Heating an Office Environment in Winter

As the winter months are now upon us, many businesses are looking for ways to create a warm and comfortable environment for their employees. However, these benefits need to be balanced with energy costs and the concepts should be easy to implement. Let us take a look at some of the most powerful tips that will help to adequately heat an office during colder times of the year.

Understanding the Appropriate Temperatures

Although the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that the minimum working temperature should be at least sixteen degrees, most offices prefer to maintain heat at levels between twenty-one and twenty-three degrees. However, this is assuming that employes are performing sedentary work such as being seated at a desk. For a more vigourous environment, the aforementioned sixteen degrees may indeed be adequate.

Ventilation and Circulation

A lack of proper ventilation can lead to an office becoming stagnant and stuffy; lessening productivity. So, the air should be properly circulated with the help of ceiling fans or a robust central heating system. This will also help to greatly increase efficiency while finding a balance between ventilation and warmth. Many offices are known to be hot in some areas and cold in others. The proper amount of ventilation will help to stabilise the overall ambient temperature; reducing heating costs over time.

Only Heat Occupied Areas

The thermostat should be set so that it is only operating during (and immediately before) working hours. Also, there is no need to heat rooms which are not in use. The most modern systems are very modular in nature and will enable management to control different areas of the environment from a central platform. As with ventilation, proper heat distribution will create greater levels of comfort and save a substantial amount of money.

Consider Natural Light

Although the temperatures may have fallen outside, the power of the sun is still considerable. Offices with windows that face the sun during working hours should make use of this natural source. Opening the blinds widely can heat a medium-sized room by as much as five degrees within a few hours. Also, the ambient light offers a more vibrant work atmosphere.

Examine Gaps in Doors and Windows

It is estimated that as much as fifteen per cent of heat is lost due to poorly insulated frames around windows and doors. Make certain that no drafts are present and that no cold air can be felt escaping. If this is found to be occurring, it is wise to purchase an expandable filler for door jambs and window frames. Doors that have a large gap at the bottom can be fitted with a rubber stopper to prevent further heat loss.

Reflective Radiator Strips

These low-cost thermal additions can be placed directly behind any radiators located within an office. In turn, they will reflect a great deal of heat that would otherwise be lost. In fact, up to ninety per cent can be recirculated in this manner. Obviously, this will have a profound impact upon the temperature within even the largest of rooms.

These methods are all quite effective at properly heating an office while reducing overall energy consumption. Thankfully, they are easy to employ and will make a massive perceived difference during what may prove to be a frigid winter.

Conditioned Environment have a wealth of experience in providing the highest quality heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. For more information, get in touch with us today.