VAV Solutions: Optimised airflow for energy efficiency and comfort

What is a VAV system?

Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems control the amount of air supplied to different building zones. A building has many zones or rooms with different necessities, but most of a building’s energy is used in areas where it is not needed. With a VAV system, the airflow is adjusted based on certain requirements like the occupancy levels, temperature, humidity and air quality. 

A traditional system would be a constant air volume (CAV) system. They deliver only a fixed amount of air regardless of the demand. In contrast, a VAV system modulates the airflow saving a considerable amount of energy whilst maintaining and even improving indoor air comfort. This is incredibly important for any modern-day building to operate efficiently but also apply to building standards too.

In commercial spaces like offices, shopping centres, hospitals, and schools, you will find that a VAV system is particularly important. The flexibility of VAV allows each room to have an individualised temperature control, creating a comfortable environment that will suit the building’s specific needs. All unnecessary energy usage is avoided.

5 Key Benefits of VAV systems

1.      Energy Efficiency – The key to optimising building sustainability

VAVs ability to adjust the airflow on the fly based on real time demand significantly helps any building to reduce its energy needs. By supplying only the required amount of conditioned air, the VAV system reduces the workload on air handling units (AHUs). This leads to lower energy usage and operational costs. Studies show that VAV systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional CAV systems, depending on building type and usage.

This efficiency supports compliance with sustainability standards such as LEED and BREEAM, helping buildings meet environmental targets.

2.      Improved Comfort – Making the indoor environment healthy to be in

It is such a simple concept but such an important one too when it comes to comfort in a building, especially the ones with varying occupancy and activity levels. VAV systems address this by ensuring that airflow and temperature are constantly adjusted to respond to the changing conditions in rooms. Whether a room is fully occupied or empty, the system can respond dynamically, maintaining optimal indoor comfort without wasting energy.

3.      Flexibility and Scalability – Adapt to the changing demands

VAV systems allow scalability which makes them an attractive option for buildings with changing layouts or expansion plans. Building managers can easily add or reconfigure areas without compromising indoor comfort. They ensure that comfort and energy efficiency are maintained as needs evolve.

4.      Noise Reduction – Silent operation for healthy hearing

Another factor that may seem quite minor but can be important for environments where noise disruption needs to be kept to a minimum. No one wants to hear a loud airflow system clunking and clanking around a building. With a VAV system, it reduces the airflow during times of low demand which helps to minimise noise levels that are caused by the over operation of HVAC components. Research published in ScienceDirect shows that exposure to construction noise can elevate heart rate, indicating increasing stress on occupants. Even moderate noise levels can disrupt concentration, sleep and overall wellbeing – especially in environments like schools, hospitals and offices.

This highlights why VAV systems, which reduce airflow during low demand and help minimise HVAC noise, are essential for creating healthier indoor environments.

5.      Integration with Smart Controls – FläktEdge, the perfect control system

The best VAV systems are designed to seamlessly integrate with advanced building management systems (BMS) and smart control solutions, such as our own system FläktEdge. This integration allows for enhanced control of air distribution, including the ability to monitor and adjust settings remotely. FläktEdge would be a fantastic partner with any of our VAV systems. This will significantly elevate the operation to a smart VAV system that can optimise performance and further reduce energy consumption.