The regulations pertaining to air in buildings mean employers must make certain there is a sufficient supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of workplaces. This is especially important during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Maximising fresh air in a space can be done by:

• Natural Ventilation – relies on passive air flow through doors, windows, and air vents that can be fully or partially opened.
• Mechanical Ventilation – uses fans and ducts to bring outside fresh air into the building. 
• Combination of natural and mechanical ventilation, for example where mechanical ventilation relies on natural ventilation to maximise fresh air such as air conditioning systems.

Ventilation is a key control measure to reduce the risk of virus transmission as part of making a workspace or public space COVID-secure, along with social distancing, keeping everywhere clean, frequent handwashing and hand sanitisation.

It is important that employers and guardians of public spaces use these three key points as guidance to apply these measures to help visitors and workers.

1. Assess the risk from aerosol transmission in enclosed areas.

2. Identify poorly ventilated areas.

3. Decide on steps to be taken that will improve ventilation.

Why ventilation is important.

Good ventilation reduces how much virus is in the air. It helps reduce risk from aerosol transmission, when someone breathes in small particles (the aerosols) from the air in an enclosed space where a person infected with the virus has been.

In areas that are inadequately poorly ventilated.

Ventilation reduces the aerosol risk but has little impact on droplet transmission (where people are within 2 metres of each other) and contact transmission (touching surfaces)

Assessing aerosol transmission risk

Sufficient ventilation will look different in varying workplaces or settings.

You can reduce the risk of aerosol transmission by ensuring infected workers or visitors with coronavirus symptoms do not come into the workplace. Provide the right amount of fresh air and limit the number of people in each area. Pay attention to and think about the impact of the activities being performed. For example, activities that increase deeper breathing (singing, physical activities and shouting) should be especially monitored and Covid compliance strictly adhered to by limiting people participating, greater social distance, and the all-important ventilation.

Simply Air Conditioning London offer a 24 Hour Call Out. Call at any hour on 020 7870 2333. Or get in touch using the contact form!

Commercial Air Conditioning and Ventilation London

We design and install commercial air conditioning systems with fresh-air ventilation to meet workplace health and safety requirements across London.

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Sometimes it is interesting to sit back and think about the ways in which an invention plays such an integral part of our lives in ways we often do not expect. Here we look at 10 ways air conditioning systems complement our lives day to day and help to progress new technologies and to even save lives. So many things are possible due to air conditioning so here are some celebrated facts.

1. It Saves Lives

In 2003, an unprecedented European heat wave killed up to 70,000 people across the continent. In Auxerre, France for 8 days in a row the temperature reached 40°C which was extreme and there were very few air-conditioned buildings which could have saved lives. By contrast 20 years earlier a record 42 days straight of over 40°C were recorded in Texas, USA. No deaths were recorded due to the general use of air conditioning in buildings and cars.

2. It Makes Health Care Centres Healthier

Air-conditioned buildings can maintain controlled filtered air for comfort and hygiene preventing air borne viruses and maintaining a sterile environment for operating theatres and treatment rooms.

3. It Increases Productivity

Studies on productivity found that labour productivity increases and peaks at 18°C and drops by 15% at 23°C and by 28% when the mercury reaches 30°C. Workplace accidents also increased with the temperature in both factories and offices. Air conditioning maintaining a comfortable temperature increases safety and comfort.  

4. It Makes Technology Possible

Many technologies require clean room or cool environments. For example, the manufacture of computer chips and other technology component manufacturing requires clean room environments. Clean rooms are only possible with air conditioning as is the running of computer server rooms, call centres and other areas where technology needs to be kept cool.

 5. It Gave Us Hollywood Movies

Following the advent of air conditioning, cinema owners began installing air conditioning systems to attract more summer cinema audiences which in turn financed the movie industry. From silent film, through talkies and colour to today’s block busters. Without air conditioning perhaps there would be no Hollywood.

6. It Protects Interiors and Antiquities

Controlled temperatures and humidity from air conditioning protect internal furnishings, art, and artifacts from antiquity. Museums and galleries ensure that the preservation of these historical items are maintained in optimum conditions.  

