the system is not cleaned and maintained, mould and fungus can form and get blown out into the air – something that can be detrimental to the health of your employees.
Pinder Cooling Ltd: the go-to air conditioning contractor in West Yorkshire
If you’re looking for a reliable company to install an air conditioning system in your workplace, look no further than Pinder Cooling Ltd. We provide expert installations and air conditioning maintenance in Bradford and the surrounding areas in West Yorkshire.
Whether you need an air conditioning system for your home or workplace, our experienced team of experts are on hand to ensure that you choose an air conditioning system that meets your needs. Our qualified team of engineers also provide air conditioning maintenance and air con repair, ensuring that your system stays in top condition all year round and continues to work efficiently.
At Pinder Cooling Ltd, we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and outstanding reputation. We can provide a free site survey and transparent quote so that we know exactly how to proceed with the job, and so that you have all of the costs upfront.
In addition to air conditioning installation and maintenance, we also specialise in cellar cooling, bar equipment, cold rooms and more. For more information, visit our website or get in touch with us today.
About Pinder Cooling
Pinder Cooling provides commercial air conditioning and commercial refrigeration installation services to clients across the North of England, including Leeds, Manchester, Wakefield, Liverpool, Sheffield and Hull.