When it comes to HVAC systems, hoteliers have more requirements and factors to consider than virtually any other industry sector. From guest comfort and reliability to overall efficiency and energy saving – a holistic approach is needed to ensure that the complex commercial heating and ventilation requirements of a hotel are met.
Here, we’ll take a look at the key factors hotel managers must consider when deploying site-appropriate commercial HVAC solutions. From an objective point of view, this presents the ideal opportunity to examine how a premises’ heating and ventilation requirements are directly affected by business type.
The role of HVAC systems in hotels
HVAC systems play a critical role in the day-to-day operation and management of hotels. In fact, they’re used for more applications than many people realise, including:
- Maintaining the appropriate temperature, humidity and ventilation in rooms, suites, corridors and other customer-facing areas.
- Providing hot water for rooms, kitchens, and other on-site facilities like spas.
- Ventilating interior spaces to aid with air filtration, passive fire safety, and overall cleanliness.
- Offering bespoke temperature controls on a per-room basis.
- Maintaining peak working conditions in operational areas, including staff quarters, reception areas, and break rooms.
All these functions might sound fairly rudimentary and in line with what you would expect from a modern HVAC system. But remember that in the case of hotels, all this needs to go on behind the scenes, with HVAC apparatus and infrastructure hidden from public view so as not to detract from the guest experience. Consequently, this presents a range of challenges unique to the hotel sector.
Key considerations of HVAC systems in hotel settings
As touched on above, the guest-facing nature of hotels raises a number of challenges that can impact the smooth deployment of HVAC systems. That’s why it’s critical that all requirements are properly assessed ahead of any HVAC-related installations or upgrades.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key areas hoteliers should consider:
- Hotels must deploy quiet commercial HVAC systems in order to mitigate any impact intrusive noise might have on guest experience.
- On a similar note, infrastructure changes may be required to hide vents, pipes, ducts, and cabling, ensuring that the system is as discreet and unnoticeable as possible.
- Reliability is, of course, key to ensuring sufficient heating, hot water, and ventilation, particularly in areas with high-energy demands like spa facilities. Any issues and downtime could cause temporary closures, so a robust and reliable system backed up by on-demand support is critical.
- Since even the smallest boutique hotels require a robust, multi-room HVAC system, capacity, performance, and efficiency are also critical. Hoteliers must ensure that the system has the capacity to service the entire building efficiently.
Typical apparatus required in hotel HVAC systems
Boilers
Multiple highly energy-efficient commercial boilers are required to sufficiently heat hotels and to ensure a consistent supply of hot water. JLA provide a wide variety of wall-mounted and floor-standing boilers in different sizes and configurations to meet the specific needs of hotel premises.
Recent boiler innovations, including remote two-way data access, allow faults to be identified and rectified much sooner. As such, it’s highly recommended that hotels upgrade to the latest technology, for improved performance, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Air handling units
Air handling units (AHU) are recommended in large hotels with a significant number of rooms, corridors, and public spaces. These HVAC systems purify, condition and circulate air, helping to reduce allergens, remove bacteria, eliminate odours, and prevent problems humidity-related problems, including mould and damp.
JLA offers integrated AHU systems specifically designed for hotels and other high-occupancy organisations. Rather than singular units, our innovative AHU solutions are grouped together, with discreet ductwork helping to circulate air through multiple rooms. Our state-of-the-art air handling units can be placed outside, simplifying maintenance while reducing the risk of disruption when maintenance is required.
Commercial air conditioning systems
Air conditioning systems can enhance the guest experience during the warm summer months or when humidity is likely to cause discomfort. They’re an ideal solution in kitchens and restaurants where ambient temperatures can rise significantly, as well as in busy communal areas – including function rooms and foyers – with a large volume of people.
Once viewed as a nice-to-have rather than a necessity; guests now expect commercial air conditioning to be present in most British hotels, particularly those popular with holidaying families during the summer months.
Partner with JLA
At JLA, we provide free consultations and site assessments to hotels, partnering with you to recommend the best HVAC solutions for your premises.
Our HVAC experts will suggest state-of-the-art equipment from leading manufacturers like Viessman and Mitsubishi, before managing the design, installation, and ongoing servicing of these systems. Plus, with JLA Total Care, you get the assurance of a nationwide network of highly skilled engineers, available at a moment’s notice to deal with equipment faults – for minimal downtime and disruption.
For more information and to learn more about our HVAC services, call our expert team today on 0808 258 7811.
