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Mitigating poor IAQ concerns with efficient ventilation

By Rahul Aeron, Vice President, Desiccant Rotors International | The Daily Guardian| March 05, 2024

With the plummeting Air Quality Index at the onset of winter, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) remains a pressing matter as it can severely impact the health of the occupants. Where pollution is engulfing the country, people prefer staying indoors to avoid being exposed to severe pollution levels outside. But contrary to the common misconception that air inside the room is safe, it comes as a surprise to many that indoor air is 10 times worse and more polluted than outdoor air.

This is primarily because packed buildings lack proper ventilation. With people keeping the doors and windows closed during the winter, the air inside the room is incapable of escaping outside. As a result, the indoor air quality deteriorates manifold, making it severely polluted as compared to the outdoor air. The problem is further compounded in commercial and industrial spaces, such as healthcare, construction, factories, hotels, airports, offices, etc., as they come with complex and tight structures without much scope for ventilation.

The presence of numerous indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the form of synthetic building materials, furnishings, cleaning supplies, etc. invariably degrades the air within the closed premises. To further escalate the problem, the presence of humidity in the space encourages the growth of microorganisms such as mould and mildew that give rise to musty odour and severely affect the well-being of the occupants.

Poor IAQ can give rise to breathing issues, lethargy, pain in the eye, coughing, headaches, fatigue, and many more health conditions. In addition to this, inadequate ventilation can cause a phenomenon called ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ that can impact the overall health and well-being of a person.

Therefore, gauging the health consequences arising from poor IAQ, it is imperative that occupants focus on improving the ventilation of the enclosed space to experience enhanced public health. By improving the IAQ, ventilation can invariably contribute to curtailing the health risks related to respiratory illness and chronic conditions.
As a result, to achieve optimal ventilation, installing an HVAC system in the building can significantly enhance the proper ventilation of the space. It comes with the ability to supply a steady flow of fresh air throughout the building. It works on the mechanism of bringing fresh air from outside to carry out the dilution of indoor contaminated air. In the process of removing stale air from the inside, it also filters the pollutants coming in from the outside. The systems are adept at maintaining a positive pressure in the building that forces the contaminants to move out of the space.

In addition to ventilating the space, HVAC systems provide thermal comfort to the occupants. They employ advanced desiccant technology to remove moisture from the air with the intervention of hygroscopic substances. It comes handy in maintaining the optimal RH of the building which invariably contributes to toning down the air as per the requirement of the given space and goes the extra mile to inhibit the growth of unwanted microorganisms such as mould, mildew, and other substances.

Installing advanced Energy Recovery systems can further help in addressing the issue of poor IAQ efficiently. Making use of Enthalpy Wheels, the technology is adept at ventilating the space that too without compromising the air conditioning load of the room. Therefore, in the process of improving the IAQ, it also reduces the operational cost of HVAC systems significantly. Moreover, looking at the alarming rate of pollution, employing Air Purification Systems can be of great help in controlling the depleting state of IAQ. Being well equipped with honeycomb-designed chemical filters, it comes in handy in removing the gaseous contaminants from the building.

Looking at the rising menace of poor IAQ on health conditions, in addition to employing an HVAC system, people should also adopt Green Buildings with alacrity. By making use of green products, the buildings are the way forward in striking the right balance between the comfort of the occupants and reducing the energy consumption of the building.

Energy Recovery Ventilators: Enhancing Indoor Air Quality while Saving Energy

Urbanization has led to the emergence of air pollution at an advanced level. Global efforts are underway to address the environmental havoc caused by outdoor air pollution. However, amidst the magnitude of this issue, people often overlook the equally detrimental effects of indoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution can sometimes exceed the damage caused by outdoor air pollution, as it becomes trapped within enclosed spaces with limited ventilation.

Modern building structures, with their tight designs aimed at minimizing air infiltration, further exacerbate the problem by restricting the entry of fresh air. Consequently, indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, asbestos, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust, pollen, dirt, pet dander, biological growth, and excess humidity accumulate, deteriorating Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and making it 2-3 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Occupants become highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor IAQ, which can lead to severe short-term and long-term health issues that may not manifest immediately but persist as underlying ailments.

