Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) News & Trends

The issue of indoor air quality has never been more important as businesses across the nation open their premises up again. Panasonic has recently seen increased demand from building services engineers for its CIBSE accredited CPD courses, and the company has now added a new training course on Indoor Air Quality. This new CPD, which can be taken online, highlights the importance and benefits of good Indoor Air Quality, and looks at the impact that poor air quality can have on health, well-being...

In the hottest days of summer, an inefficient HVAC system can run for much of the day. Older units tend to be less efficient than newer ones, but there are ways to improve the performance of air conditioning (AC) systems. Home owners diligently mow the lawn every weekend, but how often do they inspect the landscaping around the outdoor AC unit? This unit is typically tucked out of sight, so it’s easy to neglect. One should make it a point to maintain the area around it with a pair of trim...

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to keep in place the current nationwide air quality standards that limit emissions from power plants, vehicles and other industrial sources of smog. “Based on a review of the scientific literature and recommendation from our independent science advisers, we are proposing to retain existing ozone standards, which will ensure the continued protection of both public health and the environment,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said July...

With news of the coronavirus' airborne droplets being able to be neutralized via advanced filtration, Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical is responding by providing Houston homeowners with state-of-the-art HVAC testing and next-gen products to combat the COVID-19 pandemic surge. As the virus re-surges throughout Texas and parts of America, infectious disease experts are learning that COVID-19 can be contracted by inhaling tiny, invisible particles that hang in stagnant air for ho...

The economic slowdown wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic will result in lower production, demand and electricity sales in nearly all sectors of the U.S. economy for 2020 and 2021, according to the Energy Information Administration in its monthly report. And it looks like those same trends are lowering carbon dioxide emissions as well. After decreasing by 2.8% (150 million metric tons) in 2019, CO2 emissions are expected to further drop by 12.2% (624 MMmt) in 2020 and then rise by 6% (268 MM...

Jacques Technologies and Luxriot have officially announced the High Level Interface (HLI) between their systems. Combining Jacques’ quality audio intercom system with Luxriot’s renowned video management system, Evo, the solution captures and records audio streaming with the associated CCTV. Audio intercom System – Evo VMS Truly encapsulating the capabilities and benefits of third-party integration by efficiently using security resources, the integration between Jacques Techno...

Flax House is a five-story Victorian building with red brick, warehouse style construction, located on Adelaide Street, in the Linen Quarter of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Originally home to handkerchief manufacturer, McBride & Williams, the warehouse building was designed by Young & Mackenzie and built in the 1906-07 period. Straidorn Properties acquired 83-91 Adelaide Street, in 2016, after it had been derelict for 30 years. Flax House The refurbished and fully extended Flax House no...

Adcock (Adcock Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Ltd) was appointed by Savage and Sons Electrical Ltd to design and install an efficient climate control solution for The Gym Group in Swindon, United Kingdom. Adcock engineering team supplied, installed and commissioned 6 Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning systems, along with a RMI remote monitoring system. RMI remote monitoring system The RMI is the ideal solution for property managers, hotel and leisure operators, who, whether they are in...

Portable air conditioners have become a popular summertime cooling solution, valued for their easy, non-intrusive installation, fast set up, and the ability to easily store them away after the summer season ends. There is no end to the possible applications for a portable unit. Bedrooms, sunrooms, workout rooms, garages and other areas where relief is needed from the sweltering summer months are a great place to use a portable AC. Even homeowners with central AC will be glad to have one of thes...

Johnson Controls partnership with Iowa’s Cornell College has completed upgrades to the campus’ original two buildings, College Hall (1857) and Old Sem (1853). Teams of contractors have spent May and June replacing over 150 new windows, helping to make campus buildings more energy efficient. energy efficient Buildings “This is a really neat adventure, having the capacity to preserve these beautiful structures and to understand the historical value of these buildings,” sa...

