The most important considerations when designing an HVAC system for a hospital include:
- Air quality
- Temperature and humidity control
- Noise reduction
- Energy efficiency
Hospitals are complex buildings with many rooms and areas that need to be kept at specific temperatures and humidity levels. The HVAC system must be designed to meet the hospital’s specific needs.
All of these factors are important in creating a healing environment that supports the well-being of both patients and staff.
Reasons to Invest in Quality HVAC for Hospitals
Airborne Infection Control
One of the essential functions of an HVAC system is to help control the spread of airborne infections. This is accomplished by maintaining proper airflow throughout the facility and providing high-efficiency filters that remove contaminants from the air.
There are two types of airflow in a hospital: laminar flow and turbulent flow. Laminar flow is when the air moves in one direction only, with minimal mixing. This type of airflow is often used in operating rooms and other areas where sterile conditions are required.
Turbulent flow, on the other hand, is when the air moves in multiple directions, allowing for more mixing. This airflow is often used in waiting areas and patient rooms because it provides more comfort.
The HVAC system must also be able to maintain proper air pressure in all areas of the hospital. This is important because if the air pressure in one area is too high, it can cause contaminants to be drawn into other areas.
To remove contaminants from the air, hospital HVAC systems use high-efficiency filters. The HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter is the most common filter used in hospitals.
HEPA filters are designed to remove 99.97% of all particles that are 0.3 microns or larger from the air that passes through them. This includes bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Another type of filter that is often used in hospitals is the activated carbon filter. These filters can remove various contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and chemicals.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Another essential function of hospital HVAC systems is maintaining comfortable temperatures for staff and patients. Therefore, the system should control the temperature and humidity in all hospital areas.
The ideal temperature for a hospital is between 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there are some areas of the hospital where it is necessary to maintain a higher or lower temperature. For example, operating rooms are kept at a cooler temperature to reduce the risk of infection.
In general, the humidity level in a hospital should be kept between 30-50%. However, there are some areas of the hospital where it is necessary to maintain a higher or lower humidity level.
For example, surgical wards must be kept at a lower humidity level to reduce the risk of infection. On the other hand, maternity wards must be kept at a higher humidity level to provide a comfortable environment for mothers and babies.
Noise Control
Another important function of hospital HVAC systems is to reduce noise levels. This is important because high noise levels can cause stress and anxiety, harming patients’ recovery.
Hospital HVAC systems use sound-absorbing materials and sound-proofing techniques to reduce noise levels.
Professional HVAC for Hospitals Installation
There are many reasons why ECM is the best choice in HVAC for Hospitals. Perhaps the most important reason is that ECM can help to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. In addition, ECM can help improve patient care by providing quick and easy access to medical records. ECM can also help increase efficiency by automating tasks such as document management and workflows. Hospitals that have implemented ECM have seen significant improvements in their operations and bottom line.