Heat Stress

K EDWARDS • March 15, 2023

So; with the forecast and much-anticipated heat wave now upon us, it's fair to say that not all people are looking forward to it. Those who have to work in hot and humid conditions will be suffering rather badly and being too hot can be very much like being too cold; it's debilitating, demoralising, uncomfortable, unproductive and, in extreme cases, potentially dangerous. This is true for staff and customers alike.


What is heat stress then? Stress occurs when the body's own means to control its core temperature starts to fail. The H.S.E says heat stress may affect a company at any time of the year but there is an increased risk during the warmer months of summer. This is because it's not just the season which can affect the human body and cause Heat Stress; other contributing factors are also Humidity, Work Rate and Clothing, as well as air temperature.


Ok; so what are the effects of Heat Stress? Well, like many things, individuals have different tolerances and thresholds and different circumstances will affect different people in different ways. Typical symptoms are; heat rash, muscle cramps, moist skin, an inability to concentrate, fainting and also heat exhaustion. An individual may also experience fatigue, headache, giddiness and nausea. In more serious cases, one may be affected by heat stroke, including confusion, convulsions and - in extreme cases - loss of consciousness.


What can be done about Heat Stress? Like all things, prevention is better than the cure. If working practices can be changed to take in to account the hotter conditions, then they should be. Sensible procedures should be put in place regards staff uniforms or dress standards; for example blazers, long sleeve shirts, ties and long woollen skirts are not ideal! If barriers can be put in place to block or reduce radiant heat or solar gain, such as window tinting or screens, then this is also a good idea. Creating air movement, via fans or natural ventilation, is a low cost option and often of immediate benefit. Engineered solutions such as ventilation systems and air conditioning systems can offer a controlled and measurable approach to reducing the temperature and removing heat stress.


Most offices and buildings can have modern air conditioning systems installed these days and we'd be only too happy to assist you with a design and proposal for your particular application.


Stay Cool!!!

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Winter Air Conditioning Concerns for Bedfordshire Businesses

By K EDWARDS • November 24, 2025
As temperatures drop across Bedfordshire, many businesses assume their air conditioning units can be ignored until summer. In reality, winter is the perfect time to give your system the attention it needs. Neglecting maintenance now can lead to costly breakdowns just when you need reliable climate control the most.  🌬 Why Winter Maintenance Matters Heating mode reliance : Modern AC units often double as heating systems, air-to-air heat pumps so to speak. If filters, coils, or fans are dirty, efficiency drops and heating bills rise. Preventing downtime : A sudden failure in January could leave staff and customers uncomfortable, impacting productivity and sales. Energy savings : Regular servicing ensures your system runs smoothly, reducing unnecessary energy consumption during peak heating months. 🛠 Common Winter Concerns for Businesses Blocked filters from autumn dust and debris. Frozen coils if units aren’t properly maintained. Wear and tear from switching between heating and cooling modes. Blocked Condenser coils from all the leaf litter fallen over the last few months ✅ Smart Steps for Bedfordshire Businesses Schedule a professional inspection before the coldest months bite hard. Replace or clean filters regularly. Check thermostats and controls to ensure accurate temperature regulation. Keep outdoor units clear of leaves and frost. 📈 The Business Case A well-maintained system isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your bottom line. Lower energy bills, fewer emergency callouts, and a healthier workplace environment all add up to stronger business performance and higher customer spend. Final thought: Winter is not the time to forget your air conditioning—it’s the time to future-proof it. Bedfordshire businesses that invest in maintenance now will enjoy smoother operations and fewer headaches when summer rolls back around.

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What is the 'ideal temperature' of Air Conditioning systems?

By K EDWARDS • January 24, 2025
The general answer is - whatever suits the individual! But, there are other more specific factors which can assist you if you're wondering about the 'perfect temperature' for your a/c system. The ideal indoor temperature can vary depending on several factors, including the season, humidity levels, and the age and sex of the occupants(1). Here's a detailed overview: Winter During winter, maintaining a balance between comfort and energy efficiency is crucial: Healthy Adults: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends setting indoor temperatures to around 18°C for healthy, well-dressed individuals (2). Elderly and Children: For older adults, young children, or those with health conditions, the ideal temperature is slightly warmer, around 20°C. (3) Summer In summer, the goal is to keep indoor spaces cool without excessive energy consumption: General Recommendation: Aim to keep indoor temperatures between 20-22°C (4). If using air conditioning, you may wish to consider setting your setpoint to around 23-24°C to save energy while maintaining comfort. As a rule of thumb; the higher the ambient temperature, the higher your setpoint can be to still feel comfortable. Humidity's Role Humidity levels significantly impact perceived temperature and comfort (5). High Humidity: Feels warmer, so maintaining an indoor relative humidity (RH) between 30-50% can help manage comfort efficiently (5). Low Humidity: Can feel cooler but may cause dryness; using humidifiers in winter when heating is on can balance this. Water features, fish tanks/bowls and pot-plants located in the appropriate room can assist with this as well. Gender and Age Considerations: Men and Women: Studies indicate that women generally prefer slightly higher indoor temperatures than men. The average neutral temperature can be about 2-3°C higher for women. Infants: Ideal room temperatures for infants range between 16-20°C to reduce risks associated with being too warm or cold (3). Older Adults: Keeping main living areas around 20°C ensures comfort and reduces health risks linked to colder environments (3). Tips to Maintain Ideal Temperature: Insulation: Proper insulation helps maintain temperature consistency and reduce energy costs (4). Ventilation: Ensuring good ventilation, especially in high humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms, helps maintain comfort (5). Smart Thermostats: Use smart thermostats to automatically adjust temperatures based on occupancy and time of day. By balancing temperature and humidity, you can create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for everyone. (1) feta.co.uk (2) www.zmescience.com (3) www.britishgas.co.uk (4) www.doubleglazingnetwork.com (5) www.groundworks.com

Air Conditioning and its health benefits

By K EDWARDS • November 24, 2024
We are often asked what are the health benefits for those people using modern air conditioning systems, so we thought we'd outline them in a little detail! Modern air conditioning systems offer several health benefits for individuals in the UK: Improved Air Quality: Advanced filtration systems in modern AC units remove pollutants, allergens, and dust from the air, creating a cleaner and healthier living environment. This is especially beneficial for people with respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies. Humidity Control: By regulating humidity levels, air conditioning prevents the growth of mould and mildew, which can exacerbate respiratory problems and trigger allergies. This is also true for a/c systems used in heating throughout the winter months! Better Sleep Quality: Maintaining a cool and comfortable temperature in the bedroom can improve sleep quality. Cooler temperatures help the body relax and fall asleep faster, leading to more restful and uninterrupted sleep. Like the above, this is also true in winter as well. Reduced Heat-Related Illnesses: During heatwaves or hot weather, air conditioning provides a cool refuge, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Decreased Insects and Parasites: Air conditioning units help keep insects and parasites out of the home, reducing the risk of bites and associated diseases. This is caused by increased air quality, closed windows/doors thus decreasing insect ingress points and better humidity control. Enhanced Comfort: Consistent temperature control ensures a comfortable living environment, reducing discomfort associated with extreme weather conditions. Support for Mental Wellbeing: A comfortable and healthy indoor environment can positively impact mental wellbeing, reducing stress and promoting overall happiness. These benefits make modern air conditioning systems a valuable addition to homes and workplaces, contributing to both physical and mental health. Most of the above are obvious when you think about it and are ably supported by those with a/c in their homes, shops and offices!