Question

Describe briefly the relationship between the HVAC systems and IAQ.

Answer 1

HVAC stands for heating ventilation and air conditioning.

IAQ stands for indoor air quality.

HVAC:

It is a system used to alter the ambient conditions within commercial buildings to maximize the comfort of people. A thermostat is a device in HVAC system that monitors the indoor temperature and automatically adjusts your heating or cooling system to maintain the desired level .and thermostats is of two kinds programmable and manual one.

positive relationship:

The more effective a commercial building's HVAC is, the better the air quality within the building and it's immediate surroundings.

consider the below example:

On a typical hot day, the facilities and offices within a commercial building take in much heat as well. High temperatures in tend cause organic compounds within the commercial building to become volatile. These volatile organic compounds are very dangerous to commercial building occupants, and could lead to long-term respiratory problem. The presence of VOCs within a commercial building already signals that the building's IAQ has been compromised. If the commercial building has a good and functioning HVAC system, occupants could simply turn on their ventilation units on such hot days to dispel the heat and avoid the potential hazard that comes with it.

negative relationship:

When an HVAC system is properly designed , it improves indoor air quality and provides comfort. However, HVAC systems can also harm air quality if poorly designed or when maintenance is lacking.

There are several ways in which an HVAC system can degrade indoor air quality:

• Spreading dust, bacteria, allergens or other harmful substances.
• Heating or cooling the air excessively. When air is blown at excessive speeds, it can also cause thermal discomfort.
• Inadequate air humidity: Air that is too moist or too dry normally causes discomfort.