Well-being in buildings
www.heatingandventilating.net
The vital role of HVAC in healthy buildings
The principles for maintaining healthy buildings and indoor air quality (IAQ) are well established. However, in the age of COVID-19 they have taken on renewed importance. Carrier’s Matthew Maleki highlights the essential elements of ventilation and air fi ltration with examples from the company’s Healthy Buildings Programme
I
t is a striking fact that we spend around 90% of our lives indoors. And that, each day, we breathe in around 9,000 litres of air. This underlines the importance of ensuring high-quality indoor environments in the buildings we live and work in.
The emergence of COVID-19 has brought new
signifi cance to the subject of IAQ and highlighted the vital role the HVAC industry plays in helping to create and maintain healthy buildings. Despite the renewed focus on IAQ, the principles
for maintaining healthy buildings are long- established. IAQ refers to the health and comfort of a building’s interior air with particular reference to the presence of contaminants such as particulates, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and radon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and airborne pathogens. It is widely known that poor IAQ can lead to headaches, fatigue, lack of concentration, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Through the COGfx Study, research has shown that healthy buildings can signifi cantly improve cognitive function. In addition, healthy buildings can impact the bottom line for a business – from reducing energy waste and the related costs to increasing worker productivity. This article highlights the key role of ventilation and air fi ltration in supporting healthy buildings. Ventilation with fresh air is a vital part of any
IAQ programme. It is a legal requirement to ensure suffi cient levels of fresh air ventilation in workplaces and public buildings. The Health and Safety Executive has underlined its importance in reducing risks during the pandemic. Ventilation replaces contaminated air with fresh outdoor air, reducing the concentration of airborne particulates and gases and minimising risks from pathogens. As the inventors of modern air conditioning and a world leader in HVAC, Carrier has a long history in the application of mechanical ventilation systems in all types of buildings. Our comprehensive range of high performance, energy-effi cient air handling units (AHUs) are a key component in any healthy buildings programme. Modern, compact AHUs can be deployed almost
anywhere to augment existing HVAC systems. Ventilation enhances fresh air input, supports cognitive performance improvement and helps minimise risks. While ventilation is a key element in a healthy buildings strategy, additional levels of protection can be provided by the use of special technology. High effi ciency particulate air (HEPA) fi lters can remove airborne particles and pathogens, reducing exposure to pollutants and cutting potential health risks. For example, HEPA fi lters are used in Carrier’s award-winning OptiClean Dual-Mode Air Scrubber and Negative Air Machine. OptiClean is a self-contained, mobile air cleaner that is designed to reduce contaminants in the air and off er further protection as part of an overall
22 January 2022
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