Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining optimal indoor air quality (IAQ), which significantly impacts the health and comfort of the people living or working in the space. Ventilation refers to the process of exchanging indoor air with fresh outdoor air to remove contaminants, moisture, and other pollutants, while ensuring that the air inside remains fresh and breathable. Whether in a home, office, or commercial building, good ventilation systems play a vital role in controlling and improving IAQ by effectively managing airborne particles, gases, and odors. The primary function of ventilation is to dilute and remove harmful pollutants that can accumulate indoors, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter. VOCs are emitted from everyday household items like cleaning products, paints, and furniture, while CO2 builds up from human activities such as breathing and combustion processes like cooking or heating. Without proper ventilation, these pollutants can lead to poor air quality, causing discomfort and potentially serious health issues like headaches, fatigue, and respiratory problems. One of the key benefits of proper ventilation is its ability to reduce moisture levels in indoor environments. High humidity can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which not only damages property but can also trigger allergies and asthma. By effectively regulating humidity, ventilation systems help keep these issues in check, contributing to a healthier living environment. Additionally, good ventilation prevents the buildup of excess moisture, which can lead to structural damage to walls, ceilings, and foundations over time. Ventilation also helps maintain a consistent temperature and air circulation throughout a building. Stale air tends to accumulate in areas with poor airflow, creating uncomfortable hot spots or chilly corners. A well-designed ventilation system ensures that air moves freely through all spaces, helping to maintain a balanced, comfortable environment. This is especially important in energy-efficient homes and buildings that are designed to be airtight for better insulation. Without proper ventilation, these spaces can trap heat and moisture, leading to discomfort and reduced indoor air quality. Another critical aspect of proper ventilation is the reduction of airborne allergens and pollutants. Pollens, pet dander, dust mites, and other particles can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues, particularly for people with asthma or sensitivities. A well-maintained ventilation system equipped with air filters can help trap these particles, preventing them from circulating in the air. This creates a cleaner, more breathable environment that can significantly improve health and wellbeing, especially in households with young children, the elderly, or individuals with respiratory conditions. Furthermore, modern ventilation systems are designed to be energy-efficient, helping to balance air quality with sustainability. With the advent of heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), homes and businesses can enjoy fresh air without sacrificing energy efficiency. These systems exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while retaining heat or cooling, ensuring that the process of ventilation does not lead to excessive energy use. In conclusion, proper ventilation is a cornerstone of good indoor air quality. It helps remove harmful pollutants, control humidity, prevent mold growth, and regulate temperature, all of which contribute to a healthier and more comfortable living or working space. Investing in an effective ventilation system not only enhances the air quality but also promotes better health, productivity, and long-term comfort. Regular maintenance and upgrades to these systems can ensure they continue to provide optimal performance for years to come.
The COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the building sector and made healthy building interior one of the most important safety factors.
In residential buildings, indoor air quality has gained the utmost importance for stopping the transmission of coronavirus.
To create safe indoor spaces, the MEP design plays a critical role.The requirements of every building might be the same as each building is unique.
However, the most common requirements that must be met for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses are:High ventilation rates for preventing accumulation of harmful viral particles in the air.Smart ventilation layout for ensuring that the air pollutants are eliminated at the source and not distributed to nearby building areas.Efficient filtering for eliminating viruses up to 0.3 microns.Reliable disinfection methods for destroying germs that aren’t removed with ventilation and filtering.One of the common concerns with building system upgrades is the higher associated costs due to increased energy consumption.
The above mentioned measures can be compensated with effective energy efficiency measures.COVID Prevention with Effective Ventilation DesignFor an optimal ventilation system design, ASHRAE has 2 main recommendations:Increased outdoor air ventilation for displacing any contaminated indoor air.Minimum to none recirculation of indoor air for stopping transmission of viruses and germs.Even in absence of viral particles, an effective ventilation design can greatly improve the indoor air quality and promote comfort.Keep in mind that patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms are often instructed to recover at home until medical attention is needed.
However, there are ways how the excess requirement can be compensated:In favourable weather condition, residential ventilation systems can use airside economizer for achieving free cooling as the outdoor air is cool enough for replacing the need of air conditioning.HVAC systems coupled with Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) can further reduce the heating and cooling costs without sacrificing indoor air quality and comfort.Role of Filter Ratings in COVID PreventionAir filters have the ability of trapping harmful air particles.
