Electrical Contracting News (ECN) May 2017 | Page 35
HVAC
ensuring correct installation is paramount.
This is to guarantee the unit’s optimum
performance, energy effi ciency and
compliance with regulations.
The range of products available on
the market is extensive. These range
from smaller centrifugal fans that
provide remote extraction in small
commercial buildings and retail spaces,
to larger commercial heat recovery
units. Commercial heat recovery units,
when using effective filtration, remove
harmful contaminants whilst recycling
heat, which is otherwise lost through the
conventional extraction process and use
this heat to warm the incoming supply
air. However, despite the developing
capabilities of ventilation systems, a
mechanical ventilation system is only as
good as its install.
Fit for purpose
When it comes to best practice it is the
manufacturer’s duty to create products
which are fi t for purpose by meeting
the requirements of the latest building
regulations and deliver installed
performance. The manufacturer must also
provide clear instructions as well as easy
to understand operating documents to the
building occupiers.
However, electrical contractors should
take full advantage of proper training to
ensure the highest installation standards,
and that best practice is being followed.
Leading training providers such as City &
Guilds, NICEIC and NAPIT offer courses that
give installers both the practical skills and
knowledge to work on ventilation systems
for all building types. Such courses are
suitable for new installers beginning their
careers, as well as those looking to expand
their skill set or move towards specialising
in installing and maintaining domestic or
commercial heating and ventilation systems.
Airfl ow has long championed the need
for training and as such hosts a number
of sessions throughout the year at the
new state-of-the-art Air Academy at its
head offi ce in High Wycombe. With a
showroom demonstrating live operational
units from across our entire catalogue,
the Air Academy also offers seminar and
training facilities to accommodate installer
courses, including the NICEIC Ventilation
Installer Training Scheme. By successfully
undertaking these courses, the installer
will be able to install and commission
ventilation systems in line with the
requirements of the building regulations.
This commitment to quality and training
also extends to a number of CIBSE and
RIBA approved CPDs. These are aimed at
helping specifi ers understand the current
UK building regulations in regards to
ventilation and the importance of effective
ventilation in commercial properties.
Sessions introduce Mechanical Ventilation
with Heat Recovery (MVHR) technology and
explain how installing MVHR systems can
benefi t health, energy bills and even the
building fabric itself, further highlighting
why it is crucial to not only select the
‘A mechanical
ventilation
system is
only as good
as its install.’
correct MVHR system, but to optimise
its performance by ensuring the highest
standard of installation.
As the ventilation sector continues to
develop more effi cient and cost effective
solutions that enhance indoor air quality with
minimal environmental impact, it is more
crucial than ever to ensure that installations
comply with legislation and provide
continued optimum performance. With new
opportunities to ups