Pollen causes headaches for air conditioning system operators, warns filter specialsit

Indoor air quality specialist, ECEX, is warning businesses of the detrimental effects of pollen on HVAC units - threatening general system efficiency and essential cooling for equipment such as data centres. The problem is at its peak this time of year due to the preponderance of tree and grass pollen.

The firm is encouraging organisations to look at installing Air Intake Screens; a simple technology which has been proven in independent field trials to not only prevent filters from clogging; but also reduce energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and maintenance, with very rapid payback. it says.

During a recent install at Westminster City Hall, London, the screens were fitted to two AHUs. One unit recorded a 4.9 per cent reduction in power consumed, against the unscreened version, providing a 13 month payback on energy alone. But, the company says, the reduction in maintenance costs potentially reduce payback to less than four months. The two trial AHUs clocked up carbon savings of 438 kg.

John Grenville, managing director at ECEX, said: “Pollen, leaves, insects and general airborne debris can have a dramatic, negative effect, pushing up energy usage and a building’s carbon footprint. ECEX Air Intake Screens offer facilities managers the opportunity to cut costs, reduce maintenance - and increase the life of internal filters by up to 60 per cent.”