Air conditioners keep property owners comfortable maintaining their desired indoor temperature. They also help boost health and well-being by removing pollutants and filtering the air. This process of replacing stale air with a fresh one is called ventilation.
The Role of Ventilation in Air Conditioning
Ventilation impacts air quality, energy efficiency, odors, gases, and the spread of respiratory diseases. Because of this, it is considered the most important element of any HVAC system. To further emphasize its significance, here are its roles in air conditioning:
- Replenishes oxygen
- Helps regulate internal temperatures and humidity
- Reduces the accumulation of contaminants that can build up over time, including dust, moisture, bacteria, carbon dioxide, and smoke
- Creates fluid air movement
The Importance of Adequate Ventilation
Air quality can be affected by low-level irritants, such as dust and pollen. When humidity levels are too high in humid or colder areas in buildings with poor insulation, there is a high chance of condensation resulting in mold growth and different health conditions. Additionally, moisture can deteriorate a building’s stability, depending on its material’s properties. This reduces the lifespan of the building and causes the need for repairs.
These problems can all be solved with adequate ventilation, since it ensures good air quality by cycling toxins and carbon dioxide from your indoor spaces. It also boosts energy efficiency, improves thermal comfort, regulates humidity, and reduces the risk of condensation.
The Variation of Ventilation Systems
Ventilation comes in different types and can either be natural and mechanical. Natural ventilation works by driving pressure differences between the inside and outside of the building or between one part and another part of the property. Many businesses prefer this over mechanical ventilation because it needs lower operational and maintenance costs.
On the other hand, commercial facilities usually use mechanical ventilation with air handling units (AHU) connected to ductwork. These AHUs have an insulated box that contains a fan or blower, filter racks or chambers, and heating elements.
To ensure adequate ventilation, windows in a well-sealed commercial building must be opened 4-6 times a day. Mechanical ventilation systems can supplement this natural ventilation method to create mixed-mode or assisted ventilation.
The Types of Mechanical Systems in Commercial Buildings
Before adding a mechanical ventilation system, checking the building sealing is important to prevent building leaks and ensure optimal ventilation control and heat recovery. This ultra-low level commercial property must have an excellent level of airtightness to make it ideal for introducing ventilation.
An exhaust fan is the simplest mechanical ventilation system. Since there is no heat exchange involved, incoming air has the same temperature as ambient air. This system is ideal for adding to bathrooms and kitchens.
Besides an exhaust fan, another simple system to consider introducing to a commercial building is a two-way ventilator. It has two fans; one unit exhausts air, while the other supplies air.
The most effective mechanical ventilation solution for well-sealed commercial properties is a fully ducted ventilation system. It supplies fresh, filtered air and removes humid air using heat exchange.
Conclusion
Proper ventilation is critical in indoor environments like commercial buildings where many people gather. Without it, properties get susceptible to stagnant air, which makes people vulnerable to health conditions. To make your facility properly ventilated, comfortable, and sustainable, work with air conditioning engineers from a trusted engineering firm.
Team up with MPW Engineering to make your innovative project successful. Our engineering company provides sustainable heating, cooling, and humidity control services. Get in touch with us to request a consultation!
