Air exchange rates, often abbreviated as AER, have become a crucial concern for building managers, architects, and anyone concerned about clean air, in a typical day, we all spend more time at home, and poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of pollutants in the air, resulting in various health problems, decreased productivity, and even the spread of airborne illnesses.

What is Air Exchange Rate?

Air exchange rate refers to the rate at which pollutants are removed from a room or a building through air circulation.

Factors that Influence Air Exchange Rates

Several factors can affect the air exchange rates in a building, some of the most significant contributors include air leakage, HVAC system efficiency, Что такое вентилятор оконный вытяжной с жалюзи and the volume of the space, additionally, weather conditions such as high winds or extreme temperatures can increase or decrease AER depending on the building design and materials.

Benefits of Optimal Air Exchange Rates

Maintaining optimal air exchange rates has a number of benefits, improved air quality and reduced levels of pollutants can lead to better living conditions, and reduced absenteeism rates, furthermore, better air circulation can reduce the growth of mold and other microorganisms that thrive in stagnant environments, this can also contribute to a more productive work environment.

Setting Optimal Air Exchange Rates

So how can you determine the best air exchange rate for your building? The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends the following AER for different types of buildings:

Clinical areas: 8-12 ACH

General office spaces: 6-8 ACH

Schools: 6-8 ACH

Commercial kitchens and laboratories: 12 ACH

Calculating air exchange rates can seem daunting, but understanding the factors that influence this rate and implementing the ASHRAE guidelines can greatly improve indoor air quality.