HVAC Systems for Shopping

When it comes to designing HVAC systems for shopping malls, there are many factors to consider – what do the professionals say about the dos and don’ts?

Shopping malls are still going up left, right and centre in South Africa (despite a seemingly global move towards smaller, individual stores). Sometimes these malls seem to pop up overnight. There is more to these projects than just putting up walls, though. Most (if not all) of these developments boast carefully thought-out HVAC installations.

But why do we need HVAC systems in shopping malls and how should these be designed and maintained optimally? We chat to both engineers and contractors to get their insights.

“It’s not a case of ‘needing’ air conditioning in shopping malls, but rather ensuring the comfort and shopping quality for customers and patrons,” explains Graeme Page of Graeme Page Consulting Engineers (GPCE). “In today’s highly competitive retail market an air-conditioned environment both in the direct shopping areas, as well as malls and communal transition spaces, is essential to ensure comfortable surroundings and a quality shopping experience.”

Craig Blankers of WSP agrees. Two of the main focal points regarding shopping mall HVAC systems is compliance with South African National Standards (SANS), as well as human comfort levels of shoppers, he explains. “It is important to ensure shoppers are exposed to optimal comfort temperature settings as well as sufficient fresh air. The more comfortable a shopper is within the space, the higher the chances are that the shopper will spend more time browsing, potentially buying, and enhancing the experience by enjoying a good meal at a restaurant.”

But there are other reasons as well, explains Stefan Sander of Two Oceans Air Conditioning, a local HVAC contractor. These include:

• Ensuring that the servers of all tenants are kept at the correct temperature for correct function.
• Minimising disruption of the working environment of mall occupants and employees.
• Extraction systems get rid of indoor pollution such as spores, fungus and bacteria, reducing the likelihood of illnesses spreading.
• Kitchen extraction systems ensure adequate ventilation from cooking and prep areas around food vendors.