How Proper Climate Control Improves Comfort in Call Centres



Climate Control for Call Centres — Noise, Airflow & Comfort

Call centres are one of the most demanding commercial environments in terms of HVAC design. These spaces have extremely high occupancy density, continuous phone conversations, long working hours, and sensitive acoustics.
Unlike traditional office floors, call centres operate with intense internal heat loads, tight desk layouts, and strict noise-level requirements.

This article covers how to design an efficient HVAC system for call centres in the UK, focusing on noise management, airflow distribution, load calculation, and comfort strategies.

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1. Why Call Centres Need Special HVAC Design

Call centres typically have:

• High people density (1 person per 4–6 m²)

• Large amounts of electronics (PCs, monitors, headsets)

• Long operational hours (10–18 hours a day)

• Noise-sensitive environments

• Minimal natural ventilation

• High heat loads even in winter

This means HVAC must be:

• Powerful,

• Quiet,

• Evenly distributed,

• Smart and automatic,

• Energy efficient.

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2. Noise Control — The Most Important Factor

Call centre employees use headsets all day. Any noise from HVAC becomes a major distraction.

Recommended noise levels:

• Work area: ≤ 35 dB(A)

• Supervisors’ areas: ≤ 30 dB(A)

• Training rooms: ≤ 28 dB(A)

Best AC options for low noise:

• VRF ducted systems

• Low-static concealed ducted

• High-efficiency cassette units

• Wall-mounted units with "Silent Mode"

Avoid:

• old fixed-speed splits

• budget units with 45+ dB(A) noise

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3. Ideal HVAC Systems for Call Centres

A) VRF Systems — Best for Large Spaces

VRF is ideal because:

• Supports multi-zone control

• Maintains stable airflow

• Extremely quiet

• Handles rapid heat load changes

• Connects up to 50+ indoor units

• Compatible with BMS

This is the top choice for call centres with 50+ employees.

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B) Cassette Units — Good for open call floors

Benefits:

• 360° airflow

• Even distribution

• Good for large rooms

• Quiet operation

• Simple maintenance

Use multiple smaller cassettes instead of one large unit to avoid blowing directly on employees.

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C) Ducted Systems — Good for clean aesthetics

Ducted units allow:

• Hidden installation

• Full airflow control via diffusers

• Low noise

• Custom zoning

Great for modern call centres.

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4. Airflow Distribution Strategies

Call centres heat up quickly and unevenly. Good airflow is critical.

Techniques:

• Use 360° cassettes in open areas

• Avoid cold air blowing directly on employees

• Use low-velocity ducts

• Distribute supply grilles evenly across the ceiling

• Place return grilles AWAY from supply grilles

• Maintain constant air movement

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5. Load Calculation for Call Centres

Heat load in a call centre is significantly higher than a normal office.

Components:

• People: 120–140 W per person

• Computers/screens: 150–300 W per desk

• Lighting: 15–20 W/m²

• Ventilation equipment

A typical call centre requires 40–50 % more AC capacity than a basic office.

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6. Ventilation & CO₂ Control

Call centres accumulate CO₂ quickly.
Poor ventilation leads to:

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Low performance

• Complaints

• High sick-leave rates

Solutions:

• MVHR

• Fresh air ducting

• CO₂ sensors with automatic damper control

• IAQ monitoring

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7. Energy Efficiency Considerations

Call centres operate long hours, so energy efficiency is essential.

Best features:

• Inverter VRF

• R32 refrigerant

• Motion sensors

• Weekly scheduling

• Night setback

• Heat recovery (in multi-zone)

Energy savings can reach 30–40% with proper control.

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8. Recommended Zoning Layout

Split the floor into:

• Main call area

• Supervisor zone

• Meeting rooms

• Break rooms

• Technical rooms

Each zone needs its own thermostat.

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Conclusion

Call centres require precise HVAC planning to provide stable temperatures, low noise, and consistent airflow.
VRF, cassette, and ducted systems offer the best performance when combined with proper zoning and ventilation.

A well-designed AC system improves employee comfort, productivity, and operational efficiency — essential for the demanding nature of UK call centres.