In large and open-plan offices, it is always difficult to keep everybody happy. One person may turn up the air conditioning because he or she thinks it is too hot, while another person may be shivering and turning blue under an air vent. The ultimate goal of those with HVAC jobs, therefore, is to create an indoor environment with appropriate heating, ventilation and air conditioning where people can feel physically comfortable.

According to the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the maximum internal temperature of a workplace should not exceed 25 degree Celsius for more than five percent of the period that the building is occupied, and should not rise above 28 degrees Celsius for more than one percent of the time. However, this is easier said than done, as in recent years the summer in this country has become hotter, sometimes reaching as high as 32 degree Celsius. How can those with jobs in HVAC manage to enable their often inadequate and insufficient systems to provide extra cooling and ventilation? In addition, how can a balance be reached between such a need and the current global drive for lower greenhouse emissions?

Heating and ventilation systems currently account for up to 40 percent of all non-transport energy use in this country. As a result, there is considerable pressure on those with HVAC jobs to incorporate cost-effective and energy-conserving measures in their design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Industry experts suggest that one way to achieve comfort is zoning, which allows different parts of a building to maintain different temperatures. Particularly in large and open-plan offices, specialist consultation is available on the appropriate use of HVAC systems.

Specifically, it is critical that during the design process, those with HVAC jobs fully communicate with architects, building owners and building services managers to understand the functions and capabilities of the buildings and their future occupants. The purpose is two-fold -- to avoid poor positioning of HVAC facilities in new buildings, and to provide proper adjustments of existing systems in refurbishment projects. In due course, appropriate air distribution should be achieved in order to maintain the wellbeing and productivity of all building occupants.

Furthermore, it is vital that in the early stage of their design schemes, those with jobs in HVAC work with architects to take into consideration the sizes and locations of ventilation grilles, as well as those of the lighting and other building services situated within the ceiling void. Particularly in tall buildings, ventilation paths are of paramount importance and can be hindered by the installation and operation of other facilities.

Finally, even the best HVAC systems cannot completely eliminate the impact of natural factors, but should take advantage of their positive influence on buildings. In order to reduce energy usage and lower initial capital and subsequent operating costs, those with HVAC jobs need to consider employing as much natural ventilation as possible. Another benefit of using natural ventilation is that building occupants can take control over their immediate environment.