HVAC Importance in the Healthcare Industry

HVAC Importance in the Healthcare Industry

The healthcare industry does not have the luxury of skimping on their HVAC system. The health and lives of patients are in the hands of a facility that is expected to maintain its environment at the best standards possible. Failure to do so can result in expensive litigation, a damaged reputation, and even death.

In the United States, healthcare facilities are the second top energy consumers. HVAC performances are the largest consumer of energy for hospitals.

An HVAC system goes beyond providing comfortable temperatures. It determines air quality that matters to keep patients healthy. Here are some things to consider regarding HVAC standards in the healthcare industry:

Air Quality

Contaminated air is the healthcare industry’s worst enemy. Humidity is the perfect environment for dangerous molds to thrive. Bacteria and allergens spread when air isn’t flowing appropriately. If an HVAC system is not able to properly regulate the air, this is a massive problem.  Poor air quality can make a patient’s health plummet. A neglected system will not be able to provide the proper air quality a healthcare facility needs, so it is important to make sure all HVAC components are functioning at optimal efficiency.

Temperature

There are federal standards for temperature controls in a healthcare environment. Failure to adhere and report any sort of temperature variance can result in hefty fines. Exposing patients to extreme hot or cold temperatures can dramatically affect their health and is not something to be taken lightly. Maintaining a comfortable temperature for all patients is a must in a healthcare facility as each patients’ needs are important and should not be ignored.

Maintenance

It’s important to make sure an HVAC unit is up to standards to run efficiently at all times. The CDC’s Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities has a whole section dedicated to HVAC recommendations. Filters must be continuously monitored to ensure dust will not cause issues, and even as far as removing bird nests from outside components is mentioned. These little things can greatly determine an HVAC unit’s effectiveness and ability to provide the proper air to a facility. Any sort of neglect can lead to an unexpected breakdown that a facility does not have the luxury to undergo.

One of the most effective measures a healthcare facility can take is getting into contact with a HVAC contractor and getting on a preventative maintenance plan. The right HVAC contractor will take the time to properly ensure that all systems will get the utmost care that they need so patients can remain in good standings. Being on a preventative maintenance contract will ensure that patients will always be in the best care that they can be, as facility employees can focus on other priorities knowing that their air handling system is under control.