HVAC in the Workshop

From a user comfort perspective, one of the things to think about in your workshop is some proper heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to keep a comfortable working climate at all times. After all, there is nothing worse than trying to get working on an intricate cabinet making job when you are cold and your hands are feeling frozen in the winter, or sweating in the midsummer heat when you are slaving over a hot oxyacetylene torch welding some iron framework together! A moderate climate at all times makes for comfortable and enjoyable working conditions no matter what the job entails. So let's look briefly at what is involved in ensuring that the workshop temperature remains constant inside no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Most modern large scale vented air conditioning units can handle the fluctuations in temperature by keeping things cool in hot weather, while heating the space in the cold winter months. If you are installing a new unit to a previously temperature non-regulated workshop, then locating a suitable place to fit the unit is important because you need it to have maximum effect while not getting in the way of machinery or be in the firing line for flying or spraying debris and sparks from power tools and welding equipment.

Installing a Workshop Air Conditioning Unit

A high point is preferable as long as adjacent the outside wall is free and not obstructed especially from above in any way to enable the exhaust air from the unit to escape into the air freely. Inside, the main unit should also be free from obstruction and high enough to provide maximum cooling and heating in all temperatures while working at its peak efficiency. Strong brackets affixed to the wall are essential as the units are often very heavy and need the extra bracing. It is usually necessary to excavate an exhaust hole through the wall to connect the inner unit to the venting unit outside and this should be a good fit for the exhaust duct and made good after fitting to prevent air getting in or out through any gaps.

For larger workshops, it will be necessary to install a larger system which may also require additional ventilation ducts to be fitted along the walls or across the ceiling or in the case of a vaulted roof, using the main support beams to affix them safely.

The Benefits of a Workshop HVAC System

There are many benefits to be had from the installation of a full heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to a workshop, not least of which is efficient climate control for the comfort of those who are working inside. Fixed units tend to be more powerful than portable air conditioners and last longer, especially with heavy use as you would expect a system to get in a workshop environment. Additionally, the ventilation aspect can often be necessary to exhaust noxious fumes generated by the use of solvents and other chemicals in the normal day to day cleaning up of the tools, machinery and surfaces.

While such a system is not always absolutely necessary, it is well worth considering if you don't already have one as comfortable workers are happy workers. Working in overly cold conditions is unpleasant as is working in very hot conditions. While in winter, you can get away with placing standalone heaters running on propane or paraffin, or electric heaters which are expensive to run, you cannot so easily reduce the inside temperature in the heat of summer as fans are not always sufficient and in some circumstances cannot be used when certain jobs are being undertaken.



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