Best way to improve air quality and ventilation is always HVAC

Changing the filters is one of the most common methods to ensure the air is hygienic and free from pollutants.

Equinox Labs Pvt. Ltd., has a product range for catering to the environmental & Food Testing Laboratory – having facility to do sampling and testing / analysis of indoor air quality, ambient air quality, source emission testing, compressed air testing and clean room validation also. Talking to Thermal Control Business Update, Ashwin Bhadri, CEO Equinox Labs says the company deals with various types of water sample & Soil Sample Testing, Food testing etc. 

What standard protocols are being followed by your lab? 

• As we are Testing Laboratory we do monitoring of pollutants present in indoor air by referring to ASHRAE, ISHRAE, WHO, USEPA, NAAQ standards. 
• For Organisational Safety as well as employee safety concern we follow ISO 45001 Standard and comply the same as we have certification for the same. 

What new automation trends are visible in the HVAC industry? 

• Eco Friendly HVAC System 
• Duct Free HVAC System 
• Smart & Software Operated HVAC System. 

Measures for air quality and ventilation from a health point of view. 

• Cigarette Smoke – Being smoke-free, including in the home. 
• Household Cleaners – use natural cleaning supplies and elbow grease to minimise risks. For e.g. Particulates from candles and incense, irritating perfumes, odours from harsh household cleaners, craft and office supplies, such as paints, glues and toner ink, fumes from dry cleaned garments (many solvents used are carcinogenic), allergens, such as mould, pollen, pet dander and dust mites, wood-burning fireplaces or stoves, improper ventilation in homes (can increase levels of radon and carbon monoxide gas), gas stoves that are not well ventilated with hoods to outside (can increase exposure to nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde), materials used in older buildings such as asbestos, formaldehyde and lead. 
• Opening windows helps ventilate your home, car or office. 
• Consider using air filters and getting your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems) checked regularly. 
• Remove carpeting if possible. 
• Use a dehumidifier and/or air conditioner to reduce moisture. 
• Keep trash covered to avoid attracting pests. 
• Remove shoes at the door. 
• Have car emissions tested regularly. 
• Minimise air freshener use. 
• Fix water leaks. 
• Dust surfaces and vacuum frequently. 
• Make sure exhaust fans are functioning in your bathrooms and kitchen 
• Keep a lid on scented candles. 

When we say air quality and ventilation are too hygienic, it seems an impossible combination. While we opt to ensure the proper ventilation, the IAQ gets affected due to the outdoor air. The technology has boomed and helped the people to access fresh and good quality air. One of the best ways to improve air quality and ventilation issues is the HVAC system. When you talk about the measures, here are some that are suggested: 

Promoting Greenery 

Plants are our friends, be it indoors or outdoors. Having maximum plants ensures that the surrounding air is clean. The corporate spaces today try to ensure that they have plants that help to improve the air quality. 

Change the Filters 

The purifiers that are used today accumulate dust and other pollutants. Hence, it is recommended that the ducts are cleaned to remove the trapped dust. Changing the filters is one of the most common methods to ensure the air is hygienic and free from pollutants; this might not be the case in every circumstance. 

Keep it Clean 

We mostly complain about the dust settling on our windows. So now, you know how harmful the indoor air can be. Ensuring that every corner is clean and dust-free is the only way that ensures the employees in the company and people in the home breathe safe air. A strict hourly clean is not recommended but at least one in two days is just a good-togo option. 

Allow the Fresh Air in 

Even when the temperature is low, allowing the outdoor fresh air in a room helps to eliminate the risk of pollutants. One simply can open the windows and start the kitchen fans or exhaust to force the pollutants to leave your space.