Complaints about temperature in the office (being too hot or too cold) are the top grievances from office workers, according to IFMA and a variety of other sources. If your company is trying to boost productivity and get more employees back to the office, it pays to optimize your workplace temperature.
Research has proven that creating the ideal office temperature can improve employee experience, increase workforce output, and reduce mistakes. In fact, the savings and revenue generated by a more comfortable room temperature in the workplace could cover the cost of updates needed to improve the temperature in your office.
Here are 10 ways to make your existing HVAC system work better, without replacing the entire system.
10 steps to improve air flow & temperature in the office
Here’s a quick reference to help you identify HVAC changes and other improvements that impact the office temperature. You can find more detailed information below to help you implement them.
1. Update or replace outmoded HVAC components
If your HVAC service provider has been proactive and recommended necessary upgrades and system modifications all along, this shouldn’t be an issue. If they haven’t, we highly recommend that you have an independent HVAC professional take a look at your system and its components to see if simple updates will help improve air flow.
2. Update your building automation system
Settings may have become obsolete due to office reconfigurations or other changes to the building’s layout. A review of the system controls may reveal adjustments that will help your equipment run smarter and smoother.
3. Clean ducts and vents
Maintenance shouldn’t end at the point where heated or cooled air leaves the central system. Ducts, filters and vents can become clogged with dust, grime and hair, reducing efficiency and air flow.
4. Install cooler lighting
Light fixtures that produce less heat reduce the chance that lighting is warming thermostat controls and, in turn, chilling workers.
5. Modify ductwork
As building changes are made, new office and cubicle layouts may require changes to the positioning of ductwork. Most modifications to ductwork can be done with no interruptions to worker productivity.
6. Install window shades or blinds
Whether to retain heat in the winter, shade the sun’s rays in the summer, or provide maximum UV blockage, energy-efficient window coverings can help cut energy costs and improve comfort levels throughout the workplace.
7. Add window film
Solar and decorative window films can provide sun control and UV protection, reduce hot spots, and provide window tinting and privacy while increasing energy savings. And, unlike shades, window film doesn’t block the view.
8. Get an energy audit
Getting an energy audit will give you a much more robust understanding of your building performance, and how to improve its HVAC and mechanical functioning to improve comfort and save money. You may even qualify for tax credits.
9. Provide thermostat control to occupants
The more control you’re able to give to workers, the fewer complaints you’ll have regarding temperature variables. Even limited control, such as 5° in either direction, can help reduce complaints.
10. Consider green initiatives
Environmentally friendly improvements like green rooftops, heat recovery, and solar water heating can improve comfort and may even provide tax breaks. Ask your accountant about any tax benefits to offset costs.
Arista can help make your NYC office temperature more comfortable
Consult with Arista’s experts to find out how to improve your workplace temperature control. If you’re in the NYC metro area, contact us anytime; we’d be happy to help. You may find that your problems can be solved more easily than you expected.