Breathing difficulties, fatigue, and eye discomfort are some direct consequences of poor ventilation. At the same time, a phenomenon known as “Sick Building Syndrome” has emerged, significantly impacting overall health and well-being, particularly for individuals with pre-existing allergies and asthma conditions.

The problem intensifies in large commercial and industrial spaces with complex, tightly sealed structures and high occupancy. In addition to the negative implications on health, poor IAQ in settings such as offices, schools, and workplaces can significantly impair concentration and productivity among occupants.

Role of Energy Recovery Ventilators

Fortunately, the menace of poor IAQ can be mitigated by introducing clean, fresh air from outside into the building. Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) is the most effective solution for improving IAQ by continuously circulating cool, fresh air.

Energy Recovery Ventilators is a balanced mechanical ventilation system that conditions incoming fresh air by recovering energy from the outgoing stale air, matching indoor temperature. Not only does ERV efficiently eliminate thick indoor air, but it also replaces it with fresh outside air.

This versatile technology not only exchanges dry heat but also removes moisture from space. Furthermore, ERV minimizes energy loss by transferring humidity and heat from the outgoing stale/exhaust air to the incoming fresh air throughout the year.

Energy recovery ventilation is the future of intelligent buildings that prioritize energy efficiency. It seamlessly integrates with HVAC systems without compromising operational capacity, significantly enhancing overall efficiency. By adopting ERV, facilities can achieve comfortable conditions in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, marking a significant step towards healthier indoor environments.

Exploring ERV and HRV Systems: Unveiling Their Inner Workings

As previously mentioned, ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) and HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) systems ensure a consistent supply of fresh air while harnessing and reclaiming energy before it exits the building. This remarkable feat is achieved through a heat exchanger, which transfers heat between the outgoing building air and the incoming fresh air. It’s important to note that the two airstreams never come into direct contact.

Instead, ERVs and HRVs employ various technologies to transfer heat and humidity, pre-conditioning the incoming fresh air. The choice between ERV and HRV technology depends on factors such as the building type, its specific usage, and any seasonal or climate variations that may come into play.

The primary consideration in selecting the appropriate technology revolves around the need for humidity control. While a heat recovery ventilation system solely recovers heat from the exhaust air, an energy recovery ventilation system goes further by recovering heat and moisture. This capability allows for effective control of humidity levels within the building. In most building applications, this can significantly impact heating and cooling costs, as well as overall comfort throughout the building.

Despite the seemingly complex nature of these systems, ERVs and HRVs can be highly efficient. The efficiency level can vary depending on the technology employed and its specific application. However, these units can generally achieve efficiency levels ranging from 50% to 80%, effectively capturing a substantial portion of the energy before it escapes the building.

By pre-conditioning the incoming air, an ERV or HRV reduces the load on the building’s HVAC system. This translates to lower energy bills and the potential to downsize the HVAC system, resulting in additional cost savings.

The benefits of ERV and HRV systems extend beyond reduced heating and cooling loads. These systems can help balance the ventilation system, effectively addressing any positive or negative pressure issues within the building. In doing so, they can minimize uncontrolled infiltration or exfiltration, if present (although tighter structures typically do not encounter this problem).

Moreover, ERVs and HRVs can be configured in various setups, whether integrated with an existing HVAC system or installed alongside a new one. This flexibility allows for customization based on the unique needs of the building.

At DRI Rotors, we assist our customers with the most profitable energy ventilators for their business needs. Get in touch with our representatives today to discuss the best solution for you.

Fresh Air Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems: Enhancing Indoor Air Quality and Comfort

Reimagining the Importance of Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency

Various fans and air-circulating devices offer superior indoor air quality and prioritize occupant well-being in most buildings. However, these systems often come at the cost of consuming excessive electrical energy. Recognizing the significance of clean indoor air and the need to minimize adverse health effects, exploring innovative approaches that balance indoor air quality and energy efficiency is crucial.

