Digital air solutions that cater for well- regulated, ventilated airflow and temperature control within the workplace form an integral part of employee productivity and equipment longevity, says technology company Samsung South Africa.

However, with the wide range of appliances currently available in South Africa, organisations need a clear understanding of the type of solution they should invest in to ensure year-round comfort, functionality and efficiency.

“It is in an enterprise’s best interests to implement a solution that is versatile and complements existing technologies. Businesses should consider scalability and flexibility to add extra devices or solutions to meet future needs,” says Samsung South Africa digital appliances divisional head Michael McKechnie.

There are several types of commercial applications for heating and cooling, such as chilled- water air conditioners, which are commonly located in shopping centres, hotels, office blocks and hospitals.

These appliances regulate water through buildings and fan coil units to ensure that the air temperature is controlled and maintained at a specific setting, says McKechnie.

Another category of device, the direct expansion air conditioner, is divided into two classifications, namely variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and split-type systems.

VRF systems work on a centralised plant installation, giving a high degree of energy efficiency, scalability and flexibility.

These benefits are further enhanced through the VRF system’s ability to add more easy-to- install units. Split-type air conditioners work on independent units, offering options such as mid-wall, ducted and cassette-type units, explains McKechnie.

“There are several considerations when choosing the correct system, including the size and scale of the premises, the internal layout of the building, a company’s future growth plans, the equipment’s running costs and flexibility in terms of energy efficiency and alignment with carbon tax requirements,” he says.

Size and Scale of the Premises
Businesses need to consider the implications of the size and scale of their premises to understand what their heating and cooling requirements may be.

For example, in a small office space, a split-type system would be suitable, whereas a VRF system provides a better solution for a large, openplan, and is more cost effective, says McKechnie.

The cassette device is trending in commercial design applications, as it has aesthetic appeal. It is fitted into the ceiling and works within the split system, he explains.

As a result, the cassette device delivers accurate levels of heating or cooling at the same cost and with the same environmental and efficiency benefits. However, McKechnie says that the cassette device tends to provide a more balanced flow and installation flexibility and can also be selected for specific capacities.

McKechnie notes that these are suited to a larger floor area and can be used in an environment with limited space or one that cannot accommodate a wall-mounted unit.

He adds that companies need to consider their growth strategies, or that of their parent organisations, as changes in the business could impact on the office’s design, which impacts on the heating and cooling system installation.

Running Costs, Energy Efficiency and Carbon Tax
As a result of the continuing rise in energy tariffs, McKechnie says, it is becoming increasingly important for enterprises and their leaders to ensure that every measure is taken to reduce power consumption.

Further, the issue of carbon tax has become increasingly important now that the National Treasury has confirmed that, from 2016, South African businesses will be taxed R120/t for carbon emissions.

“Improved environmental impact, scalable solutions, flexibility and greater corporate control are just some of the advantages of using a robust digital air solution. In addition, air purification for better working conditions is also coming to the fore, where employees’ productivity is directly proportional to the condition of the air in the space they are operating in,” concludes McKechnie.