It’s too hot; it’s freezing cold; man, it’s stuffy in here. If your team is constantly moaning about the state of your air conditioning, you might need to take a look at improving it. Happy staff are more productive staff, right?
The best thing you can do is to install a new and better-designed air conditioning system. But, if this is too major and Simon from Accounts says no, there are 8 simple things you can do to improve the performance of your air conditioning system.
- Make sure the system is on all day. Don’t fiddle with the controls and try to control the temperature yourself.
- Make sure the thermostat is not obstructed so it can accurately sense the room air temperature. If you have a filing cabinet, shelving, photocopier or a stack of paperwork leaning against it, move it.
- If you have access and are able to, set the thermostat to about 21–22ºC.
- If possible, set the blades on the air supply outlets to they blow upwards and across the ceiling in summer – that should eliminate any icy blasts. In winter, move these blades to focus more downwards, to allow for the fact that hot air rises.
- Do not have the blades blowing directly at anyone. Or anything, actually, such as light fittings.
- Make sure that the return air grilles are unobstructed.
- Windows are a natural enemy of air conditioning. Use blinds to control heat from the sun if you can.
- To avoid the stuffy office that makes everyone want to fall asleep, open a window a little – but not too much – for a supply of fresh air.
If you use these easy tactics you should find that you have a more comfortable air-conditioning system for the tenants or staff in your building.