Modern Building Services

are more conscious of accurately controlling energy consumption. Indeed, such demand is reflected in the growth of the smart technology market across residential settings, with Statista 2 forecasting UK household penetration of such devices rising from 45.8% in 2022 to 84.8% by 2026. A similar situation can be seen in commercial buildings. As occupant comfort and safety is integral to any property, operators must also ensure that any installation does not encroach upon these needs. This is particularly pertinent for office environments, where organisations will be determined to avoid any detriment to the productivity of their workforce. Fan Coil Units With the above in mind, many landlords have decided to equip their properties with fan coil units (FCUs), which make use of hot and cold water to temper air. Commonly used in conjunction with a ventilation duct system, users are able to regulate the temperature of multiple spaces simultaneously – all while remaining more economical than alternatives such as variable air volume (VAV) systems. FCUs can also be installed and operated without impacting occupant experience, as they can be easily sited in ceiling cavities or the like. Keeping sight of air quality When implementing such systems, it must be acknowledged that air quality is a critical factor. Usually, when using any heating and ventilation system, rapid changes between hot and cold can invite a risk of poor air quality – especially inwell- insulated spaces such as newbuilds. Switching between the two can generate both condensation and humidity, which together create inviting conditions for mould to spawn. While mould can manifest as solely an unsightly nuisance, it can also be a serious health hazard, leading to numerous health problems including headaches, fatigue, sneezing, and dermatitis. The presence of mould can prove as detrimental to the building and its operation as it is to its occupants, greatly speeding up the deterioration of wallpaper, carpets, ceiling tiles and floorboards. If left to fester, mould can even weaken ceilings and floors to the point of collapse, causing irreparable structural damage. Moreover, uplifts to Building Regulations only stipulate the importance of indoor air quality. Building contractors working on commercial sites must pay particular notice to changes in Approved Document F which outlines new requirements around air supply and the presence of pollutants. The power of smart controls Effective temperature control has the capability to avoid these hazards and helpmanage indoor air quality in line with regulations. FCUs, for instance, are best operated in conjunction with a smart control system to ensure that any temperature changes occur in a safe and controlledmanner. For example, REHAU’s NEA Smart 2.0 comes equipped with fan coil integration, enabling synergy with any FCUs on site in order to achieve maximum efficiency without compromising air quality. Intelligent algorithms in solutions such as these ensure that any transitions between heating and cooling are gradual without creating unwanted humidity or condensation – the absence of which makes it difficult for mould to grow. Smart controls also provide the ability to measure air quality and make automatic adjustments based on this. Fitting sensors in walls, ceilings and floors can even allow advanced systems to calculate the dew point of a specific zone, meaning that FCUs can operate at their optimum energy efficiency without posing risks to any wallpaper, flooring or furniture. As underfloor heating control is also included, operators can realise maximum synergy between heating and ventilation systems on-site to ultimately avoid energy wastage. Intelligent progress Impending sustainability targets and regulatory pressures have placed an increased burden on contractors to ensure that properties are equipped with energy-efficient features. However, it is vital that these upgrades do not come at the expense of user experience, with poor air quality a leading cause of harmful mould. Here, smart controls stand as an effective solution, allowing operators to guarantee that air quality is not compromised in pursuit of efficiency. With bothmodular control of individual zones and performancemore in demand than ever, incorporating smart control systems such as our solution should be a prioritymoving forwards. FEATURE AIR CONDITIONING, COOLING & VENTILATION More information can be found at www.rehau.uk MODERN BUILDING SERVICES AUGUST 2022 15 1 www.theccc.org.uk/publication/2022-progress-report-to-parliament 2 www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/smart-home/united-kingdom