There are specific ventilation requirements for commercial buildings for a reason. Prioritizing healthy, breathable air within your Delaware facility enhances the comfort and safety of the environment for workers and visitors.
Understanding Air Dilution
Those who work in industrial facilities or with heavy machinery regularly breathe in high levels of toxic air. However, there’s a practical solution to this dangerous issue. Air dilution systems are an excellent way to achieve proper indoor air quality (IAQ) in commercial buildings. This has become more prevalent to companies during the era of COVID-19.
Air dilution lowers emission concentration and other impurities while maintaining sufficient oxygen levels. When air dilution isn’t prioritized, it has a negative effect on your indoor environment.
The Process of Dilution and Air Ventilation
Dilution ventilation uses the force of clean air to dilute contaminated air, removing it from your building and pushing it outside. While diluting the air doesn’t eliminate exposure to toxic gasses, it makes the air healthier by reducing the number of impurities, making the oxygen levels more suitable. Often, air dilution is used to control chemical pollutants in shipyards or other industrial environments. As a rule of thumb, it’s best if this technique is only used in situations where:
- The number of pollutants generated isn’t too high
- The contaminants have a moderate level of toxicity
- Workers aren’t near the source of pollutants
- The emission rate of contamination is uniform
There’s No HVAC Without the ‘V’ for Ventilation
Your company’s HVAC system has to meet industry standards and regulations to achieve fresh air requirements for commercial buildings. Proper HVAC air filtration involves appropriate ventilation. Medically speaking, ventilation refers to the exchange of air between the lungs and the atmosphere so that oxygen can be exchanged for carbon dioxide in the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs. When your building lacks ventilation, you essentially jeopardize the health and breathing of your associates and visitors.
Improper ventilation is one of the top five causes of poor IAQ. Instead of relying on your building to get the clean air it needs via open windows or the cracks and crevices in an older property, the way to go is mechanical ventilation. This method assists your HVAC system by increasing the ventilation rates. Additionally, mechanical ventilation promotes appropriate air dilution using air ducts and exhaust fans to control when, where, and how much outside air is cycled into your commercial building.
How Does HVAC Contribute to IAQ?
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ventilation is one of the most critical tasks of an HVAC system. That’s because, without ventilation, your building circulates the same contaminated air day in and day out, causing discomfort, disease, and serious respiratory illnesses. Without the use of furnace filters and other air purification tactics, including air dilution, inhabitants could suffer from:
- Excessive sneezing and coughing
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Itchy nose and watery eyes
- Asthma or allergy flare-ups
- Skin irritation
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Cancer
Particulate matter is present indoors and outdoors. However, inadequate ventilation increases the number of contaminants inside your commercial building. When there’s not enough fresh air circulating within the building, it becomes a hot and stuffy breeding ground for airborne impurities, germs, and microorganisms. The overabundance of contaminants contributes to the cause of the afflictions and discomforts listed above. Pollutants can be man-made or organic. Either way, it’s best to take the initiative to make your facility safe and comfortable for yourself and others.
Service Unlimited is equipped to identify room for improvement within your HVAC system and mobilize a plan of action.
Service Unlimited Helps Your Achieve Healthy Air
Our services for ventilation systems remove bacteria and viruses from your facility and refresh the air you breathe indoors. Our sophisticated ductwork helps your building reach the highest levels of IAQ possible. At Service Unlimited, our knowledgeable technicians use their advanced craftsmanship and expertise to provide a dynamic, high-functioning HVAC system for your building. Reach out to us today.