How Aerosfair Provides Targeted Comfort Against Cold Downdrafts in Classrooms and Offices

In many schools and offices, an unnoticed yet persistent issue affects indoor comfort: cold downdrafts. Even in well-insulated buildings with modern installations, people report draughts, cold feet, or temperature differences. The result? Reduced concentration, discomfort, and unnecessary energy consumption.

Aerosfair offers a solution with smart airflow control, exactly where it’s needed.

What is a cold downdraft?

Cold downdrafts occur when warm air rises and colder air—often from windows or uninsulated walls—sinks. This downward airflow feels like a draught but is actually a thermal flow caused by surface temperature differences.

Common situations where cold downdrafts occur:

• Large windows or glass facades
• Poorly insulated frames or walls
• Spaces with high ceilings or deep layouts
• Heating systems not located near users

Why traditional heating falls short

Many heating systems warm an entire space but lack the precision to counteract cold downdrafts.

A few examples:

• Underfloor heating responds slowly and doesn’t address local cold spots
• Ceiling heating mainly warms the upper part of the room
• Air heating via ceiling vents lacks targeted flow along cold surfaces

The result: users still feel cold and raise the thermostat. Energy use increases, with little to no comfort improvement.

How Aerosfair tackles cold downdrafts

Aerosfair directs warm air downward through the ceiling, specifically near windows or glass walls where cold downdrafts occur. With zoned control, warmth is delivered exactly where needed—without heating the entire room more.

Instead of diffuse air movement, Aerosfair creates a focused warm air stream that acts as a thermal shield between cold surfaces and the occupied space. This effectively disrupts cold downdrafts.

Key features of the system:

• Zoned: ventilation only where it’s needed
• Comfortable: low airspeed, no draught or noise
• Compatible: works alongside existing heating systems
• Energy-efficient: less heating required, better heat distribution

Practical applications

• Classrooms: consistent temperature improves comfort and concentration
• Offices: window-side workspaces can be used without cold complaints
• Meeting rooms & open-plan offices: dynamic ventilation based on occupancy and sunlight

More comfort, less energy loss

By tackling cold downdrafts at the source, Aerosfair not only improves comfort but also reduces energy use. Instead of raising the thermostat, it becomes possible to lower it by 1 to 2 degrees—without sacrificing comfort.

Sources:

• Milieu Centraal – Draughts and cold in buildings
• TNO – Thermal comfort in schools and offices
• TU Delft – Research on air movement and cold downdrafts along glazing