How can ventilation help in improving building safety?

During and even after the current coronavirus pandemic, the ventilation sector can help make buildings healthier to aid in the fight against viruses.

As a virus, there is still much to learn about Covid-19 and unfortunately a lot of information is raising anxiety levels for the public.

Ventilation is seen as playing a potential role to help with overall well being in properties at a time when millions are being asked to self-isolate in their homes, alongside following advice on social distancing and the importance of regular and thorough handwashing when leaving and arriving at a property.

David Cook says that even without the current government demands for as many UK citizens to stay home as possible - except for a single form of daily exercise, or to get essential food and medicines - the public already spends an estimated 80 to 90 per cent of their time indoors.

A building’s indoor air quality (IAQ) will clearly therefore have a significant effect on their health and wellbeing.

There are ways that the HVAC industry can help building owners improve the health of their buildings, which in turn will improve the health of their employees and increase productivity.

Mr Cook says that measures such as improving filtration, installing demand control ventilation, maintaining the system and increasing ventilation rates in lone with system design can improve the health of a building. This is seen as an important focus particularly amidst public concern about Covid-19.

He adds, “The simplest steps to take to improve existing ventilation are to service and maintain the mechanical ventilation system, including checking the filters. Some ventilation systems, such as Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) and Demand Energy Recovery Ventilation (D-ERV), not only extract harmful pollutants, but also direct the air coming into the building through filters, taking out harmful airborne bacteria and dangerous contaminants.”

Mr Cooks says that it should be considered important that industry opts to use higher grade filters and ensure they are maintained.

He adds, “Dirty filters will affect the efficiency of the ventilation system which reduces its effectiveness.  Filters should be checked regularly to see if they need cleaning or replacing.”