One of the major discussions happening worldwide is how to reduce toxic and carbon emissions from the environment. When engaged in the conversation, it’s easy to forget the risks that poor indoor air quality poses to our health. Some of the notable risks include asthma attacks, allergies, the transmission of flu, or elevating vulnerable family members’ dire health situation. House-holds, therefore, rely on the effectiveness of air conditioning systems to shield their health and protect family members.
Air conditioners’ designs and systems depend on the manufacturers’ interests, which may not correspond with superior air quality, as a consumer, its therefore vital to gauge its standards and design geared for better health. Below are some of the system designs that can increase the standards of indoor air quality.
1. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is already proving effective in construction, automotive, marketing, and other fields. In-effective HVAC systems contribute to a huge power cost without necessarily improving indoor air quality. Smart HVAC systems can automatically detect and adjust the ventilation, humidity, air ducts, and alert home-owners, among other functions.
Below are some of the AI additions on HVAC systems for better air quality.
Ventilation Systems: Most air conditioners operate in full capacity in anticipation of either low outdoor temperature or high indoor temperature and vice versa. The effect leads to high energy in-efficiency and frequent human intervention. With AI, the system can automatically detect internal airflow and temperature changes. It’ll then adjust ventilation to either allow more air or activate the cooling system.- Air Conditioning Control: In any commercial building, whether restaurant or trading centers, the air conditioner requires constant controls. The exercise is disruption from core functions such as serving customers. Artificial Intelligence can automatically detect raising internal temperatures caused by either huge traffic or other factors. Additionally, the intricate systems change during seasons’ transition won’t be needed for this kind of HVAC.
- Increased Energy Efficiency: Whether a home-owner or a business person, energy efficiency is the topmost priority to keep operations costs at manageable levels. With the current AI upgrades, the new HVAC systems include either Airside Economizer or Energy Recovery Ventilator. The airside economizer relies on climate changes and automatically send signals to ventilation fans. The simple action bypasses the air conditioning function, which reduces the total energy consumed. Other smart features or signals can reduce the total energy spent further.
The overall impact on these additions is the quick reaction when their quality deteriorates using such inbuilt smart features.
2. Use of UV-Lights Feature
UV (Ultra-Violet Radiation) are harmful sun rays often protected by the ozone layer, reducing potential harm to people. There are several products designed to shield people from such rays, especially doing summer. However, these rays can kill pathogens, microbes, and other contaminants found in the air.
Manufacturers of the HVAC system can utilize UV-rays to improve indoor quality and other measures like particulate filters. Some of the potent areas where UV-light technology is applicable include:
- Daycare centers
- Airports
- Nursing Homes
- Schools
As an institution, you’d incorporate UV-lights in the filtration coil to clean the internal air. The method eliminates mold, pollen, and any fine dirt particles from being circulated internally. Alternatively, building owners can also install UV light at the upper air ducts adjacent to target rooms. The rays eliminate pathogens and other contaminants in the air duct before its eventual release.
3. Use of Improved Air Cleaners
Traditional air cleaners and filters eliminate dust, debris, and other contaminants from getting into the air conditioner or affecting air quality. UV light and other automatic controls improve the efficiency of the filtration process. Therefore, the additional features can’t take away the need for air cleaners and filters.
One of the advanced air cleaners is the HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. The designation is a gold standard recognized in European and American markets. Any filter that guarantees filtration of 99.95% of particles such as dust, pollen, and mold qualifies to be HEPA.
To obtain a gold standard for indoor air quality, you should select an HVAC system with an inbuilt HEPA filter. You’d also retrofit your existing air conditioner. The only downside of air filters is the extra strain on HVAC during the air ventilation process.
4. Moisture and Humidity Control
Excess humidity and moisture in a building could either cause wall damage, foundation problems or affect people’s health. High humidity creates the best condition for mold growth, leading to allergies or potential asthmatic attacks. Some of the possible costs associated with humidity problems include reduced productivity, absenteeism in schools, and poor health.
Part of the modern solutions includes a humidity gauge for a zoned air conditioning system. When the gauge detects falling or rising humidity, the HVAC system picks signals and automatically balances the air temperature or increase air circulation. The system is also known as the Variant Refrigerant System that bases its action on a square area’s specific humidity metrics.
5. Caution When Executing Duct Insulation
HVAC systems require insulation to caution against heat and energy loss and reduce possible air duct contamination. The insulation creates a potential risk to the corresponding indoor air quality in those buildings. Ducts insulations include fibrous materials, fish oil, or a degreaser layer, which poses an extra risk of contamination. If the ducts are not well installed, the air conditioning unit is at risk of air contamination. Contamination can arise from the Infiltration of dirt particles or moisture, which forms mold.
Some of the quick solution for this include:
- Seal off Moisture Sources: Look out for possible water droplet sources like poor plumbing and ventilation openings that may cause moisture problems.
- Carefully Choose Insulation Materials: When installing the HVAC system, the choice of ventilation material may result in possible contamination. Ensure the material is impervious to both moisture and dust particles.
As you embark on a journey to acquire an air conditioning unit, it’s important to consider aspects that improve indoor air quality. Look out for modern features like smart controls, HEPA filtration, or a zoned air conditioning system. Ultimately, the ideal HVAC system should work towards the health of your family and eliminating potential risks.