The first factor to consider is how much control your workers will have over their immediate work areas. Some HVAC systems may be quite efficient but have only one thermostat for every major area, which could translate into one thermostat per every several thousand feet.

According to the Harris survey, 70% of workers have complained about the comfort of their offices and of those, 80 % report that their productivity has suffered as a result.

The survey also finds that the most important functional characteristic for an office is a proper HVAC system. So it's important to check not only the efficiency of the system, but also the number of thermostats per square feet.

The best systems provide one thermostat per 1,000 square feet and are capable of providing a thermostat for every office or work area if necessary.

Second, you should consider the amount of noise generated by the system, since according to Harris, poor acoustics is the number five cause of low productivity.

Third, you should examine the operating costs of the system and how these costs are handled in your lease.

»  Back