Indoor Air Quality Directly Impacted by Floor Air Distribution
The underfloor air distribution (UFAD) system is a key factor in ensuring healthy indoor air quality. UFAD systems provide a low-velocity supply of cool air to a room controlled via the building's temperature control system. This helps to not only maintain reliable temperatures and humidity levels, but also occupant comfort and ventilation.
What are indoor air quality standards?
On average, we spend 90 percent of our days indoors! Indoor air quality standards are guidelines which help ensure that the air in a building or other enclosed space is free of harmful levels of pollutants or particles. Indoor air quality standards are typically set by national and local government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Indoor air quality standards from the EPA and ASHRAE are constantly evolving to ensure the safety of people and pets spending most of their time inside as well as the larger environment that affects us all.
How do you test indoor air quality?
Testing indoor air quality can involve a variety of methods, including using air samplers to measure levels of airborne particles or gas monitors to detect harmful gases or other pollutants. Indoor air quality standards vary by country, so it is important to understand your local regulations before testing for pollutants.
Indoor air testing kits can be purchased personally or professionally performed by workplace and environmental safety companies.
AirFixture’s UFAD systems have been developed to provide better, more consistent indoor air quality than a conventional overhead air distribution system. While our systems are top-of-the-line, it is important to test and monitor your indoor air quality to ensure the safety of the people in the room. Building4Health is noted as “the authoritative lens on the influence of the indoor environment on human health.” Read for more great information on indoor air quality and personal or employee health
How can you monitor your indoor air quality?
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, there are many potential hosts for indoor air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, radon, asbestos, lead, dusts and other pollutants. Researchers recommend regular cleaning throughout the indoor space and air distribution systems as well as scheduled testing for pollutants and potentially toxic gasses.
Do air diffusers distribute dust to the environment? Does it recirculate?
UFAD systems limit dust exposure in an environment through its low-velocity supply of fresh – not recirculated in the room- air which helps maintain healthy air conditions in the breathing zone. AirFixture UFAD systems include a catch pan in the bottom of the diffuser where larger dust particles will collect. This can be easily removed and cleaned as needed as a part of your indoor air quality monitoring.
Fresh air is especially important in environments where people spend extended periods of time, such as offices and classrooms. This distribution method also helps minimize hot and cold spots in the room where mold, bacteria, pests and other allergens collect.
Do underfloor air diffusers reduce the risk of COVID-19?
Compared to traditional overhead mixed air ventilation systems, the underfloor air distribution system improves indoor air quality by limiting cross-contamination of air between occupants through the method of air distribution. Studies have shown that UFAD systems deliver air in a manner that provides occupants a more consistent flow of healthy, fresh air according to TLC Engineers. UFAD systems provide air from the bottom six inches of a room. The cool, fresh air rises to the “breathing zone” at 4-6 feet, providing a consistent stream of fresh air to people in the room rather than recirculating air throughout the room. Then, as that air warms, when it touches people or copy machines or computers, it rises and recirculates out the top of the room.
UFAD systems are the clean way to go for consistent comfort. Contact us today to learn more about underfloor air distribution, our CleanAir Tower systems and how AirFixture can help improve your indoor air quality. [gem_button text="Speak to an Expert" corner="3" size="medium" size_tablet="medium" size_mobile="medium" icon_pack="elegant" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fairfixture.com%2Fcontact-us%3Futm_source%3Dwebsite%26utm_medium%3Dblog%26utm_campaign%3DIndoor_Air_Quality|title:Speak%20to%20an%20Expert" text_size="15"]
