It is physically and mentally taxing to be stuck at home for a long period of time. As we enter the next phase of the new normal, many offices and businesses have reopened in Malaysia. Most are excited to be back in the office for a change of scene, but not without health concerns on their mind. Today’s workplace environment is looking vastly different from how it used to be – you won’t be able to sit next to your colleagues and share Pringles with them while working or tap them on their shoulders to ask a question.
With people back at work, offices are now more cautious than ever of the social hygiene regulations to ensure everyone’s health and wellbeing. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concentrations of some pollutants tend to be two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. Hence, the ventilation and air quality in the office are all the more important now.
Indoor air should always be ventilated, be it through open windows or an air-conditioning unit that brings in air from the outside. But, did you know that an efficient Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System can do it all? A HVAC system’s goal is to provide temperature comfort and acceptable indoor air quality in an office or any indoor space. Offices often depend on their HVAC System to circulate and regulate air quality. Besides addressing health concerns, the right HVAC System can be beneficial in many other ways.
Say Hello to a Healthy and Energy-efficient Work Environment!
Living in Malaysia, we are constantly battling heat, high humidity, and moisture in the air. More often than not, they will seep into a workspace or an office. High humidity levels in the office could contribute to the growth and spread of unhealthy biological pollutants. Low humidity levels, on the other hand, may contribute to irritated mucous membranes, dry eyes, and sinus discomfort. Similarly, if the surrounding is too hot, too cold or goes through fluctuations in temperature, it causes discomfort and sometimes sickness. 
Take LG’s Multi V 5 air solution as an example. It is equipped a Dual Sensing Control that senses both humidity and temperature for economical and comfortable operations. It also measures both temperature and humidity levels for outdoor and indoor environments. This in-depth understanding of multiple climate conditions helps to determine the parameters to achieve a healthy working environment and optimal energy efficiency. With the right HVAC system, no one has to be worried about getting sick in the office AND it saves energy. Talk about a two for one deal!
Happy Employees = Good Business Performance
The average Malaysian spends at least eight hours a day working and breathing air in their office. With the amount of time spent in the office, it is important for workplaces to provide a comfortable environment that ensures employees’ physical comfort and happiness through quality indoor air. In a 2015 study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and United Technologies Climate, Controls & Security, it is found that there is a strong link between productivity and indoor air quality in the office. [1] This is especially important for people with allergies and sinuses. Imagine sneezing through projects and proposals or having difficulty in breathing when trying to tackle a complex matter. This would definitely slow down productivity and bum anyone out. No one wants to be the sneeze factory of the office.
Products like LG’s Multi V air handling unit (AHU) delivers ventilation with cooling and heating and maintains a constant CO2 concentration, providing a pleasant indoor air circulation. LG has also rolled out the Multi V Dual Vane 4 Way Cassette, which helps adjust the temperature of both direct and indirect wind, creating a comfortable and efficient working environment. Plus, the cassette has an air purifying system that captures 99 percent of ultrafine particles. Dusts will not stand a chance.
Furthermore, the LG Multi V AHU doesn’t just provide a comfortable workspace, it also reduces energy usage with its energy saving air control for all climatic needs. The Multi V AHU has the combined unique technology of the AHU and Multi V that provides cooling, heating and free cooling operations for energy reduction via air control throughout external and internal environments for all seasons. Not only does the Multi V AHU keep employees’ healthy, it also contributes to the wellbeing of the environment that we should be aware of.
An Investment in the Long Run
A HVAC System, in general, is a worthy, long-term investment for any businesses or offices. HVAC Systems today are automated, which means you no longer have to manually adjust temperature or humidity settings. It saves time and energy since any drop or rise in temperature will result in proper adjustments. That way no energy is wasted. Additionally, it does keep employees happy, healthy and increase their productivity when they are working in a well-ventilated place with optimal temperature.
[1] Piers MacNaughton et al, Economic, Environmental and Health Implications of Enhanced Ventilation in Office Buildings, 14718
