The quest for energy efficiency has led to very good insulation in residential buildings and an increase in district heating schemes. While this is generally good for the environment and energy bills, it is having unintended consequences for stair lobbies, corridors and entrance halls, which tend to overheat. This results in unpleasant conditions for residents and possible issues maintaining cold water supply temperatures.

1. Overheated common areas in residential buildings: what can you
do?
The quest for energy efficiency has led to very good
insulation in residential buildings and an increase in
district heating schemes. While this is generally good for
the environment and energy bills, it is having unintended
consequences for stair lobbies, corridors and entrance
halls, which tend to overheat. This results in unpleasant
conditions for residents and possible issues maintaining
cold water supply temperatures.
Q: What can you do to avoid heat building up in these common areas?
A: Use the existing smoke control system for day-to-day ventilation
The simple solution is to use the ventilation equipment which is already providing smoke control to
these areas. Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) and shafts are typically positioned for smoke
ventilation in such a way that will also provide effective cross ventilation, so that potentially they can
also be used to extract excess heat and stale air.
More complex smoke control solutions have mechanical shafts serving multiple levels – ideal for
ventilation of multiple floors.
Q: Will you require additional equipment or modifications?
A: It depends.
If your building has a multiple shaft smoke control system, it can readily be configured to provide dayto-day ventilation with minimal additions.
If, on the other hand, the building has a single shaft system, you will need inlet air. You could provide it
from the stair, using a weathered roof smoke vent. In this case, you will need fire rated smoke
dampers between the stair and the corridor. You should also consider attenuation for the fans, as they
will be running more often to provide day-to-day ventilation.
© 2013 Colt International Licensing Ltd.