Modern Building Services

14 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES JULY/AUGUST 2021 FEATURE INDOOR AIR QUALITY FormerWorcester Bosch CEO and Unico Systems representative, Richard Soper , outlines why heating, ventilation and cooling should be top of the agenda and how engineers and installers can ensure that they profit not just now but into the future. T he importance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has never been greater. Tight construction can trap contaminants and keep air within internal spaces. Additionally, viruses do not easily dissipate, increasing the likelihood of them spreading throughout the conditioned environment. A recent study in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal identified recirculated air as a cause of Covid-19 transmission within a Guangzhou restaurant. As a result, researchers have called for improved ventilation and temperature monitoring, as well as enhanced social distancing. Growing evidence of the likelihood of airborne transmission has also led more than 230 scientists to call on theWorld Health Organization to relook at the evidence, particularly in relation to crowded, or poorly ventilated locations. Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation Ventilation is probably the best- known method of improving IAQ and is the first solution to incorporate. In fact, one of the latest recommendations from the Royal Academy of Engineering is for those who have split systems using only recirculated air to open windows when the system is in use. While providing an immediate answer for those in drastic need this is clearly not a long-term solution, as it means sacrificing heat and security whilst increasing energy usage. Energy recovery ventilators (ERV) are one of the best options for tackling this issue long-term. ERVs significantly reduce the cost of heating and cooling.by capturing some of the heat from either the exhaust or the fresh air and can also be used to reduce humidity during cooling. Anything that makes the HVAC systemwork less will save money yet lowering humidity to enable room occupiers to be more comfortable at higher temperatures is often an area that is overlooked. When considering the value of an ERV installers, engineers and homeowners should consider climate, maintenance, and use when making their calculations. The importance of Air Quality has never been greater INDOOR AIR QUALITY