IAQ News

Cleaning VAV terminal units is important to maintain HVAC system performance and indoor air quality. A variable air volume, or VAV, terminal unit is a device that controls the amount of air that enters a room or part of a building. It does this by adjusting the volume of air that flows through the unit based on the temperature in the room. Essentially, it helps regulate the temperature of the air that enters the room. Implications of Dirty Ducts It makes sense that particulate build-up in the air ducts will affect the performance of the VAV terminal unit. This is because the debris restricts the flow of air through the ducts, which in turn reduces the amount of air that is delivered to the room. This results in decreased efficiency and higher energy costs since the HVAC system must work longer to deliver the same amount of air. Dirty ducts also affect the airflow through the reheat coils, which are used to control the temperature of the air that is delivered to the room. If there is ...
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This is a very basic overview of a chilled water HVAC system for people in other parts of a facility management program including purchasing, administration and even non-mechanical executives. A commercial chilled water HVAC system is a type of air conditioning system that works by circulating cold water through plumbing and mechanical equipment to cool the air in a building. This type of system is commonly used in large buildings such as office buildings, hospitals, and schools. Chilled Water HVAC - The Sum of its Parts The chilled water HVAC system consists of several key components that work together to provide cooling. These components include a chiller, air handling units, pumps, piping, and evaporator coils. The Chiller This is the heart of the system and is responsible for cooling the water that is circulated throughout the system. The chiller works by taking in warm water from the building and using refrigeration technology to cool it down. The cold water is then pumped out of the chiller and circulated through pipes to the air handling units. The Air ...
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The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) provides significant funding to public schools in the United States. The legislation specifically addresses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. It's for a wide range of purposes, including using ESSER for IAQ and HVAC system improvements in schools. Under the ARP, $122 billion is allocated to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) III. This is for school districts to use for a variety of purposes related to COVID-19 response and recovery. Especially to alleviate learning loss, improve school facilities, and mitigate the spread of the virus. What Can Schools use ESSER for?

• Activities authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, including Title I programs, special education programs, and other programs designed to improve academic achievement.
• Any activity authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Initiatives that are necessary to maintain the operation of and continuity of services in local educational agencies (LEAs) and continuing to employ existing staff.
• Addressing the unique needs of low-income students, children with disabilities, English ...
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As a facility manager, you understand that ventilation plays a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality, especially in healthcare facilities such as hospitals. Ventilation in hospitals is the process of exchanging indoor air with outdoor air to improve the quality of indoor air. It is essential to maintain adequate air change rates to ensure a healthy indoor environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Importance of Good Ventilation Here are three main points to consider regarding the importance of ventilation in hospitals for optimal indoor air quality: Removal of contaminants: Proper ventilation in hospitals helps to remove harmful contaminants, such as airborne viruses, bacteria, and pollutants, from indoor air. This is particularly important in hospitals, where airborne pathogens can cause infections and diseases. According to a peer-reviewed study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, increasing ventilation rates in hospitals can reduce the transmission of airborne diseases and infections among patients and staff. Regulation of humidity: Ventilation in hospitals also helps to regulate the humidity levels in indoor air, which can affect indoor air quality ...
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Indoor air quality is a top concern of building managers. In fact, it’s a concern of all stakeholders as it involves the health and safety of building occupants as well as the company’s bottom line. Poor IAQ, resulting from ventilation issues or water intrusion, poses a threat. Virus transmission is another cause for concern, however, IAQ testing methods determine the levels of contaminants as well as their source. After identifying risk, remediation follows. Three leading sample collection procedures exist to test for indoor contaminants. These methods identify mold but also organic and manmade particles and allergens too. IAQ Testing Methods  There are several methods for collecting samples to test for indoor contaminants, but three leading sample collection procedures are: Bioaerosol Sampling Of the IAQ testing methods, the practice known as bioaerosol sampling is a procedure that involves air collection. These air samples taken from the indoor environment undergo analysis for pollutants. In this process, air sampling pumps draw air through filters or sorbent materials. Afterward, the filters or sorbent materials get analyzed for pollutants such as particulate ...
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