As the world works to contain the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, the team at Trane is adapting to this rapidly evolving situation, implementing safety measures, and taking care of each other, the partners and the customers. They have implemented steps in an effort to protect the Trane team, the customers and the people who work, play and heal in the facilities where they provide services and systems. Trane’s business is largely categorized as ‘critical’ by the U.S. Depart...

Eurovent Middle East has opened up membership to the consultant community in a move to bring the industry in the region closer together and support technical exchange on a range of pressing issues. With his background in mechanical engineering, Dr. Iyad Al-Attar is both an Air Filtration consultant and an environmental enthusiast. He is currently a Visiting Academic Fellow in the School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. Air Filtration for...

As cities, states and countries begin to reopen, people that live and work in buildings will need assurance building owners and operators are taking every precaution to ensure health and safety, starting with the air they breathe. Though guidance around the transmission of COVID-19 continues to evolve, experts agree that indoor air quality should be a top priority. Johnson Controls, a pioneer in creating safe and secure building environments, is committed to helping create spaces that put people...

Do not worry if HVAC equipment starts running into problems. It happens occasionally, and the Internet is full of results for “HVAC repair near me”, but there is no guarantee that they solve problems without additional charges, poor-quality parts, or simply HVAC scams. The HVAC Service offers high-quality and certified diagnostics, maintenance, installation, and repair. Advantages of HVAC repair with The HVAC Service’s team: The repair technicians are licensed, so user...

Industry-renowned efficiency, precise temperature control and new remote servicing capabilities improve home owner experience and reinforce Lennox’ leadership in product innovation. Lennox Industries (Lennox), a trusted HVAC brand for 125 years, is raising the bar on its Ultimate Comfort System, by unveiling a 99 percent efficient gas furnace with enhanced diagnostics, and a new Lennox PROs Service Dashboard for contractors, in order to improve customer relationship management and remote...

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation have revealed new details of their innovative heat pump system, deployed in Hyundai and Kia's global electric vehicle (EV) line-up to maximize their all-electric driving range in low temperatures. Hyundai and Kia's heat pumps are a renowned heat management innovation that maximizes the distance that Hyundai and Kia EVs can travel on a single charge, scavenging waste heat to warm the cabin. It enables EV drivers to heat their car's cabin in cold w...

Applied Comfort Products celebrated the production of its 150,000th packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) in June. The milestone was reached last week when the EA product rolled off the production line at the company’s headquarters in Cambridge, Canada. heating and cooling solutions Applied Comfort has been trading for over 25 years and is a manufacturer of through-the-wall and zoned heating and cooling solutions for the commercial and industrial sectors. Brett Richardson, President...

The German Bundestag passed the Building Energy Act (GEG) last week. The law brings together the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) and the Renewable Energies Heat Act (EEWärmeG). "With the adoption of the GEG, the energy saving law for buildings will be reduced and simplified. Construction specialists also receive planning security, ”comments Dr. Lothar Breidenbach, Managing Director Technology at the BDH. The association also rates it positively that no further...

Airedale International has showcased the ingenuity of its R&D team by developing a new dual-function version of its pioneering hybrid fan coil unit to meet evolving industry demands. They have launched the latest generation of the award-winning Artus fan coil unit range, now with a four-pipe integrated heating and cooling option for commercial and residential spaces. Artus fan coil unit The original, single coil Artus first appeared on the market two years ago and has since found success i...

There is a demonstratable link between humidity and the infectivity and longevity of a variety of viruses, such as influenza and coronaviruses, according to a new whitepaper by Munters, a globally renowned company in energy-efficient and sustainable air treatment solutions. Titled ‘How Humidity Control Can Reduce Viral Infectivity and Longevity’, the scientific report addresses how it is possible to reduce the transmission and longevity of harmful viruses by controlling indoor Relat...

HSB Living Lab and Leanheat by Danfoss have entered a collaboration to improve liveability in buildings. By harnessing feedback loops between building performance, indoor conditions and resident-perceived indoor comfort, the partnership project aims at bringing new insights on the interaction between smart maintenance and liveability. Smart maintenance and liveability Launched in June 2020, the new collaboration between the Swedish HSB Living Lab and Leanheat by Danfoss focuses on the optimal...