Understanding the Significance of Indoor Air Quality

With individuals spending an average of 90 per cent of their time indoors, ensuring clean indoor air is paramount for optimal health. Unfortunately, many homes and businesses suffer from contaminated air, which poses risks to occupants’ well-being. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), pollen, radon gas, smog, mould, fumes, and odours are among the culprits that deteriorate indoor air quality. For individuals with chronic diseases, compromised immune systems, or sensitivities to mould and chemicals, indoor air pollution becomes an even more significant concern.

Energy Efficiency and Comfort Conditioning

While ventilation systems play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality, they often contribute to increased heating and cooling costs while compromising indoor comfort. Like opening a window to ventilate a room, traditional ventilation systems exhaust air without harnessing its thermal energy. It results in energy loss and discomfort as unconditioned air infiltrates through gaps and cracks in the building envelope, leading to drafts.

Fortunately, Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) systems offer energy-saving solutions. These systems utilize heat exchangers to transfer the heat from exhaust air to incoming air, significantly reducing utility bills. HRV units alleviate the burden on HVAC equipment, as conditioned intake air reduces the need for excessive heating and cooling, optimizing system performance.

An HRV system ensures constant fresh, filtered air for those in the building. The higher the rate of heat recovery, the greater the comfort experienced. Less efficient HRV systems may supply fresh air at uncomfortable temperatures, leading occupants to turn the unit off or use it sporadically. Such actions jeopardize indoor air quality since consistent ventilation is vital for maintaining a healthy environment.

Redefining the Paradigm: Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency in Harmony

By embracing innovative technologies and approaches, we can create spaces that offer clean, healthy air while significantly reducing energy consumption. Integrating HRV and ERV systems, with meticulous insulation and air sealing measures, ensures optimal indoor air quality and superior energy performance. Together, we can foster a healthier, more sustainable built environment that promotes the well-being of occupants and minimizes our impact on the planet.

Significance of HRVs in Modern Buildings

In the modern era, buildings are becoming increasingly energy-efficient and airtight, and a fresh air heat recovery ventilator (HRV) has become imperative. These systems offer a solution to maintaining good indoor air quality while conserving energy. With the ever-increasing focus on sustainability and occupant well-being, HRVs have become crucial to modern building design. Here’s why HRVs are the need of the hour for modern buildings.

HRVs provide continuous fresh air to the indoor environment

As buildings become more airtight to prevent energy loss, indoor and outdoor air exchange naturally diminishes. Stale air can accumulate, leading to the build-up of pollutants and contaminants, adversely affecting occupants’ health and well-being. HRVs mitigate this issue by introducing a controlled stream of fresh outdoor air into the building, enhancing indoor air quality.

HRVs recover and reuse the heat energy present in the exhaust air

In winter, the warm air leaving the building preheats the incoming cold fresh air, reducing the load on the heating system. Conversely, in summer, the cool air leaving the building helps to pre-cool the incoming hot outdoor air, decreasing the demand for air conditioning. By utilizing the heat exchange process, HRVs significantly contribute to energy efficiency, lowering utility bills and reducing environmental impact.

HRVs play a crucial role in moisture control

Excessive humidity levels can foster the growth of mould, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms, compromising indoor air quality. HRVs help regulate humidity by transferring moisture from the incoming air to the exhaust or vice versa, depending on the season. This balance in humidity levels not only improves comfort but also prevents the formation of mould and other related issues.

HRVs aid in reducing the strain on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems

By pre-conditioning the incoming fresh air, HRVs alleviate the load on the HVAC system, allowing it to operate more efficiently and extending its lifespan. This results in energy savings and reduced maintenance costs over time.

In conclusion, fresh air heat recovery ventilators have become indispensable in modern buildings. They ensure a continuous supply of fresh air, enhance indoor air quality, and promote energy efficiency. With their ability to recover heat and control moisture, HRVs create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment while reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. As sustainability and occupant well-being remain at the forefront of building design, HRVs are the need of the hour for modern buildings. By embracing these innovative ventilation systems, we can create healthier, more energy-efficient spaces for future generations. Are you looking for a sustainable heat recovery system for your building too? Contact DRI Rotors now to get the best offers.

