July 1, 2020
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, building owners, facilities managers, and engineers all have one thing on their mind that they are trying to solve: How can they keep occupants safe and comfortable by reducing/preventing airborne disease transmission in their building through their commercial HVAC systems?
ASHRAE has provided a position document that offers a few different practical solutions that may help reduce infectious aerosol transmission. Two possible modifications for the HVAC system include increasing outdoor air ventilation and keeping the systems running longer hours (24/7 if possible.)
However, both of these modifications have the potential to wreak havoc on commercial HVAC systems. Keeping systems running 24/7 means increased maintenance costs as well as increased wear-and-tear to the system. Additionally, increasing outdoor air ventilation could present problems as well.
According to Ruskin®, “For systems that use intake louvers, increased airflow and longer operation cycles could increase water penetration through existing louvers causing building damage and indoor air quality issues. Retrofitting with more efficient louvers might be a consideration. For new systems, proper louver selection is vital in designing an effective HVAC system.”
In Ruskin’s recent whitepaper, they suggest that the Wind-Driven Rain Resistant Louvers are the best choice for new system design and retrofits. Class A rated louvers provide superior rain protection and are available in horizontal and vertical blade models. With this louver, there will be constant airflow and outside air circulation, while ensuring that unnecessary water stays out to avoid any damage to the building as well as decreasing the opportunity for mold and dampness.
It is important to choose a solution to keep your occupants safe and comfortable while keeping your buildings protected. These Ruskin louvers could do the trick along with following recommended CDC guidelines.
Check out the video below to see additional features to one of the Wind-Driven Rain Resistant Stationary Louvers, the EME720.
Blog and image source: Ruskin
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Hoffman & Hoffman Marketing
The marketing department at Hoffman & Hoffman is focused on communicating different commercial HVAC solutions to the industry. We often share manufacturer information to help engineers, contractors, and building owners make informed decisions.
