A hospital is considered to be a safe place that contributes to the well-being of patients and prevents the spread of disease. Hence, maintaining comfortable temperature and humidity, along with maintaining a clean, germ-free environment must be given special attention in this sector. The temperature, humidity levels, and good ventilation can affect the equipment and procedures in operating rooms, isolation rooms, and other sensitive areas within the hospital. A proper HVAC system allows for the right temperature, humidity control, filtration, ventilation, and energy efficiency.
Filtration and Indoor Air Quality
Filtration and indoor air quality is critical for infection control. Premium filters remove minute particles in the air and other devices can be used to control virus. Advanced filtration & ventilation systems prevent cross contamination within and between operating rooms, isolation rooms, and other areas that require clean and safe air for patients and staff alike. The HVAC system is also required in the hospital to filter outflow air so that there isn’t any airborne transmission outside of the facility or a sick patient’s room.
Hospital Ventilating Systems
Hospital HVAC systems are responsible for an adequate level of fresh air supply that must be circulated for proper air flow. In regards to the air flow of hospital facilities and individual patients’ rooms, the pressure relationships need to be kept in mind. The positive pressure is maintained to protect against inflow of any external or unclean air. Negative pressure on the other hand, restricts air flow to other areas from contaminated areas, preventing the spread of airborne transmission of disease.
Temperature and Humidity Controls
Often, temperature and humidity are linked to comfort level; but in a hospital, temperature and humidity can affect the healing process too. Humidity levels in a hospital are essential for infection control and may affect the rate at which a patient heals. Compared to other traditional commercial facilities that maintain room temperature, hospital HVAC systems must work extra hours to provide different temperatures for different parts of the facility. Sensitive testing and research equipment requires certain temperatures to operate for proper functioning. Operating rooms generally require a lower set temperature than other rooms.
Energy Efficiency in Hospitals
HVAC systems contribute to a big part of hospitals’ energy usage. Regular maintenance with proper operation can reduce energy consumption and hence operating costs. All system and equipment upgrades maximize energy efficiency, cut energy costs and hence save money.
Climaveneta has had numerous opportunities to assist and help ensure energy efficiency for chillers in the hospitals. The HVAC solutions by Climaveneta have been designed to match the specific requirements of the hospital – say chilled water & hot water needs.
Climaveneta’s chillers/Heat Recovery Systems/Heat Pumps is specifically designed to operate at very high levels of efficiency at both full and partial loads.