HVAC is an abbreviation for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems. HVAC systems are also known as Controlled Room Air Conditioning systems. These systems are widely used by buildings or entire buildings to increase the comfort level in the rooms, save energy and promote the comfort level in a building. An HVAC system controls the distribution of air (called air movement) within an enclosed space such as a home or building. It ensures that the ambient temperature inside the building remains the same. The amount of air that is distributed is regulated by several components including an HVAC system. An HVAC system is usually used when a room’s heat or cooling system does not provide the required temperature to the building as required. It is also used when an air conditioner (AC) is not functioning. In commercial buildings, HVAC systems are used in business offices, public places such as shopping malls, banks, restaurants and hotels.
Why it is important to keep indoor air quality good
Climate change is a rising concern for the future of life on Earth and it is important to keep air quality inside your buildings healthy. Air pollution is a very serious health threat and according to studies, indoor air pollution is one of the main causes of some respiratory severe diseases. Any indoor air quality problems such as poor indoor air quality from dust, smoke, pet dander and mould can increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke, according to the CDC, USA.
The WHO has said that ambient air quality levels should be evaluated and optimised in an environment by having an appropriate combination of cleaner fuel to burn, better ventilation with proper and effective ventilation systems, Halogen-free fans and other cooling systems, and selective use of chilled and dry air in air conditioning systems. Apart from health, other diseases that are linked with a bad environment are skin rashes, respiratory infections, allergies, dehydration and exposure to other types of air pollution.
What are the WHO guidelines for HVAC systems?
They have given several guidelines to follow in order to prevent air pollution and other health problems. The guidelines consist of:
1. Risk assessment should be done for HVAC systems to eliminate system or AHUs (Air handling unit) failure using various tools such as failure modes or fault tree analysis.
2. Design parameters of the system must be defined properly by manufacturers for proper usage and maintenance. The design must also take into consideration, environmental conditions and cleanliness, while also considering the design and layout of the facility.
3. Monitoring systems for the humidity, airflow, temperature, and pressure must be appropriately placed.
4. Effective ventilation, pressure and temperature must be prioritized.
Hotels and buildings are supposed to abide by HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) health guidelines. These guidelines are mentioned by World Health Organization (WHO) and the application of the guidelines can result in a significant difference in the comfort level in a building. HVAC systems are becoming more sophisticated all the time. They include mechanical, electrical and thermal components that work together to heat and cool the space. As more and more hotels and resorts add ‘smart’ technology to their systems, it becomes ever more important to make sure that these systems are compliant with the WHO HVAC guidelines. These include guidelines for temperature control in buildings, especially when they are located in outdoor environments. They also cover energy efficiency, air quality, indoor air pollution, hygienic design, and minimizing the exposure of people to harmful chemicals. Specific Requirements for CHP Systems In the next few years, a number of small and medium-sized CHP units will go into commercial use. Hotels and resorts not only have to be compliant with local and national requirements but they are also required to be compliant with the current standards set out by the Global Forum for Health Concerns and the World Health Organization (WHO).
How should an HVAC system be maintained?
The maintenance schedule should be set based on your budget, time available for the job, age of the HVAC systems, your personal preferences and the climate in which you live. Regular inspection, cleaning and maintenance should be carried out in order to keep an HVAC system working properly and safely. In order to prevent the HVAC system from malfunctioning, there should be a comprehensive inspection and cleaning schedule for the following items: cleaning the equipment, cleaning the filter, and draining the unit of any water or gas in the system.
Your HVAC systems must be certified to specific criteria by the testing laboratory that conducts the standard certification tests, and the certification must be renewed every three years. Ensure you have written procedures to ensure all safety requirements are complied with. There are five ISO and 13 ANSI requirements that must be met and one more non-traditional requirement to be satisfied, which you should also keep in mind, depending on your specific system.
Each HVAC system that is installed on a hotel property must be recertified every three years to ensure it has not been damaged and that it is functioning to the standards set by the owner.
How can the HVAC system be energy efficient?
Energy consumption is a major concern in projects. Especially, when we talk about reducing electricity bills, it is very important to use energy-efficient air conditioners. In these air conditioners, only 50% of the power goes into cooling. These systems usually have modular cooling in which cooling is done in a separate tower with fans in the way that it gets circulated around the air conditioning in a normal cylinder. With a regular cylinder, it is harder to monitor and manage the air conditioning. Modular cooling is also easier to work with because it is built up over the building instead of individual parts. A good HVAC system is called the MFC which basically means multiple components.
Using the HVAC Guidelines for the best of your business is key to a successful future for the business. You can do so by:
1. Keep educating yourself and concerned employees about the developments in HVAC systems and legislation.
2. Accept innovative advancements in HVAC technology to keep ahead of the curve while making efficient and sustainable choices.
3. Recruit employees who are well aware of the ongoings of the system and its guidelines for management.
HVAC systems are important not just for the business, but also for public health and the environment. For a successful and responsible business, it is best to take these guidelines into consideration and maintain the systems on par with them.