Most buildings utilize ceiling-based air distribution systems to keep the building comfortable and air floor pumping. However, this has come under question as the benefits of Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) become more widely understood. Underfloor technology may be more efficient, less costly and serve the building tenants better. For that reason, it is gaining popularity.
American AgCredit implemented an award winning UFAD system in their world headquarters in Wichita, KS. Pictured above, you can see their office floor ventilation dispursement.
Underfloor Technology takes advantage of the structural concrete slab and the raised access floor system to provide conditioned air directly into the living and working spaces of a building. One of the core benefits is that the air can be delivered through several different vents. That includes places in the floor, furniture and partitions. The variety of vents allows for a much more measured and well-distributed air condition system. That means there is less power required to achieve the same conditions as a single vent. This system has also resulted in survey respondents also reporting much better thermal comfort and improved indoor air quality.
Even better, underfloor technology often combines a facility’s heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system with the major power, voice, and data cables all under the raised floor. This saves space and makes the construction much more elegant and efficient. Furthermore, it allows much easier maintenance techniques. When one component breaks down, they can all be checked at the same time. Lastly, the whole system can be managed from a single system that is easier on staff and results in more efficient responses to problems.