Heat Recovery Ventilators: Optimizing Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality while Conserving Energy

In today’s quest for energy-efficient and comfortable homes, heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems have emerged as popular choices. These systems play a crucial role in maintaining a continuous supply of fresh air while recovering and reusing energy that would otherwise be lost. Let’s delve into the details of HRVs and ERVs to understand their functions and benefits.

What is a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)?

Heat recovery ventilation is designed to optimize the exchange of heat energy between two airflows: fresh air and exhaust air. During the winter, the warm exhaust air preheats the incoming supply air, ensuring that valuable heat is retained within the building. Similarly, in the summer, the cooler exhaust air cools the warm supply air. In essence, HRVs enable fresh air to be brought into a home without compromising heat loss.

HRV vs. ERV: Choosing the Right Ventilation Solution

When deciding between HRVs and ERVs, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of your home. While both systems recover heat, they differ in their approach to managing moisture. HRVs primarily focus on heat transfer and are typically equipped with a condensation drain. On the other hand, ERVs transfer heat and moisture, helping maintain a constant humidity level within the home. Here’s a general guideline to help you choose:

HRV: HRVs are a suitable choice if you don’t have air conditioning or live in a less humid climate. They help regulate humidity levels by transferring excess indoor moisture outside, preventing the buildup of excessive humidity.

ERV: ERVs are ideal if you have air conditioning and reside in a humid climate. These systems excel at moisture transfer, ensuring your home maintains optimal humidity levels. By keeping excess moisture outside, ERVs reduce the workload on your air conditioner, leading to energy savings.

The Importance of Heat Recovery: Ensuring Energy Efficiency in Modern Homes

Why is Heat Recovery Necessary?

Modern homes are built to high technical standards, prioritizing energy efficiency through improved insulation and airtightness. However, this airtightness poses a challenge as buildings require regular air changes to maintain a healthy indoor environment. Activities involving heat production, including even breathing, generate significant amounts of moisture, which, if left unchecked, can lead to mould, mildew, and other issues. While opening doors and windows is a natural solution, it can result in substantial heat loss during colder months, negating energy efficiency efforts. Balancing heat retention and Ventilation becomes crucial for homeowners.

Understanding Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems

Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems come in various forms. Still, they all incorporate a heat exchanger, such as rotary thermal wheels, enthalpy or plate heat exchangers, heat pipes, or run-around coil systems. These systems recover heat from the outgoing air and transfer it to the incoming fresh air, reducing the workload on the HVAC system and improving energy efficiency.

The Importance of Effective Ventilation in Modern Buildings

Why does Ventilation Matter?

Ventilation is crucial in ensuring a healthy and comfortable living environment in modern buildings. As energy efficiency becomes a top priority during construction, these are designed to be tightly air sealed. While this enhances energy savings, it also necessitates a well-designed ventilation system to maintain indoor air quality.

Central Ventilation Systems: A Solution for Fresh and Clean Air

Central ventilation systems offer an effective solution for distributing fresh air throughout the entire home. These systems work by exhausting stale air from high-moisture areas while supplying fresh air to living spaces and bedrooms. Central ventilation systems can also incorporate filters to remove particulates, allergens, and chemical pollutants, ensuring clean and healthy indoor air.

Energy Efficiency through Heat Recovery

One of the advantages of a tightly sealed home with a central ventilation system is the ability to recover heat and improve energy efficiency. Air entering the home through cracks and openings needs to be heated or cooled to maintain desired indoor temperatures. However, with a heat exchanger, a significant portion of the heat from the outgoing air can be captured and transferred to preheat the incoming air. This process can recover between 70% and 95% of the heat, reducing energy consumption for heating incoming air. This feature is valuable in colder climates, where maintaining warmth is essential.

