Tips on Purchasing a Quality Ventilation System for your Office

Good ventilation is a must, in your home or your office, as it is a one of the ways you protect and sustain your general good health. In an office setting, where your standard should be high out of genuine concern for your employees (and not just state or national regulations on that matter), it is even more important because of the greater number of people affected by your decisions about the ventilation system.

Whether you are building, buying, renovating or restoring an office, of any size, a quality ventilation system is just as necessary for your health, comfort and safety as reliable heating, a leak-proof roof, lead-free paint and smoke alarms. While one article won't make you an expert - and can't possibly contrast and compare all the name brands, boutique manufacturers and custom installers of ventilation systems - you do need a basic understanding of ventilation and a method for selecting the right company to do the work.

The system you select will be based on the trust you develop with the HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) contractor you ultimately choose, who will consider all the many variables of your unique situation. The area and volume of the office, the floor and ceiling materials, the walls and room dividers, the number and placement of windows - these and various other factors will have to come into play. Of course, your budget will, too.

The benefits of good ventilation

Despite the proliferation of information in our wired world, nothing really "goes without saying" anymore. You may think you know the reason for good ventilation - breathing fresh air, right? But there is more to it than simply solving the problem of unpleasant odors. In poorly ventilated buildings, pollutants can build up in the environment, and the potential for harm from such gases as carbon monoxide and radon can range from miniscule to downright scary. Even so-called normal amounts of mold and mildew cause allergic reactions in some people, and affect asthma sufferers to varying degrees, as well.

The harm is not restricted to human beings (or the office cat or pet birds). Proper ventilation removes excessive moisture in the air, as it contributes to rot, particularly along windowsills and under eaves. In addition, it can cause paint to peel and create a very inviting environment for a range of insect species. Beyond the physical effects, including the growth of destructive and dangerous mold, damp wall and ceiling insulation causes heating inefficiencies that may lead to higher fuel or electric bills. Finally, over time - and sometimes not very much time, at that - everything from carpets and wallpaper to furniture and computers can suffer damage from excess moisture.

Costs and variables

You may be forgiven for thinking that just opening a window is the simple, economical way to provide fresh air, because in essence, you're right. Even with this, however, you would need a fan, or two or four or six, to keep the air going where it's needed. The fact is, good ventilation can be achieved today at a very reasonable cost, and it doesn't have to be just windows and fans. Your building's design, location, construction and other physical and environmental variables - and, of course, the precise make and model of system you choose - will ultimately determine the price range of your system. The cost to operate your ventilation system will be similarly dependent on these numerous variables.

Ventilation costs have been reduced in recent years by advances in materials, construction methods and technology. A well insulated, well sealed building with upgraded (double-pane) windows, advanced insulation and a new, high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner will save a great deal of money for you over time. Clearly, when you can keep your cool and warm air inside during summer and winter, respectively - and are able to control the amount of outdoor air that comes in, and manage where it goes - you will keep your system costs down. The answer, as one old saying goes, is to "build tight and ventilate right."

Manufacturers and installers

There are many high-quality systems available from a variety of American and foreign manufacturers, but it's unlikely you will call Honeywell, ClimateMaster, Heatcraft, Johnson Controls, Siemens or any of the others and order a system from a catalog. You will most likely deal with a contractor, or at least a manufacturer's representative, as that is the way that you will determine precisely what it is that you need. You need expert assistance just to select the right system, not to mention installing and maintaining it. It is entirely different than buying a window air conditioner for the second bedroom.

Selecting a contractor is the key to getting a quality ventilation system for your office. Whether you are building new offices or replacing the ventilation system in your existing one, you will definitely need the services of a reputable, experienced, licensed and bonded HVAC contractor. Whenever you shop around for contractors, be certain to get a complete (and accurate) cost estimate, broken down as to equipment, time and labor involved. You will also want details on the manufacturer warranty, as well as any guarantees for the quality of workmanship and materials (transferable warranties and guarantees, ideally) Finally, as with any construction project, you will need to see proof of liability insurance.

Making the choice

You can get referrals from friends and colleagues, as well as other office building owners and tenants who have had systems installed or repaired recently. An Internet search of the Better Business Bureau and the consumer complaint websites will alert you to any disreputable characters doing substandard work in your area. As always, talk to various contractors to ensure that you're getting the best possible system, and the best possible work, for the best possible price, and that means the low bidder is not the automatic winner. You need quality, along with ongoing cost-effectiveness, not just a low price up front.

Ask plenty of questions, and don't be shy, as you are going to spend good money and need to make every dollar count. You can begin with the following queries to narrow down the field of contractors:

- What kind of HVAC training do you (and/or your staff) have?

- What courses have you (and/or your staff) taken, and from whom? Is that firm accredited and/or reputable?

- Can you provide several recent, local references?

- Can you show photographs of systems that your firm has installed?

- What will you do to determine the characteristics of the office and building so as to make the appropriate decision on a system?

- Exactly what will the system installation involve, and how long will it take?

- Can you explain precisely how the system will work?

- How will my heating/cooling bills be affected by the new system?

- How much maintenance does this system require?

- When will I have to consider overhauling or replacing the new system?

- What is the manufacturer's warranty on the system, and yours on the installation? Hvac Plus.com is the premier reseller of commercial replacement air conditioner parts, furnace parts, hvac parts and more. Visit them online for a quick quote or to chat with a live representative.