The Benefits of a Commercial Ventilation System

In large commercial buildings with high ceilings, a ventilation system is essential to move air through the building. This helps to remove odors, excess humidity and harmful airborne chemicals from the workplace. In addition, ventilation reduces heat buildup in the roof space and helps to control indoor temperatures, improving energy efficiency. Bradford Ventilation offers a wide range of commercial ventilation systems to suit all requirements.

Many large commercial spaces use a combination ventilation system commercial of natural and mechanical ventilation to provide good airflow. In this type of arrangement, windows are opened on mild days and a mechanical system is used when weather conditions are too hot or cold for natural methods. This is an efficient, cost-effective and reliable way to achieve good indoor air quality.

Exhaust fans in kitchens and restrooms help to remove odors and excess humidity. However, these only freshen the air in a limited area and do not bring in new, clean air. A ventilation system should be designed to draw out the stale air in all areas of a commercial space, and introduce fresh air evenly throughout a building. This will improve indoor air quality and make the working environment more comfortable for staff and customers.

Office spaces are particularly susceptible to the buildup of harmful airborne chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are released by carpeting, paint, photocopy machines, printing materials and cleaning products. They are also emitted by gas-powered equipment such as forklifts. Effective ventilation systems reduce VOCs and other pollutants in office spaces, preventing sick building syndrome.

Commercial kitchens are also prone to high levels of airborne moisture, smoke and heat. This can be very uncomfortable for staff in the cooking areas, and it can also cause corrosion of machinery and appliances. A commercial kitchen ventilation system helps to control these problems and improve the working environment for staff.

Most ventilation systems involve an air handling unit with fan(s), filters and heat exchanger. Air is drawn in through air intake vents and circulated through the building with ductwork. The heat exchanger recovers the heat from the extracted air and pre-heats the incoming fresh air, reducing energy costs.

MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) systems are especially energy-efficient. Unlike traditional supply-only systems, these units draw air into the building from outside through air intake vents and then extract the polluted air through the extraction fan ducts. The system then replaces the extracted air with fresh, clean air. This system is ideal for commercial buildings in moderate climates, since the outdoor air will already be at the right temperature.

Ventilation systems are an integral part of a healthy building and should be carefully designed for the specific needs of each application. In particular, engineers need to ensure that there is no negative pressure inside the building, and that CO sensors are in place to prevent dangerous CO levels from being exceeded. At Tri-Tech Energy, we have a unique competency in designing and installing large scale ventilation systems for resorts, hotels, factories, warehouses, malls and other large commercial buildings. These designs often require thousands of feet of duct runs, massive rooftop ventilation fans and special industrial and pharmaceutical ventilation systems.