HVAC

For builders, indoor air quality should be a priority, not a luxury. Because most Americans spend significant time indoors, builders should take steps to ensure the commercial HVAC system installed in their buildings supports indoor air quality.

Invisible Neighbors

Indoor air that contains gases, chemicals, allergens and other pollutants can cause a variety of health problems, including headaches, allergies, eye irritation and fatigue. Serious pollutants can even cause cancer and long-term health conditions.

Common indoor air pollutants include secondhand smoke, radon, and combustion pollutants. Exposure to secondhand smoke increases an individual’s risk to a variety of health conditions and can worsen symptoms of asthma, increase the risk of ear infections in children and increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. 

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and can enter a building through cracks and other poorly sealed openings. Combustion pollutants include carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. These two pollutants can cause a plethora of health conditions, including headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, shortness of breath and irritation of the eye, nose and throat.

Sick Building Syndrome

Commercial buildings with poor indoor air quality can cause employees to develop a condition called Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). This condition causes employees, clients and other individuals within a building to experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness and irritation of the eye, nose and throat. These symptoms typically go away once the individual has left the building.

SBS may be caused by flaws in the building’s ductwork or ventilation system as well as by a lack of air purification systems.

Learn more about SBS.

Three Types of Commercial HVAC Systems

Depending on the size and use of the building, builders can choose from three types of commercial HVAC systems:

• Single-split system is the most affordable and popular type of HVAC system; most common in smaller commercial buildings; offers individual control of heating and cooling for each office
• Multi-split system offers higher energy efficiency and includes sensors that detect temperature changes 
• VRF (variable refrigerant flow) or VRV (variable refrigerant volume) systems are the best choice for large mixed-use buildings, such as hotels and large office buildings

How to Choose the Best Commercial HVAC System

Because today’s consumers have higher expectations for indoor air quality, it’s important for builders to consult with a professional HVAC company. In light of this trend, some builders are now offering a premium HVAC system to use as a marketing/sales advantage in the marketplace.

The 20/20 Plumbing & Heating team of HVAC specialists will work with builders to determine which commercial HVAC system to install. Clients are encouraged to reach out with any questions about commercial HVAC systems.