Most of the UK is currently experiencing a heatwave and a couple of weeks ago in July one of the highest UK temperatures ever was recorded. Some scientists predict this is a sure sign of global warming and that long, hot summers will become commonplace in Britain.
While this may sound appealing to some, it’s a serious issue for health and also for businesses. The UK is not accustomed to such high temperatures for weeks on end so many buildings are not equipped to maintain a safe, comfortable climate.
Occupants can become lethargic, stressed, ill, and distracted, which negatively impacts productivity and well-being.
Don’t be left high and dry
People want to avoid complaints that it’s too hot to work, or dealing with sick people - especially children, the elderly, those with compromised health (e.g. respiratory or cardiac conditions), or even animals. People need fresh, clean air that only a quality ventilation or air conditioning system can provide
Hot weather, even in the UK, can kill. And as one will have no doubt experienced, opening a window or using a fan just isn’t going to combat the heat.
People need fresh, clean air that only a quality ventilation or air conditioning system can provide - preferably one which is also energy-efficient and sustainable.
Maintaining Temperatures
If one wants to attract customers to the premises, for example, if one manages a car showroom, public transport, or retail space, those aren’t going to stay long if it’s uncomfortably warm, impacting upon the business.
One may even have to close to the public if health risks are high, as was the case for Euro Tunnel when extreme heat disrupted services at one of the busiest times of the year.
Maintaining temperatures in medical or scientific environments can mean lives are put at risk when that temperature is compromised for any period of time.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Due to this threat of climate change, air conditioning is set to become more commonplace in the UK.
There are around 2,000 deaths related to warm weather each year but the Environmental Audit Committee claims this will rise by 257% to 7,000 if one doesn't make adaptions.
System Maintenance
Maintaining the system is important and is an investment rather than an expense Despite the initial cost of installing an AC system, maintaining that system is just as important and is an investment rather than an expense.
Just like a car, van, or even a bike, maintaining the moving parts and components means that potential problems are flagged before they start to impact daily life.
A system may look fine, but can be declining gradually and using up more energy (and money) without proper maintenance.
Adcock Maintenance Plan
If the system is not maintained and breaks down during a typically busy period, like a summer heatwave, one will be competing with hundreds of others trying to get an engineer to fix the problem.
However, if one is already on an Adcock maintenance plan, not only will the system be better placed to function when the heat is on, but one will enjoy a priority service for any breakdowns that do occur (and even more so if one is in a critical sector like blood store cooling or hospital premises).
Different Requirements
Adcock can devise a suitable maintenance plan for the system, whether installed originally or not. There’s no one size fits all plan because there are many different requirements, some relating to statutory obligations and some more strategic and pertinent to the business.
Refrigerants with specific Global Warming Potential (GWP), for example, have specific legislation regarding the frequency of servicing and the safe handling of leaks and disposal.
Server rooms may be more business-critical than the office floor, and therefore the maintenance plan would reflect this. These are the sorts of considerations to take care of for the customers because maintenance isn’t just paperwork or tickbox exercise for Adcock.
Experts
Our engineers are expertly trained to know the different checks for different manufacturers and the warning signs of wear and tear. Not all maintenance providers do this, but with Adcock, one has complete peace of mind and can trust to do the best for people.
The engineers will get to know the system inside out and will be able to offer discounts and cost-effective solutions for long-term maintenance plans, upgrades, or system extensions.
Advise
Climate change can mean freezing cold winters as well as baking hot summers, both of which can impact buildings and occupants within.
Adcock advises setting up a maintenance plan as soon as possible to keep the air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, or ventilation in peak condition, whatever the weather.
