A HVAC HELPING HAND

Chris Thorne, Director at install company Imperium, discusses the often-tricky subject of HVAC.

HVAC. It’s a funny thing. On the one hand it’s arguably one of the most important services within a residential dwelling, or any building for that matter, as it ensures we are able to live comfortably and remain healthy. But on the other hand, it’s just one of those things that’s expected, a given if you like, and doesn’t add a great deal of fun or excitement to a project. Unlike AV, it’s not sexy. Couple this with the fact that controlling HVAC services properly, and therefore designing and installing an appropriate control system, is far more complex than many realise, and what you end up with is a situation that proves to be a regular pain point for those in the business of either building luxury homes, or those in the business of designing and installing home technology solutions.

So why is it so difficult to get right? Well, heating and cooling is about moving air and water around a building, and you would be forgiven for not understanding that this in itself is a rather complicated thing to do. There’s a considerable amount of expertise and theoretical application required in order to design the mechanical infrastructure required for larger homes, and that infrastructure needs a control system that has sufficient clout to manage it all. Cue the infamous BMS or Building Management System. There continues to be much debate about the application of BMS systems in a residential property, but the fact remains that a BMS system is often an essential part of the technology infrastructure within prime and super-prime properties. With the right professional team involved an appropriate control system, such as a BMS, will be designed into the project or ‘specified’ as part of the mechanical and electrical services specification, however that is often only half the story and one of the biggest challenges with ensuring the right control system ends up on the job, at the right price, is making sure that those influencing the early designs for a property such as the architects, interior designers or developers understand what will be required from the HVAC or BMS control system and that it is a critical piece of the puzzle.

The hard reality is that BMS and HVAC control is still considered a ‘back art’ and people tend to shy away from it if they can. To ensure the best possible outcome for large residential schemes it’s vital that early engagement with an experienced and credible BMS company takes place, and preferably one with experience of working on residential projects. Imperium Building Systems are one such business providing BMS and AV solutions in this sector and have considerable experience in navigating the complexities of managing both commercial and technical expectations around residential HVAC control. Whilst it’s not the ‘exciting’ part of building a beautiful residential property that makes people stop and say ‘wow’, we are able to review a project design and quickly advise on what type of control system is required. Where a home automation or AV control system is also being provided we ensure that the best method of integration is achieved so that the end user or building occupants can manage their comfort levels in the most intuitive and user-friendly way, often via the AV control interfaces.

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to controlling HAVC services in luxury residential properties, but understanding the importance of choosing the right solution, ensuring it can manage the demands of the property and provide a simple user experience should always be the focus. The best way to achieve this is to think about the control system earlier in the process. Don’t treat the HVAC controls as a problem someone else can worry about. It should be an integral part of the early design process and has a habit for becoming a pain point that affects all of the supply chain when it’s not managed correctly.

The Imperium team is lining up to deliver well designed HVAC systems

SAMSUNG X HDANYWHERE

Samsung refreshes its executive showrooms with HDANYWHERE technology behind every display.

A colossal HDA system of nine stacked MHUB S units is behind the flawless 4K content delivery at the stunning new Samsung Dallas Executive Briefing Center.

HDANYWHERE MHUB S was selected for it’s ability to dependably deliver 4K video content to over 70 of Samsung’s first-in-class portfolio of visual display products, including The Wall All-in-One, Samsung’s Interactive Display Line up, as well as its full line up of lifestyle products including The Frame, Premier and 8K Neo QLED displays in Samsung’s newest US showroom.

HDANYWHERE’s James Trumper, says “True to that old saying that everything is bigger and better in America, I can say that this is the biggest HDANYWHERE installation in the world. We’re very proud to be behind Samsung’s amazing experience centre and we look forward to working on more projects with this inspirational company.”

CELEBRATING SAMSUNG’S DALLAS SHOWROOM

Samsung’s Dallas EBC is the first of its kind in the US to feature a full suite of visual display products for the custom installer channel and a HDANYWHERE 4K content delivery MHUB S stacked system.

“The Dallas EBC is equipped to showcase Samsung’s latest display products and solutions, and is designed to enhance customer and partner engagement,” says Harry Patz Jr., Senior Vice President and General Manager, Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “This showroom demonstrates our commitment to channel partners in our top performing sales state for the custom install and reseller market.”

To learn more about the benefits of MHUB S visit HDANYWHERE.com