HVAC

How Professionals With HVAC Training Help End Sick Building Syndrome

April 17, 2018

Whether it’s a house or apartment, a home is a place for relaxation away from the stresses of everyday life. But could your home be making you unhealthy? Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a relatively new phenomenon used to describe issues with building features which could be causing harm to your health.

Poor HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) is a crucial component of SBS, with improper systems posing a number of risks. Fortunately, there are many ways in which HVAC technicians can fight the problem and create a more pleasant home environment for customers. Read on to find out what they are.

The Origin of SBS and the Impact Buildings Have on Health

SBS is usually a result of a change in construction methods in the 1970s. Buildings were being made increasingly airtight, as the worldwide energy crisis forced planners to create houses and apartments which could better retain heat. This came at the cost of decreased ventilation, with dangerous toxins in the air unable to escape.

Students in HVAC training  should be aware of some of the symptoms of SBS, which include sinus or skin irritation, aches in different parts of the body, and tiredness. These problems will usually only occur while spending time in the building, but may affect many of the people living there. Seasonal changes in the use of heating or air conditioning equipment mean that these symptoms can also come and go throughout any given year.

HVAC School Will Help You Discover Common Ways of Tackling Sick Building Syndrome

A trained occupational health or industrial expert will often carry out official tests to determine whether a building is ‘sick’ and in need of action. Where these problems exist, proper maintenance of HVAC equipment is vital. Air conditioning filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly in order to catch bacteria, molds, pollen and viruses. Those living in the building may not see the results of this regular maintenance, but they will feel it in their standard of health.

Properly maintained HVAC units can make a living space much more pleasant

Graduates of HVAC school can also improve conditions by installing the latest equipment which meets current environmental codes, and service and repair existing systems which may need to be updated in order to prevent SBS. Other possible solutions include fitting whole-home air cleaners into the air ducts, while purifiers are also useful in capturing and killing air contaminants.

Copper as Part of HVAC Solutions to Sick Building Syndrome

The health benefits of copper have been known for many centuries, but the substance may still be an underused option when tackling Sick Building Syndrome. Copper has antimicrobial properties and is used in antiseptics, medical devices and oral hygiene products among other things.

Copper therefore could be a used as an alternative to biologically inert materials in HVAC products such as heat exchanger tubes, fins, and filters. The European Copper Institute has described it as a cost-effective way of preventing fungal and bacterial growth which can thrive in dark and damp components of HVAC systems.

Copper could be an underused solution to Sick Building Syndrome

Trained HVAC technicians therefore have a vital role in preventing SBS, and the ability to improve a person’s wellbeing is a rewarding aspect of this career.

HVAC technician courses are an excellent way to learn all you need to get started in the trade.

Check out what’s on offer at North American Trade Schools in London and Brampton.

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