BuildingLens BuildingLens BuildingLens BuildingLens
  • Company
  • Solutions
  • Customers
  • Resources
Connect

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

5
  • How can Poor Indoor Air Quality be Prevented?
  • How can IAQ be improved with ventilation?
  • How can IAQ be improved with air filters?
  • Can humidity levels improve IAQ?
  • Can IAQ be improved with plants?

Outdoor Air Quality (OAQ)

4
  • How do weather conditions impact air quality?
  • Is OAQ better or worse than indoor air quality?
  • How do ventilation and air filtration systems help IAQ in relation to outdoor air?
  • How does OAQ impact the health of people indoors?

Health

3
  • Who is at high risk for developing health problems from poor IAQ?
  • What diseases are caused by or made worse by poor IAQ?
  • How does indoor air pollution affect human health?

Pollutants

4
  • Overview: the most common types of pollutants
  • Gaseous and Chemical Pollutants
  • Biological and Particulate Matter
  • Radiation Pollutants

Standards

4
  • EPA’s recommended guidelines for maximum levels of indoor air pollutants
  • What are the challenges in implementing and enforcing air quality standards?
  • Who sets air quality standards?
  • Who regulates indoor air quality in the US and how do they do it?

Methods and Testing

3
  • How is indoor air quality tested?
  • How often should air quality be tested in buildings?
  • How much does testing cost?

Definitions

1
  • Indoor Air Quality Definitions
View Categories

How do ventilation and air filtration systems help IAQ in relation to outdoor air?

2 min read

Ventilation and air filtration systems are key to achieving good indoor air quality compared to outdoor air. Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings can control the flow of air, remove pollutants, and dilute indoor contaminants. These systems can create more healthy indoor spaces and reduce the impact of outdoor air on indoor air quality.

Ventilation: Ventilation systems help control the flow of outdoor air into indoor spaces. They also remove stale indoor air. Proper air flow is needed to dilute indoor pollutants, control humidity, and provide fresh air to occupants. These systems include:

  • Natural ventilation: This relies on the natural flow of air through windows, doors, and other openings. It can be useful in areas with good outdoor air quality but is not so good in areas with high outdoor pollution levels.
  • Mechanical ventilation: These systems use fans and ducts to actively move air in and out of the building. Mechanical ventilation provides more controlled air flow. This helps maintain good indoor air quality even when outdoor air quality is poor.
  • Balanced ventilation: Balanced systems (e.g., energy and heat recovery ventilators), combine parts of supply and exhaust ventilation. These systems bring in fresh outdoor air and remove stale indoor air while cutting down energy loss.

Air filtration: Systems with air filters trap particles and contaminants on media. These systems can be distinctly helpful to reduce the impact of outdoor air pollution on indoor air quality. Some common systems include:

  • HVAC filters: These filters are part of the building’s HVAC systems. They help remove particles from the air circulating through the system. Filters must be replaced and maintained to maintain good indoor air quality.
  • Portable air purifiers: Stand-alone air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can be effective to remove particles, allergens, and some pollutants that are gases from indoor air. They can be especially helpful in rooms with poor air flow or during times of poor outdoor air quality.
  • Activated carbon filters: These filters can help remove gaseous pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors. The filters attract and hold pollutants onto the filter’s surface.

When ventilation and air filtration systems are combined, good indoor air quality can be maintained even when outdoor air quality is not good. Regular maintenance of these systems is key to ensure their effectiveness over time.

Is OAQ better or worse than indoor air quality?How does OAQ impact the health of people indoors?
BuildingLens logo, which is an icon of a white 3-4 story building with a magnifier glass. A white word "Building" is stacked on a white word "Lens" to the right of the icon.

Transforming Buildings, Enriching Lives

Subscribe to our Newsletter

About
  • Company
  • Customers
  • Connect
Solutions
  • AirLens
  • EnergyLens
Resources
  • Knowledge Base
  • Building Efficiency
  • Health and Comfort
Follow Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Youtube

BuildingLens© 2023. All Rights Reserved.

BuildingLens
  • Company
  • Solutions
  • Customers
  • Resources
Connect