Indoor Air Quality SolutionsMost indoor air quality problems are preventable. At their root are poor HVAC design and maintenance. However, you can ensure that your employees remain both comfortable and healthy by following some basic procedures:
Ask the right questionsIt is important at the very outset that the building's owner, construction manager, or contractor determine what functions will be taking place inside the building so that the HVAC system can be properly designed. The amount of space devoted to office and/or production, the number of people that will populate the building, the heat load, and current regulations for the amount of fresh air required per person must all be factored in.
Proper sizing of equipmentTaking those elements into account, an effective HVAC system must be properly sized. An undersized system will lead to higher utility costs and diminished occupant comfort. An oversized system, on the other hand, will waste unnecessary money on equipment, as well as create comfort problems. For example, an oversized cooling unit can result in humidity problems, which in turn can lead to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) difficulties.
Get the right answersWhile design qualifications are contained in building codes, it is critical that those designing the system not just ask the right questions, but be sure to identify those individuals capable of providing the requisite accurate information.
Do the job rightAs important as is design, so is proper installation. HVAC systems can be complex, and you want to ensure that the team performing the installation - from design engineer to installation manager, project manager and installers - are capable and experienced.
Service after the jobEven a properly designed and installed system, however, can create IAQ problems if not regularly serviced and maintained. Filters must be cleaned and/or changed as needed, belts tightened and/or changed, coils cleaned, condensate pans cleaned to ensure they are not harboring molds, and vents checked to insure they are open.
Remote MonitoringToday, new technology has created controls that allow for remote monitoring of such factors as temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide (demand-based ventilation) with the ability to change settings from a distance via computer.
In the futureThe future promises even more sophisticated equipment, so owners should strive to work with HVAC professionals who remain on top of new product development. In this way, they can take advantage of new technology they may be unaware even exists.
SummaryIn the vast majority of situations, IAQ problems can be prevented. What's required is good design, achieved through thorough planning and information gathering; proper installation, service and maintenance; and access to the latest product developments. Look to the J. Lawrence Hall Company to provide all of these services.
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