While most modern offices have air conditioning, there are still some that have to rely on only alternative solutions. How to make the hot summer days at least bearable in the office? Plants and properly set air conditioning will help.
Heating and air conditioning are among the costliest and most energy-intensive features of office buildings. However, the microclimate in the office also has a significant effect on the overall well-being and productivity of employees – Officerentinfo writes.
When cooling, it is necessary to ensure that the difference between the internal and external temperature does not exceed 6 degrees, a higher difference endangers health. The optimal temperature is considered to be 24.5°C. If you do not have air conditioning in the office, buy fans or at least try to create a draft in the room naturally.
Air conditioning is economically demanding
Most modern offices have systems that use water or coolant as a medium. The first method has an economic advantage in that the central system distributes water throughout the building to individual units, but the effect is not immediate. Air conditioning with the use of refrigerant is more economically demanding, but more comfortable for the users themselves – Petr Pachovský, air-conditioning specialist, CAPEXUS told Officerentinfo.sk.
Living plants with positive effects
Living plants in the office interior reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, capture dust particles and increase air humidity. Thanks to them, it is so even in hot weather more pleasant in the office. Indoor plants also have a positive effect on employee productivity. Mainly denser vegetation then shortens the reverberation time, thus reducing the noise level and overall improving the spatial acoustics in the room.
Turn off excess lights
It’s hot in the office and dozens of computers running at full capacity also add a few more degrees. The source of heat can also be unnecessarily lit lights. In some offices, it is lit regardless of the time of day. If this is the case for you, turn off the lights that shine unnecessarily. It is also appropriate to place servers, copiers, refrigerators and other devices emitting heat in other rooms.
Blinds – inside and out
Office buildings can protect themselves from the heat with proper insulation and shading. This prevents the harsh sunlight from entering and thus helps to keep the temperature lower. If there is no external shading, it is advisable to equip the windows with at least internal shading like aluminium blinds, which help at least partially.
Flexible working hours
If you can’t avoid the heat in the office, try to adjust your working hours at least – the portal advises. On hot days, try to come to work earlier and in the morning, when temperatures are more pleasant, pack the essentials. If, in addition, the temperature in the office exceeds extreme heat 36°C, the employer should apply the regime of work rotation and regular safety breaks.
Never underestimate proper hydration
On hot days, it is also necessary to pay attention to proper hydration. Forget about alcohol or sugary drinks and treat yourself to an iced coffee instead. The most suitable is plain water or cold unsweetened tea. If the temperature in the workplace exceeds 34°C, you as an employee are entitled to free mineral water.
