Proper ventilation is paramount for commercial facility owners throughout the year. Poor ventilation does not only create an inconvenience when it comes to breathing, but it can also create a breeding ground for several viruses and bacteria that could cause occupant discomfort.

One illness that is common in poorly ventilated areas is sick building syndrome. Caused by inadequate ventilation, in addition to potential chemical contaminants, occupants subjected to sick building syndrome as a result of poor indoor air quality report symptoms that include headaches, dizziness, nausea, skin irritation and mental fatigue, according to the National Institute of Health.

Fighting the Illness

Modine offers commercial units that can improve indoor air quality and help prevent sick building syndrome. The Airedale Sentinel® Chilled/Hot Water Unit Ventilator is the perfect solution for crowded spaces, such as schools, as it operates in conjunction with the central chiller/boiler plant.

The Sentinel® is specifically designed and engineered to provide the proper amount of fresh air ventilation to maximize energy efficiency. The unit comes with a modulating economizer damper to provide 100% free-cooling and minimum fresh air requirements. The unit preconditions outside air to reduce the cooling and heating load on the unit as well. With two MERV filters and the Modine Controls System, facility managers can maximize efficiency and reliability while providing maximum benefits and IAQ.

Benefits of good IAQ

In addition to combating sick building syndrome, there are various other benefits for improving IAQ. Some of these include:

• Breathing easier: When clean air is being pumped in from the outside, it helps employees and others inside a commercial building breathe easier. When air quality is poor and loaded with contaminants, it makes it more difficult and uncomfortable for occupants. 
• Removes allergens: Units such as the Airedale Sentinel® Vertical Unit help improve air quality by filtering out containments, pollutants and allergens while also pumping in clean air from outside. This helps decrease illnesses that may be caused by airborne allergens.
• Ensuring HVAC efficiency: When your IAQ is improved, this can help HVAC systems work more efficiently. The burden on the system will be reduced thanks to proper ventilation and appropriate humidity levels. This can also help with saving energy.

As the importance of IAQ becomes ever-present in this day and age, Modine continues to be a commercial HVAC provider to possess the technology needed to meet the proper standards for indoor ventilation and improved air quality.