Manufacturing and industrial facilities are the backbone of the UK economy, from food production to advanced electronics. These environments also present some of the most demanding challenges for climate control. Excess heat from machinery, airborne dust and fumes, and large open spaces all create conditions where comfort, compliance, and efficiency are under threat. Effective air conditioning and HVAC systems are not simply optional—they are an essential, critical priority for worker safety, product quality, and long-term sustainability.
At Orion Air Sales, we specialise in providing exclusive, proven climate control solutions tailored to the needs of factories, warehouses, and production facilities. Working with trusted brands including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, and Panasonic, we supply and support systems that combine functional efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility.
Worker Safety, Comfort and Compliance:
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requires workplaces to maintain a “reasonable” temperature. While office spaces may only need 16–24°C, factory environments demand different tolerances depending on the type of work carried out. Physical activity requires at least 13–16°C, and sustained higher temperatures can become hazardous.
Beyond compliance, there is a foreseeable productivity impact when indoor climates are ignored. Research has shown that productivity can decline by 2–4% for every degree outside the comfort range. In a factory with 200 staff, this equates to the loss of several working days each week. Stable air conditioning systems therefore serve as an indispensable safeguard not just for compliance, but for profitability.
Protecting Processes and Products:
For manufacturers, stable indoor conditions are just as important for processes as they are for people. Different industries rely on precise control of temperature and humidity:
Electronics assembly requires 20–22°C and 40–55% humidity to prevent component failures and static build-up.
Food processing plants demand tightly controlled conditions to ensure hygiene and safety, often requiring zones at 10–20°C.
Printing and plastics facilities need 20–24°C to avoid warping, ink drying errors, and material defects.
Metal engineering workshops require cooler working areas, around 16–22°C, to reduce fatigue and machinery stress.
In each of these examples, HVAC systems exemplify functional efficiency, providing the precision needed to keep production lines stable and compliant.
Air Quality and Ventilation:
Industrial environments often produce airborne contaminants such as fumes, dust, solvents, and fine particulates. Without adequate extraction and ventilation, these pollutants can present health hazards to staff and compromise product quality. Modern HVAC systems can incorporate advanced filtration and ventilation frameworks, ensuring clean, safe air while maintaining compliance with ISO standards for workplace safety and cleanroom production.
Comparing Heating Methods:
Heating large industrial facilities can be daunting, especially with rising energy costs. Traditional systems such as gas or oil-fired heaters are becoming increasingly unsustainable, both economically and environmentally.
| Heating Method | Efficiency | Carbon Footprint | Running Costs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Heaters | ~80–90% | Moderate–High | Moderate, volatile gas prices | Older factories with gas supply |
| Direct Electric Heaters | 100% (at use) | High | High, expensive long-term | Small or temporary spaces |
| Oil-Fired Heaters | ~85% | High | Rising steadily | Remote facilities |
| Heat Pump Air Conditioning | COP 4–5 (400–500%) | Low (environmentally aware) | Low–Moderate | Large spaces needing heating & cooling |
| Destratification Fans | N/A (supportive) | Reduces waste | Cuts heating bills by up to 30% | High-ceiling production halls |
The advantage of heat pump technology lies in efficiency. For every 1kW of electricity, 4–5kW of heating can be delivered. This represents a transformative, unmatched improvement over conventional heating methods.
Energy Efficiency and Carbon Footprint:
Factories are among the UK’s largest energy consumers. As part of the journey to net zero, reducing reliance on fossil fuels is now a paramount managerial goal. Heat pump air conditioning and inverter-driven HVAC systems offer a pragmatic, achievable way to cut energy use and carbon emissions.
Installing destratification fans alongside air conditioning units further reduces energy waste by recycling hot air trapped at roof level. Together, these measures can cut heating bills by up to 30% while wholeheartedly supporting environmental commitments.
System Options for Industrial Facilities:
At Orion Air Sales, we provide a comprehensive framework of HVAC solutions suited to different industrial applications:
Wall-Mounted Split Units are ideal for smaller shops or back-office areas, offering a moderately priced solution that is reliable, compact, and easy to maintain.
Ceiling Cassette Units are a noteworthy choice for larger floor areas, distributing airflow evenly in four directions to ensure consistent comfort across the store.
Ducted Systems provide a discreet installation option, hidden within ceiling voids to maintain clean aesthetics — particularly valuable for premium areas where presentation and atmosphere are paramount.
Floor-Mounted Units are suitable for spaces where wall or ceiling installation is limited, delivering powerful performance without disrupting store layouts.
VRF / VRV Multi-Split Systems are an exclusive solution for larger areas, offering individual control for different zones. This allows for functional efficiency by tailoring conditions in manufacturing areas, sales areas and staff spaces independently.
Free Tools for Industrial Planning:
To support decision-makers, Orion Air Sales provides exclusive, free calculators that simplify HVAC planning:
Heating Requirement Calculator → Estimate exact kW and BTU requirements for your site.
Energy Comparison Calculator → Compare running costs between gas, electric, and heat pump systems.
Refrigerant Pressure Comparator → Access technical refrigerant data quickly and accurately.
These tools provide effortless planning support, allowing facilities managers to evaluate investment decisions with confidence.
Contact Us:
Orion Air Sales has supplied Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, and Panasonic systems across UK industry since 2005. From high-ceiling engineering plants to precision electronics assembly lines, our solutions are exclusive, powerful, and guaranteed to meet your needs.
👉 Contact Orion Air Sales today to discuss industrial HVAC systems tailored to your factory or production facility. Our expertise ensures compliance, energy savings, and comfort for your workforce.