Promoting a Healthy and Comfortable Living Environment

Effective ventilation systems not only ensure the distribution of fresh air but also help maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. Ventilation systems exchange stale air with fresh air and prevent the buildup of excess moisture, pollutants, and odors, reducing the risk of mold growth, allergens, and unpleasant smells. Moreover, central ventilation systems allow for the even distribution of fresh air throughout the home, ensuring that every room receives the necessary airflow for optimal comfort.

Striking a Balance: Energy Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality

When planning a ventilation system for your home, it is essential to strike the right balance between energy efficiency and indoor air quality. A well-designed central ventilation system and airtight construction can effectively minimize energy losses associated with air leakage. By capturing and utilizing the heat from the outgoing air, these systems reduce the demand for heating incoming air, resulting in energy savings and lower utility bills. At the same time, they ensure that your home is supplied with clean, fresh air for a healthier and more comfortable breathing environment.

As you consider the design and construction of your office or workplace, prioritize the implementation of an effective ventilation system. By choosing a central ventilation system with heat recovery capabilities, you can enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency and improved indoor air quality. Breathe easier and create a healthier living space for you and your family with a well-designed ventilation system that meets your needs. Get in touch with DRI Rotors to install a suitable heat ventilation system at your premises.

Energy recovery ventilators providing energy-efficient solutions for improving IAQ

By Rahul Aeron AVP, DRI-Desiccant Rotors International | Added 17 August 2022

The rapid rate of urbanization has given rise to the issue of air pollution. Efforts are being made at the global level to tackle the issue wreaking havoc on the environment. Looking at the magnitude of outdoor air pollution people fail to recognize the indoor air pollution existing in their close proximity. But the indoor air pollution is as detrimental as outdoor air pollution and at times can even exceed the degree of damage incurred on the individual as it is unable to find an escape from the enclosed space.

Moreover, the present age building structures with tight designs for restricting filtering of the air inside are further compounding the problem by leaving no space for ventilation. The presence of indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde, asbestos, VOCs dust, pollen, dirt, pet dander, biological growth, and excess humidity within the enclosed space, invariably deteriorates the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) making it 2-3 times more polluted than the outdoor air. The vulnerability of the occupants increases substantially as poor IAQ leads to serious short-term and long-term health effects that may not show immediate signs but remain present as an underlying ailment in a subtle way. While breathing issues, lethargy, and pain in the eye, are some of the common and direct consequences of poor ventilation, there has been an emergence of a phenomenon called ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ that impacts the overall health and well-being of the person. People with pre-existing allergies and asthma conditions are the worst affected.

The intensity of the problem magnifies in large commercial and industrial spaces which have complex, packed structures leaving no scope for influx or outflux of air and generally are huddled with a large number of people. While the poor IAQ can negatively impact health, in places like offices, schools, and other workplaces, the uncomfortable conditions can immensely meddle with the concentration power of the individual and lead to reduced productivity of the occupants within the building.

The menace of poor IAQ can be curtailed by introducing clean fresh air from outside to the building. Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) is the most viable solution for improving the IAQ by ensuring the continuous circulation of cool fresh air. The ERV is balanced mechanical ventilation that preconditions the fresh air coming inside by recovering energy from the outgoing stale air to match the indoor temperature. ERV is highly efficient at getting rid of the stale air inside the building and replacing it with fresh air from outside. It is a versatile technology that is not just limited to the exchange of dry heat but goes a step further and removes the moisture from the space as well. Adding to the list of advantages, it is well adept at minimizing the energy loss where the heat exchangers transfer moisture and heat from outgoing stale / exhaust air to incoming fresh air through out the year.

Therefore, energy recovery ventilation is the way ahead for smart buildings which have value for energy saving. It functions smoothly without interfering with the operating capacity of the HVAC systems but contributes immensely to enhancing its efficiency. This is the most sustainable solution for achieving comfortable conditions within a building in the most environmental-friendly way.

To watch a brief video on Energy Recovery Ventilators, click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE6uzVuft38