The Federation of German Heating Industry (BDH) sees the National Hydrogen Strategy (NSW) adopted by the Federal Cabinet as a positive move, as it creates a suitable framework for the future generation, transport, and use of hydrogen. National Hydrogen Strategy (NSW) “With the NSW, the federal government is sending a strong signal for the achievement of the ambitious 2030 climate targets,” commented BDH President Uwe Glock, adding “This means that climate-neutral energy sourc...

Johnson Controls has introduced the Envirco IsoClean filtration system designed to easily and economically create a negative pressure isolation room/environment that meets OSHA and CDC TB guidelines as the world navigates COVID-19 pandemic. IsoClean can be used as a positive pressure clean air recirculating system in clinics, waiting rooms, hospital emergency rooms and other confined areas. The system can also be used as a partial or complete exhausting unit to construct a negative pressure iso...

Greenheck, a globally renowned company in manufacturing and distributing air movement, conditioning and control equipment, has announced that its line of high-volume low-speed (HVLS) fans continues to grow with the addition of model DC-5, a five-blade HVLS fan incorporating a sleek, lightweight design. DC-5 fans DC-5 fans weigh less than 100 pounds and feature a plug-and-play wiring design for quick and easy installation DC-5 fans weigh less than 100 pounds and feature a plug-and-play wiring...

Honeywell and Dimer LLC announced a partnership to bring an ultraviolet cleaning (UVC) system to airlines that, when properly applied, significantly reduces certain viruses and bacteria on airplane cabin surfaces. The Honeywell UV Cabin System can treat an aircraft cabin in less than 10 minutes for just a few dollars per flight for midsize to large airline fleets. "This offering is a big win for our airline customers, which are seeking affordable ways to clean their cabins effectively and quick...

Johnson Controls, announced a series of acquisitions, namely of East Lancashire Refrigeration Ltd, H&C Contracts Ltd and McDowall Air Conditioning Ltd. These acquisitions form part of Johnson Controls’ ongoing strategic growth plan within the HVAC sector, allowing the company to diversify its product portfolio and fill geographical service gaps across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Johnson Controls offers a large portfolio of HVAC equipment and controls in the world, and these acquis...

The Eurovent Product Groups ‘Air Conditioners’ (PG-AC) and ‘Liquid Chilling Packages and Heat Pumps’ (PG-LCP-HP) elected new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, with a clear scope and timeline of activities. Mr. Henk Kranenberg was separately elected Chairman of both Products Groups. He is joined by Vice Chairman, Mr. Stefano Vit (De'Longhi Group) in the Air Conditioners Group and Vice Chairman, Mr. Mariano Covolo (Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A.) i...

Atomic Blue LLC has announced that it’s high-performance UV-C germicidal light has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Atomic Blue's ultraviolet light has been registered with the FDA as a disinfectant medical device with the product code LRJ under device Class 1. UV-C germicidal light The UV-C germicidal light fixture, known for its ability to eradicate the COVID-19 virus from surfaces and air, is now approved for commercial use by the U.S. Food and Drug Admini...

uHoo has announced launching the ‘uHoo Virus Index’, the world's first real-time assessment of virus survival (such as COVID-19) based on air quality. The ‘uHoo Virus Index’ is a patent-pending technology that analyzes air quality data, monitored by uHoo, and provides an assessment on the risk of viruses surviving in homes or workplaces, as well as how the air affects general health and immune system. uHoo Virus Index The uHoo Virus Index works on a 10-point system, an...

Armstrong Fluid Technology is sponsoring a Virtual Summit June 10th, designed to help building owners and operators create and maintain healthy indoor spaces in this challenging environment. Entitled Healthier Buildings for a Greener Future – Improving Air Quality in Buildings Post-COVID, the discussions will focus on indoor air quality, sustainability, energy savings and occupant comfort. Addressing health challenges The first session of the virtual summit, Risk Reduction in the MUSH S...