Sports facilities and leisure centres Air Conditioning

Every area in a sports or leisure facility has different cooling demands. The right air conditioning system depends on room size, ceiling height, usage intensity, and foot traffic.

Gym Floors & Cardio Zones

• Best Option: Ceiling Cassette Units or Ducted Split Systems

• Why: Even airflow, quiet operation, and strong cooling power for high-traffic, high-heat zones.

• Bonus: Zoning allows separate control for different workout areas.

  
  

✅ Zoned cooling cuts energy use during off-peak hours

✅ Improves air quality in high-sweat environments

✅ Encourages longer workout times and better member retention

Zoned cooling saves up to 30% on energy bills

Source: Carbon Trust UK – Zoned HVAC systems reduce unnecessary cooling in unoccupied areas.

✅ Indoor air quality impacts performance—stale air lowers endurance by 10–15%

Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine – Poor air circulation reduces VO2 max and fatigue thresholds.

✅ Comfortable environments increase gym retention rates by 20%

Source: UK Fitness Club Survey 2023 – Facilities with climate control saw improved membership renewal rates.

2. Studios & Classrooms (Yoga, Spin, Dance)

• Best Option: Wall-Mounted Split Units

• Why: Controlled airflow avoids cold drafts on participants.

• Bonus: Quiet units maintain calm, focused environments.

  
  

• ✅ Keeps clients focused without temperature distractions

• ✅ Prevents overheating during back-to-back classes

• ✅ Boosts class satisfaction and reviews.

✅ Noise levels below 35dB improve class satisfaction by 40%

Source: Institute of Acoustics UK – Excessive HVAC noise interrupts focus in low-impact classes.

✅ Proper ventilation reduces humidity build-up, lowering airborne bacteria by up to 80%

Source: Public Health England – Moist air promotes bacterial and fungal growth.

✅ Cooler room temperature improves flexibility and safety in yoga sessions

Source: Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies – Ideal yoga room temp: 21–24°C.

3. Swimming Pool Areas

• Best Option: Pool-Specific Ventilation/Dehumidification Systems

• Why: Manages humidity, prevents condensation and mold.

• Bonus: Protects structure and keeps air feeling fresh, not heavy.

  
  

Bonus Benefits with Stats:

✅ Dehumidifiers extend pool area lifespan by up to 50%

Source: Building Services Engineering Journal – Moisture causes long-term material decay without control.

✅ Reduces chlorine odour complaints by 60%

Source: UK Leisure Centre Customer Survey – Airflow directly affects perceived cleanliness.

✅ Humidity control keeps CO₂ levels stable, reducing drowsiness risk

Source: HSE UK – Elevated indoor CO₂ levels impact alertness and air quality compliance.

4. Changing Rooms & Locker Areas

• Best Option: Compact Wall Units or Ceiling Cassettes

• Why: Ensures hygiene, reduces odors and humidity build-up.

• Bonus: Helps control bacteria and improves customer comfort.

  
  

✅ Air filtration and dehumidification reduce locker room odours by 70%

Source: Sports Facility Management Review – Guests cite odour as a top-3 discomfort issue.

✅ Improved ventilation reduces the risk of athlete’s foot and mould by 40–60%

Source: NHS Infection Prevention – Fungus thrives in warm, damp environments.

✅ Dry air helps prevent material decay (wood, metals) – cutting refit costs

Source: Facilities Management Journal – Ventilated areas require 30% fewer repairs.

5. Reception & Waiting Areas

• Best Option: Ducted or Cassette Units with Air Filtration

• Why: Keeps first impressions cool and clean.

• Bonus: Modern systems can include air purifiers for health-conscious clients.

Bonus Benefits with Stats:

✅ First impressions formed in 7 seconds – air quality plays a key role

Source: Business Psychology Today – Comfort impacts how clients rate your professionalism.

✅ Comfortable reception temps improve staff productivity by 9–12%

Source: UK Workplace Wellness Report – Employees in thermally regulated zones perform better.

✅ Air purification systems cut airborne virus transmission by up to 65%

Source: CIBSE – Air handling + filtration significantly reduces infection spread.