Ineffective or poor ventilation is detrimental to both pig and staff performance, this is particularly relevant on hot summer days.

A well-managed, functioning, efficient ventilation system draws fresh air into a building removing microbes, dust, harmful gases and water vapour.

Don’t get in a flap - get them repaired and save money!

When did you last clean your fan? A dirty fan will be inefficient and expensive to run

During warmer periods ventilation systems have to extract more heat from within a building than when outside ambient temperatures are lower, in order to keep internal temperatures within the desired range (set temperature).

As outside temperatures approach, or exceed, the set temperature, the warm incoming air will cause the internal temperature to rise.

In these circumstances it is acceptable for the temperature to increase from the set temperature by as much as 3-4°C above the outside temperature. In very hot conditions high internal air speeds can be used, as the cooling effect reduces heat stress, much like sitting in front of a fan.

As a rule of thumb, airspeeds of 1 m³/second give the feeling of an air temperature up to 3°C cooler.

For more detail on ventilation rates and fans look out for the forthcoming Action for Productivity on this topic.

Check that temperature and humidity sensors and controllers are working correctly and that they are set up properly to maintain an acceptable temperature within buildings; have, and more importantly follow, a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to keep the ventilation systems running efficiently.