Central Air Purification/Ventilation/Dehumidification Systems
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Summary
The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)
and
their Science Advisory Board report that
indoor air pollution
is among the top five
environmental risks to
public health. EPA
studies show that
levels of indoor air pollutants
can reach more than
100 times that of outdoor
air pollutants. Indoor
air pollutants such as dust
mites, bacteria, and
pollen come from almost
everything in our
homes including cleaning supplies,
smoke, dust, molds,
paint, carpets, drapes,
upholstery, furnaces,
gas burners, wood, and
other building
materials. Central air purification
systems minimize the amounts of these small
particulates in indoor
air.
Details
Central air
purification/ventilation systems are used as an addition to the air handler of
a conventional heating and cooling system. They draw indoor air directly into
the unit, combine it with fresh outdoor air, and then direct it through a
filtered outlet to the air handler supply above the a-coil (the cooling unit in the air conditioning
system). The filter in the outlet is up to 95 percent efficient according to
the American Society of Heating Refrigeration Air conditioning Engineers Dust
Spot Test (a test to determine the effectiveness of a filter in capturing
particulates).
Too much moisture in
the air can lead to condensation, which can promote mold and mildew growth. One
air-purifying ventilator incorporates a dehumidifier into the system. It uses
refrigeration to cool the incoming air stream below its dew point as it passes
over the evaporator coil. This removes moisture and cools the air. After this
cooling, the air is reheated as it passes over the condenser coil. While the
air is cooled to remove moisture it lets off heat, that heat is then used to
pre-heat the outgoing air, resulting in an overall temperature increase. During
heating modes, this process can increase overall efficiency, including the
heating and ventilation system, up to 200 percent.
Installation
It is recommended that
an HVAC contractor or builder install the unit next to the air handler or in
the attic. It can be installed on new or existing equipment.
Benefits/Costs
Ventilation systems
help improve indoor air quality by reducing indoor air pollutants. People
suffering from allergies may especially reap the benefits of cleaner air.
Dehumidification can reduce mold and mildew and the musty smell associated with
them.
Limitations
The dehumidifier unit
is better suited for humid climates and the unit that does not dehumidify is
best suited for dry climates. It's recommended to be used on a home no bigger
than 3,500 sf.
Code/Regulatory
There are no codes
that restrict the use of these systems, but they must be installed in
accordance with the residential mechanical codes.
Availability
The units are
manufactured by Therma-Stor Products a division of DEC International, Inc., and
distributed through many local suppliers.
Contact(s)
If you have any
specific questions about this technology and/or its applications please contact
the following resources.
NAHB Research Center
HomeBase Hotline
21st Century
Townhouses
400 Prince George's
Boulevard
Upper Marlboro, MD
20774-8731
800-898-2842
United States Environmental
Protection Agency
Indoor Environments
Division
401 M Street SW,
(6202J)
Washington, DC 20460
888-782-7937
DEC International,
Inc.
Therma-Stor Products
1919 S. Stoughton Road
P.O. Box 8050
Madison, WI 53708
800-533-7533 or
608-222-5301
Indoor Air Quality
Distributors
83 Galaxy Boulevard
Unit 19
Etobicoke, Ontario
Canada, M9W 5X6
416-674-7525
http://www.indoorairquality.com
The material provided
in this section is used with permission by the National Association of Home
Builders Research Center and the Partnership for Advancing Technology in
Housing (PATH).
Web sites:
Fact Sheet Source
The material provided
in this section is used with permission by the National Association of Home
Builders Research Center and the Partnership for Advancing Technology in
Housing (PATH).
Web sites: