With Christmas just around the corner, the last thing most employers are thinking about is the workplace air conditioning. Many office managers will have already turned off their air conditioning system and won’t be planning to turn it on again until next spring.
If this is the way you operate, it’s time for a rethink, as using and maintaining your AC system during the winter months is important for two reasons: it keeps it in an optimum condition ready for next spring, and it also provides a comfortable working environment for your staff, whatever the weather.
Using the air conditioning in the winter is just as important as it is in the summer. You should be reaping the rewards of your system all year round.
Good air quality
Most UK workers spend a lot of time indoors, so making sure the air quality is good is a massively important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. People normally think of air pollution as something that occurs outside, but in reality, indoor air in your home, office or other buildings can be polluted too.
Indoor air can be sullied by dust, fire-retardants, formaldehyde, radon and chemicals used in conventional cleaning products. Some pollutants can arrive through new furniture, such as office chairs, carpet cleaners, or even through painting the walls.
Best working conditions
Pollutants can rarely be avoided, but with a professionally installed air conditioning system in place (and with the correct maintenance), employers can help their staff breathe cleaner air. Creating a healthy environment will help keep employees in better health – so fewer sick days.
In winter, the air quality is generally poorer than in the summer because rising humidity levels and less ventilation create stagnant air within commercial buildings. This kind of climate lets pollutants, contaminants and allergens thrive, creating unhealthy conditions for employees.
The filtration system of an air conditioning unit provides advantages all year round, including in the winter months, letting employees enjoy a healthy and comfortable working environment, however long they spend in the office. Studies show that feeling healthier and working in a pleasant environment can also increase staff productivity.
Winter maintenance
Keeping your air conditioning system in good condition in winter is important, so that it remains ready to tackle the summer temperatures. The value of winter maintenance is frequently underestimated, as people wrongly believe that the cooler temperatures outside mean you don’t need to worry about the air con.
On the contrary, maintenance tasks such as changing your filters and keeping the exterior condensers free from debris must be carried out all year round. Simple maintenance can prevent serious problems from materialising further down the line.
In winter, it’s particularly important to combat seasonal debris. Use a brush to sweep off leaves and twigs surrounding the exterior parts of the AC system. Wash off any dirt with a hose and allow the unit to dry. Cleaning your air conditioner unit in this way will prevent it from getting clogged up and possibly breaking down when you need it most during the spring and summer.
Annual maintenance procedures can save you money in the long term, preventing problems with the system, so it’s a false economy if you decide not to bother because it’s winter. Keeping the AC system well maintained can also help to lower energy bills.
GREE UK has more than 25 years’ professional experience in manufacturing top-quality air conditioning systems. Contact us for further details of our products and services.
