With the need for ventilation in public spaces now lockdown restrictions have eased, leisure centre HVAC must operate at peak efficiency.
It’s been a tough year for leisure centres. But since lockdown progressively eased ahead of last month’s lifting of restrictions, people have been returning to gyms and swimming pools. And with more people spending summer holidays in the UK, leisure centres and other leisure facilities are certainly in demand. Even so, this return to more normal operation comes with its own pressures. Leisure centres must take steps to improve ventilation throughout their facilities, to limit the spread of coronavirus and other airborne pathogens. Here at Hodgkinson Bennis, we’re experts at making sure that leisure centre HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) runs at peak efficiency. In this blog, we’ll be taking a closer look at what we do to improve leisure centre HVAC.
Cycling through the different elements of leisure centre HVAC
The obvious place to start in creating a more energy efficient leisure centre may be with new HVAC equipment, from a boiler to heat water through to air handling units to cool air. We’re experts at fitting and commissioning new plant while causing minimum disruption to clients and staff. With our years of experience, we know the latest Building Regulations inside out. These regulations set minimum efficiency standards for new and replacement boiler installations. We can specify even higher-efficiency boilers so that leisure centres gain even more savings from an energy-efficient heating system.
We’ll also be able to talk through such issues as whether a biomass boiler might be the best option. Leisure centres may qualify for the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). This government environmental programme provides financial incentives to increase the uptake of renewable heat by businesses. Our team of experienced biomass engineers can conduct installations, using various fuels and transport systems.
Let regular maintenance do the heavy lifting
However, energy-efficient a leisure centre HVAC system is, it needs regular servicing and maintenance to keep it operating at peak efficiency. We can devise a schedule of planned preventive maintenance, and we’re on hand for emergency repairs too. We can undertake annual gas safety checks for gas equipment. And for steam boilers and high-pressure hot water boilers we can undertake Pressure Systems Safety Regulations inspections. Similarly, we can maintain the hot water system’s pipework to ensure that heating and hot water are distributed effectively throughout.
Smooth running with the latest in control systems
Hodgkinson Bennis can also help in providing the latest technology in control equipment. One option might be an optimum start controller. This learns how quickly the building reaches the desired temperature. In turn that ensures the system is operating only during hours when staff and customers need HVAC. Alternatively, a compensator automatically regulates heating temperature based on what is happening outside, even in the UK’s unpredictable climate. And one specific area where leisure centres can often save money is not running fans when they’re not required. Running fans continuously not only wastes energy, but it also removes heat from the building.
Improving energy efficiency is a team sport
To make sure that leisure centres keep saving on energy bills, it’s important to get everyone involved in not wasting heat and hot water, or over-cooling the air. Getting staff on board will help to save energy, especially with the appointment of an energy-saving champion to function as a focal point. Leisure centres can also make customers aware of any energy efficiency programme. They might be able to help by making sure taps are turned off and doors are shut.
Another idea is to make one staff member responsible for reviewing time settings regularly to check that they are correct. Someone making a short-term decision about temperature settings based on particular weather conditions can waste energy and money without a regular review of these settings. Creating an energy-efficient, Covid-secure leisure centre should be a team effort – and Hodgkinson Bennis can be part of the team.
To find out more about Hodgkinson Bennis and our services for leisure centre HVAC, contact one of the team today.
Call: 0161 790 4411
About Hodgkinson Bennis leisure centre HVAC services
Hodgkinson Bennis designs, installs, and maintains the most fuel-efficient commercial and industrial boilers. Headquartered in Manchester, we work across the UK, particularly in the North West, North East and throughout the Midlands. Contact us today to discuss how we can deliver advanced commercial and industrial boilers, and our range of other services. At Hodgkinson Bennis, we have worked with commercial and industrial boilers since 1872. This history gives us an enviable amount of experience as pioneers in the industry. We place an enormous emphasis on ensuring the health and safety of all team members, suppliers, contractors, and the public. We provide the most fuel-efficient boiler solutions for industrial and commercial applications.