This issue arises when the ventilation system draws in fresh air directly from the outside at a low ambient temperature. Tempering this air is essential to maintaining a compliant and comfortable kitchen environment, a requirement explicitly detailed in the DW172 regulations. These set out the specific supply air temperature criteria for ensuring both staff well-being and compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act and state that make-up air should meet temperature thresholds of 10°C for canopy systems and 16°C for ventilated ceilings. This is in order to ensure both effective operation and a comfortable working environment for staff.

To achieve these levels, and meet these standards, it may be necessary to integrate heating components within the supply air system, but these are often excluded from initial project specifications to cut costs. However, omitting these elements will undoubtedly lead to increased retrofit costs, not to mention operational disruption, later on. Especially when critical infrastructure such as electrical supply or low-pressure hot water (LPHW) capacity hasn’t been factored into the initial design phase.

Incorporating heater batteries during the initial design and installation phase can offer significant long-term benefits such as preventing future costs and interruptions to operation of the kitchen due to retrofitting. Furthermore, properly tempered air enhances staff comfort, thereby promoting staff retention, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. Additionally, in the case of open-kitchen concepts, maintaining a comfortable environment will have a positive effect on customers’ dining experiences too.

At REAL Ventilation, we prioritise energy-efficient solutions that are tailored to each customer’s individual operational needs, ensuring that their kitchen remains comfortable throughout the winter months, without compromising on overall efficiency. If you would like to prevent cold-related disruptions in your kitchen then get in touch on 01296 767277 or 0191 3036103. Our engineering specialists are available to guide you through selecting and implementing the optimal solution for your requirements.