Air conditioning in the workplace

Employees are no longer prepared to suffer in an overheated workplace, especially if they have worked in an air-conditioned building before. With air conditioning fitted as standard to 75% of new cars, and in new buildings, shops, restaurants etc. peoples expectations have increased.

Meteorological records show that British summers are becoming hotter; temperatures of over 30C are now commonplace. As a result more businesses are recognising that air conditioning improves worker morale and productivity, and reduces absenteeism.

The disadvantages of fixed central air conditioning

The biggest disadvantage of fixed air conditioning is cost. For a typical medium sized office, a complete system including installation can be as much as £8000. Because air conditioning is likely to only be needed for a few weeks per year, businesses are naturally not inclined to invest such large sums of money.

Many businesses put off spending money until they have to. This means the decision to install fixed air conditioning is put off until the summer heat wave begins; there is then a long wait for installation because the contractors are working flat out.

The advantages of portable air conditioning

Portable units have several advantages, over fixed air conditioning units:

• Low capital cost – typically 40 to 60% less than central air conditioning
• No Installation – wheel a portable air conditioner into place, plug in and switch on, for immediate cooling
• Flexibility – portable air conditioners are easily moved between hot spots.
• Low running costs – nothing wastes money more than cooling an entire building when cool air is only required in a specific ‘hot spot’

Portable air conditioning in the workplace

10 years ago air conditioning in the workplace was rare, most businesses were prepared to sweat it out. Although there is currently no legal requirement to keep workplaces cool, employees now expect to be able to work in comfort. Modern portable air conditioning units are a cost efficient way for businesses to keep their staff cool, reduce absenteeism and maintain productivity.

Activair portable air conditioners

Activair air conditioners are completely portable, yet fully featured, air conditioning units that can be quickly positioned where needed. They are less expensive to purchase than fixed air conditioners and very economical to operate.