Improving Indoor Air Quality

Air exchange rates, often abbreviated as AER, have become a crucial concern for building managers, architects, and anyone concerned about outdoor air pollution, in a typical day, we usually stay indoors for most of the day, and poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of pollutants in the air, resulting in various health problems, decreased productivity, and even the spread of airborne illnesses.

What is Air Exchange Rate?
Air exchange rate refers to the rate at which pollutants are removed from a room or a building through building ventilation.

Factors that Influence Air Exchange Rates
Several factors can affect the air exchange rates in a building, some of the most significant contributors include air loss, HVAC system efficiency, and the volume of the space, Что такое вентилятор для прямоугольных воздуховодов? additionally, weather conditions such as high winds or extreme temperatures can boost or dampen AER depending on the building design and materials.

Benefits of Optimal Air Exchange Rates
Maintaining optimal air exchange rates has a number of benefits, improved air quality and reduced levels of pollutants can lead to enhanced occupant health, and reduced absenteeism rates, furthermore, better air circulation can reduce the growth of mold and other microorganisms that thrive in stagnant environments, this can also contribute to a more productive work environment.

Setting Optimal Air Exchange Rates
So how can you determine the best air exchange rate for your building? The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends the following AER for different types of buildings:

Healthcare facilities: 8-12 ACH
General office spaces: 6-8 ACH
Educational institutions: 6-8 ACH
Commercial kitchens and laboratories: 12 ACH

Calculating air exchange rates can seem daunting, but understanding the factors that influence this rate and implementing the ASHRAE guidelines can greatly improve outside air quality.