Underfloor air distribution (UFAD) is a technique that is designed to deliver space, especially in offices and other buildings for businesses. The significant benefits to be derived from the use of this method have seen the majority of entrepreneurs considering it as a viable substitute to the conventional air distribution systems that are ceiling-based. This technology operates by utilizing the underfloor plenum coupled with the underside of an otherwise raised access floor system to directly distribute conditioned air throughout the occupied area of the building. Air can either be supplied via the variable supply outlets that are situated at the floor level or otherwise as a part of the partitions and furniture.
Benefits of UFAD Systems
UFAD systems come with some potential benefits as compared to your conventional overhead units. Such include enhanced thermal comfort, reduced energy use, and improved indoor air quality among others. This technology essentially combines the building’s heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems with all major power, data cabling, and voice into one easily accessible service. This allows realization of significant improvements in terms of reduced costs that are related to reconfiguring the building services as well as improved flexibility. With their increased chum rates coupled with extensive employment of IT, these raised floor systems are particularly ideal for office constructions that house the modern businesses.
Recommendation for Design and Construction
It is imperative to consider the implications of the raised access floor early enough in the design process. For instance, sealing the concrete slab surface will go a long way in reducing the dust while the floor panels and underfloor plenum should be thoroughly cleaned during the installation process and before occupying. If you want the entire underfloor service installation, it’s critical to consider the height of the access floor coupled with the placement of the two by two ft raised floor pedestal grid. You will also want to ensure that the equipment placed or installed underfloor and are requiring regular maintenance, are situated in accessible locations like corridors rather than underneath partitions and furniture.
When dealing with partitioned office spaces, consider offsetting the partitioning grid from the floor grids. This will prevent the partitions from covering the joints between the floor panels and restricting access to the underfloor plenum on either side of the partition. You will also want to consider seismic bracing and dead load allowance of the access floor.
Owing to the rapid awareness of the numerous benefits of UFAD systems within the building industry, you can easily foresee completion of more of these installations in the coming years. As a building owner or developer, you will require the kind of efficiency and cost effective performance offered by this technology. This will help you with overcoming overhead expenses through reduced energy consumption, which is achieved through the higher supply of air temperatures, controlled thermal stratification as well as diminished static pressures in the underfloor plenum.
Call O.C. McDonald today (408) 295-2182