Simply Air Conditioning London offer a 24 Hour Call Out. Call at any hour on 020 7870 2333. Or get in touch using the contact form!

Air Conditioning Installation London

From homes to offices, server rooms to restaurants — Simply Air Conditioning London designs and installs systems for every type of property across the capital.

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During the winter, the comfort of your home and energy bills can be affected by the relative humidity of your home.

The term relative humidity (RH) refers to the amount of water vapour in the air at a certain temperature. For example, at 50 percent relative humidity, the air is holding 50% of the total moisture it can hold. The capacity of the air to hold water decreases as temperature decreases and increases as temperature rises.

For example, when the outdoor temperature is cold and the outdoor relative humidity is 70%, a home that has the thermostat set at 22°C has an indoor humidity level of around 6% – this is drier than the relative humidity in most deserts which is 25%!

Dry interior air will take moisture from where it finds it including from bodies. As a response, the evaporation of moisture from the body results in cooling so it is likely the thermostat to stay warm will be constantly turned up which of course leads to high energy bills.  We have all experienced being in a dry centrally heated environment and it can be uncomfortable and cause sore throats, dry noses and so forth.

However, if relative humidity indoors is maintained in the region of 35-to-45 %, this minimises the need for the air to replenish moisture, and little or no evaporation from bodies takes place. This means the thermostat can be turned down by a few degrees while maintaining comfort. The resulting energy cost saving is significant. You may save as much as 15% on energy costs.

The most efficient way to maintain the right level of humidity in your home is to rely on your air conditioning system. Your air conditioning system depending on type may include a whole house humidifying system or for stand-alone units will control the humidity in the space where it is needed. This is achieved by using a digital thermostat with humidity control. Comfort and cost savings in winter just when you need them.

Simply Air Conditioning London offer a 24 Hour Call Out. Call at any hour on 020 7870 2333. Or get in touch using the contact form!

Air Conditioning Installation and Maintenance London

A properly installed inverter air conditioning system manages both temperature and humidity throughout the year. Contact us to discuss installation or annual servicing.

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• Daikin air conditioning — precise humidity control

Our air conditioning systems are always there for us to keep us at the right temperature and to regulate the air in our homes. In these times, many of us are thinking about reducing emissions and using less electricity which of course has the benefit of saving money as well. Here we provide some tips to save money when using air conditioning.

1. Upgrade Windows

If you have older windows, there may be draughts and certainly there will be energy inefficiency which will make the air conditioning system work harder. Installing new energy efficient windows if possible, will save on electricity as the air conditioning will not be working overtime to combat constant temperature changes that older windows can cause. If new windows are not an option, then fixing air leaks by using a sealant and ensuring there are no draughts will help. 

2. Install a Thermostat

A thermostat that can be programmed will help cut costs by adjusting the air temperature depending on time of day or if there is anyone home. Some thermostats have an associated app so you can program on the move. It has been found that thermostats of this type save up to 10% on your bills annually.

3. Regular HVAC Air Filter Replacement

Air filters keep your air conditioning system running smoothly by promoting air circulation and preventing dust build up in vents. Dirty filters mean your system must work harder using more electricity.  Replace every few months or more often if you have pets. Replacement filters are not expensive and are an easy way to make your system more efficient. 

4. Reduce Sunlight

It may not happen that often in the UK, but sunlight streaming in through windows increases the temperature of your home. By closing curtains or using blinds or window shades during these episodes will save your air conditioning from working harder than it should saving money and using unnecessary energy. 

5. Home Insulation

Air is lost through attics, crawl spaces and walls.  Good insulation not only holds heat in but will also help maintain an ambient temperature without fluctuations once your air conditioning temperature is set.  Always a tried and trusted way of making a home efficient, insulation will save money on your air conditioning too. be worth the investment.

6. Regular Servicing

Maintenance is so important as an efficient air conditioning system is an economical one. Hiring a professional to regularly service your air conditioning system and replace parts when necessary can give your system longer more efficient life. 

7. Mindfulness

Just thinking about when you need to use your air conditioning instead of leaving it continually running will save you wasting money when you do not need to have the system running. Even adjusting the temperature can save you money

Simply Air Conditioning London offer a 24 Hour Call Out. Call at any hour on 020 7870 2333. Or get in touch using the contact form!

