How often have you found yourself sitting in your office during the summer and having to throw on a sweater because the air conditioner was too strong? Have you found yourself opting for short sleeves in the winter because the heat is cranked all the way up?
It’s hard to find that temperature-sweet spot to keep everyone in your office happy and comfortable throughout the day. While you can’t please everyone, there are a few things you can consider to make sure that most, if not all, employees are feeling good throughout the day and getting the job done.
Consider HVAC installation.
Some office buildings may have an HVAC system already installed, but it may not be doing the trick. It could be that an older unit has run its course, or it could have significant backups in the ductwork brought on by lack of maintenance and cleaning. Regardless, investing in an HVAC system is the best way to feel comfortable for the lowest cost.
Heat pumps come in a variety of sizes, and the square footage of your office should dictate the size of the unit needed. Buying too small of a system is an easy way to overload the unit, leaving you forced to replace coils, fans, and potentially the entire unit sooner than you should need to. Too large of a system will cost more upfront and, while it may be more durable, it will cycle on and off more frequently, leading to other issues.
Potential customers should consult with HVAC specialists to determine the position you’re in as a company to fund the installation. Keep energy efficiency in mind as well. Heat pumps receive Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, ratings that indicate how efficient they are when functioning. The higher the number, the more efficient your unit.
Take it from the experts.
Figuring out where the thermostat will be set in the office is, oddly enough, a good example of teamwork. Everyone may have their own ideas of a comfortable temp, so it’s best to have a conversation to make sure everyone is in sync on how hot or cold the office will run.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, better known as OSHA, recommends keeping the thermostat somewhere between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Some experts recommend looking into the layout of the office to determine comfort level. For example, someone who may feel cold during the summer because of air conditioning may be better situated near a window where they are getting the warmth of the sun.
Temperature impacts productivity.
Some experts and consultants have suggested temperature regulation has a major role in the comfort, focus, and productivity of staff. While you don’t have to opt for Zuckerbergian temps that feel like Siberia (the Facebook chief keeps his office at 59 degrees year-round), you can find the right number on the thermostat that makes for a great experience for workers to allow for the best practices for designing websites.
Web design is more important than ever for a company looking for new ways to reach customers. Major companies are turning to experts for their website’s design, whether to raise brand awareness, mobile-friendliness or upgrade their site security against hackers.
The bottom line is that more can be done daily to improve a website. Make sure that your entire site has relevant content and doesn’t distract from the message you want to deliver. A good way to stay connected is keeping your contact information updated, so customers can make suggestions. A responsive site is a successful website in the long run and could create a noticeable difference from your activity last year to this year.
