Rethinking Indoor Air quality After the Pandemic
Articles, design
4 Key Aspects of a Good Air Ventilation System
The COVID-19 pandemic raised important issues in architecture. Designing better ventilation systems has become increasingly necessary in high density housing to prevent the spread of airborne illnesses. The flow of clean air though apartments is imperative for a healthy building. Here are four key aspects of a good ventilation system to ensure clean, healthy air.
1-Impurities Control
Air quality varies in every major city, but in general multifamily projects in dense urban areas may find themselves in an environment without great air quality. However, the air within a building is often much more polluted than the air outside. Ventilation filter systems can be designed to help remove the build-up of air pollutants, moisture, bacteria, and unpleasant odors. In doing so, they also filter common allergens that affect a large number of people.
2-Fresh Air
Systems that only recirculate indoor air lead to increased levels of Carbon Dioxide indoors. Moderate to high levels of carbon dioxide can cause headaches and fatigue. A well designed system will mix indoor air with fresh outdoor air to maintain low CO2 levels.
3-Moisture Control
Humidity and moisture inside a home can lead to mold, discoloration of surfaces, and overall discomfort. If left untreated health problems may develop over time. Proper humidity controls within the system design are integral to maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
4-Reducing Infectious Pathogens
Many air purifiers employ high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) which can remove many virus-laden aerosols. Progress has also been made in the use of disinfecting UV lighting. When placed in a ventilation system, ultraviolet irradiation is used to inactivate airborne microorganisms rendering them unable to infect and reproduce. Both are exciting technologies that once fully integrated with an HVAC system create a safer and healthier living space that prioritizes human wellness.