Efficient Air Conditioning Installation London

The best way to reduce long-term costs is to start with the right system, correctly sized and professionally installed. We also offer annual maintenance plans to keep running costs low.

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• Air conditioning cost guide London 2026
• F-Gas — refrigerant recharge and compliance

During these uncertain and unprecedented times, we are all addressing the “new normality” which reaches far and wide across daily life, industry. work life and leisure. Many of our clients are wondering what they should be doing in relation to their air conditioning maintenance now we are living with COVID 19.

Our priority as engineers is to ensure clean air is always available to susceptible occupants of buildings private or public from the air conditioning system. To do this we work to contain any contaminated/used air or to disperse it to the exterior of a building. We also dilute the available air with clean, filtered air from outdoors which is combined with cleaning the air within a room or space. 

As the virus is so new, there are no filters yet that are proven to remove the virus. However, by using outdoor air we can negate this until the technology comes on stream. 

We would recommend that the maintenance of air conditioning in highly controlled environments such as gyms where less air flow is supplied when less people are there are adjusted to allow full air flow at all times even though this will use more energy. Another option when the building is empty is to purge the air in the space, but this will require professional advice. 

Any air handling units that have ultraviolet need to be on and fully operational. If you do not have UV, talk to our engineers as outside of pandemic times, they help destroy pollutants and viruses. 

Dirty and inefficient filters can make occupants more susceptible to respiratory infections and thus more vulnerable to COVID 19. Priority must be given to maintaining regular filter changes and general maintenance of the air conditioning systems.

Finally, we recommend focussing on these key areas:

• Replace filters regularly. 
• Research increasing the minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) rating of your filters. The better the rating, the more airborne particles are captured. 
• Clean the inside of the air handling units using the recommended products your engineers or unit manufacturers. 

Simply Air Conditioning London offer a 24 Hour Call Out. Call at any hour on 020 7870 2333. Or get in touch using the contact form!

Air Conditioning Maintenance and Servicing London

Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently, extends its lifespan, and ensures F-Gas compliance. We offer annual service plans across London.

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Air Conditioning and Covid 19

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed daily life and as people are beginning to venture out again, some are concerned about the spread of the virus by means of air conditioning especially as the summer is upon us.  Here we answer the essential questions relating to air conditioning.

MYTH 1:  COVID 19 is airborne and circulating through air conditioning systems. 

FACT: COVID-19 is spread person to person via respiratory droplets. Any sneeze or cough has the potential to be inhaled by another person if inside the two-metre boundary from the infected person. The virus can live on surfaces for variable amounts of time and can be transmitted this way. 

Therefore, use of social distancing, hand hygiene, and sneeze and cough etiquette is essential. Face masks also protect and are important in public places. 

MYTH 2: Air Conditioning is spreading the virus in workplaces and public buildings

FACT: The risk of air conditioning spreading COVID-19 in the workplace or public buildings is extremely low and deemed highly unlikely by experts. There should be an adequate supply of fresh air and ventilation. Attention to using fresh air rather than recirculated is important. Your air conditioning London engineers can give advice on continuing use of air conditioning.

Air conditioning systems may be used as normal though it is recommended to swap your central air conditioning systems to fresh air instead of recirculated air.  Maintenance and servicing are important and for added safeguarding the filters should be continually changed. 

MYTH 3: Colder temperatures will kill the virus

FACT: Air conditioners set at extremely low temperature settings will not kill any virus but only serve to make anyone in that environment fluctuate in their body temperature which could affect their immune system. 

Our advice is to maintain temperature between 24 to 30 degrees so that it is pleasantly cool but does not cause people to feel chilled. 

Our Air Conditioning London engineers are trained in all COVID 19 protocols to come and adjust, maintain and service your ventilation systems for peace of mind in these difficult times.

Simply Air Conditioning London offer a 24 Hour Call Out. Call at any hour on 020 7870 2333. Or get in touch using the contact form!  

Air Conditioning Services London

Simply Air Conditioning London has been installing, servicing, and repairing air conditioning systems across London and the South East for over 15 years. All engineers are F-Gas certified.

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