Industry matters
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Mousa says that the design and operation of HVAC systems
can hinder disease transmission in several ways. HVAC systems
supply clean air to susceptible occupants, such as in crowded
and closed spaces, thereby helping in reducing the possibility of
disease transmission.
Johnson Controls offers a complete range of advanced
solutions and technologies covering filtration, proper
humidification and ultraviolet air purifiers that reduce
airborne contaminants to achieve an optimum room
temperature and humidity, and a cleaner and healthier IAQ.
Air handling units (AHU) show how HVAC units can play an
important role in reaching the required levels of IAQ and
beyond.
These HVAC units supply 100% fresh air by containing
contaminated air and exhausting it to the outdoors, and then
replacing it with well-treated fresh air, which re-enters the
space after a rigorous filtration process; this process cleans
the air within the space/room. Air filtration starts with the prefiltration
stage to prevent dust particles from passing through
air. Some units in the market are equipped with filters that do
not allow the passage of big particles to the air-conditioned
environment through multiple stages of filtration that can
achieve up to 95% filtration efficiency in comfort application,
and 99.95% in medical application, thereby increasing the IAQ
depending on the application.
Another technology applied in the HVAC air side systems is
the ultraviolet lights (UV). These lights can help enhance the IAQ
as well as eliminate many types of fungi, bacteria, germs, viruses
and pathogens. Typically, the UV lights are installed within the air
handler, which remains turned on 24/7. The HVAC UV lights are
effective at controlling mould growth inside the air handler, as all
mould in the line-of-sight of the UV bulb is killed, keeping the coil
mould-free.
MAINTENANCE IS VITAL
Using the right procedure for the maintenance of the equipment
has a huge impact in eliminating any potential microbial
growth in the HVAC unit and the air delivered by it. Performing
preventive maintenance procedures, such as cleaning surfaces,
filters and cooling coils, at regular intervals, is key to maintaining
decent indoor air quality. RACA