From hygiene to infection control, hospital and healthcare administrators have a lot on their plates besides patient welfare – and this extends right the way to the type of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems they deploy across their sites.
HVAC considerations are among the lesser-known duties that healthcare facilities managers are tasked with. Yet the impact of these technologies can be considerable, affecting everything from day-to-day budgeting and overheads to the well-being of patients, staff and visitors.
In this post, we’re taking a closer look at the importance of efficient HVAC technologies in hospitals and healthcare facilities, along with the types of appliances we typically recommend.
Key HVAC considerations for healthcare and hospitals
Managing HVAC solutions in a hospital or healthcare facility can be extremely demanding. Why? Because these technologies need to solve more than one problem at a time, all while delivering peak efficiency and value-for-money performance.
To put this into perspective, let’s explore the different requirements of HVAC equipment in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Temperature control: The first – and most obvious – requirement of HVAC tech concerns temperature control. Heating and air conditioning equipment must maintain wards, visitor areas, labs, and other key infrastructure at optimal temperatures, 24 hours a day.
Hot water provision: Another obvious but critical consideration concerning HVAC systems is the consistent availability of hot water. Virtually every healthcare function relies on hot water, so a reliable commercial boiler is non-negotiable.
Hygiene, infection control and air circulation: Ventilation is essential in all hospitals and healthcare centres, helping to support the general hygiene and cleanliness of the entire facility. Without the appropriate filtration, ducting, and conditioning equipment, hospitals would struggle to maintain the peak hygiene and infection control standards they strive for.
Watertight reliability, efficiency and performance: HVAC systems must deliver peak efficiency and performance in healthcare facilities, and not simply for cost-saving reasons. Many hospitals and healthcare centres have ESG-related targets to hit, so striking a balance between efficiency and performance is essential.
Which HVAC systems are used in hospitals and healthcare facilities?
Air conditioning systems
Commercial air conditioners are a staple of any healthcare centre. Not only are these appliances used to maintain comfortable temperatures in wards, ICUs, operating theatres, and communal areas, but they’re also responsible for safeguarding key clinical and clerical equipment – from laboratory testing suites to IT server rooms.
Commercial boilers
Hospitals require industrial-grade boiler equipment to provide reliable, high-performance heating and hot water provision around the clock. Indeed, most facilities have a dedicated boiler room featuring the latest hi-spec equipment – including floor-standing boilers and innovative hybrid heating systems.
What’s more, since many hospitals and healthcare facilities are looking to decarbonise in line with UK energy-reduction targets, JLA is working with a variety of healthcare providers to deploy the latest hydrogen-ready HVAC equipment.
Air handling units
Developed to circulate and purify the air, air handling units are the perfect solution for healthcare facilities where hygiene and infection control are critical.
Installed correctly, air handling units can reduce allergens, remove bacteria, eliminate odours, and deal with problems related to high humidity. That’s why we recommend them for use across hospital sites, including wards, operating theatres, and communal spaces.
Hot water systems
While a hard-working commercial boiler is critical in a busy healthcare environment, even the most powerful industry-ready units may not provide the on-demand provision of hot water that healthcare providers rely on.
So, to guarantee a consistent supply of hot water on demand, supplementary hot water systems may be required – including commercial water cylinders and storage heaters. Our HVAC experts can provide expertise on the type of hot water infrastructure your site may need.
HVAC service contracts from JLA
Given the critical importance of keeping HVAC systems in good working order, a maintenance and servicing contract can provide the peace of mind of a rapid resolution should things go awry with any of your heating, ventilation or air conditioning equipment.
At JLA, we provide 5 or 7-day response options for our HVAC service contract holders, so you’re guaranteed a swift fix should a fault develop. Plus, we also provide a full suite of supplementary maintenance services, so you can keep all your HVAC equipment in peak working order year after year.
Interested? Call us today on 0808 258 4324 or visit our HVAC hub to learn more.
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