Home > IEQ Matters Archive > May 2008
Hospital designers under pressure to improve HVAC health.

Did you know . . .
- Most hospital HVAC systems don’t meet today’s airflow standards, much less the proposed ASHRAE 170P standards that are coming soon.
- Traditional airflow components can actually increase contamination, especially during system maintenance.
- New TherisTM technology from Phoenix Controls provides a maintenance-free, energy-saving solution to airflow and air pressurization requirements.
Hospital designers under pressure to improve HVAC health.

Traditional airflow terminal units collect airborne contaminants and require exhaust flow sensor cleaning two to four times a year. Fouled units not only decrease operating effectiveness and energy efficiency; they also upset proper space pressurization and increase risk of hospital-acquired infections. They present even greater contamination risks while they are being cleaned. These problems and related issues are causing HVAC experts to search for alternatives.
Higher standards demand better solutions.
The table below outlines the proposed ASHRAE 170P standards for the many and varied pressurization and air-changes-per-hour (ACH) requirements in a typical acute care facility. These emerging requirements point to an increased use of directional airflow and room pressurization technologies for enhanced health, comfort and safety for patients and employees, as well as reduced risk and liability for building owners. Also, when a local hospital is called into service as the first line of defense in a pandemic, the new ASHRAE 170P standards and proactive engineering design will make it easier to quickly convert hospital spaces into isolation wards.
The right technology can cut energy costs and increase LEEDTM points.

All these advantages are available with the new TherisTM airflow control system, designed specifically for the ventilation requirements of critical healthcare spaces, and available exclusively in Michigan and Ohio from Ingenuity IEQ. Energy savings achievable through the accuracy and reliability of this system significantly decrease operating costs and carbon emissions, helping healthcare facilities save money and obtain LEEDTM points.
Making a difference.
Phoenix Controls, the world leader in airflow control technology, has recently released its Healthcare Sourcebook, a comprehensive engineering guide that will save designers, engineers and architects thousands of hours in learning to apply best practices to healthcare ventilation systems.
"We made a major investment of time and money in compiling this sourcebook," said Jeremy Barrette, Phoenix Control's business development manager for healthcare.
"This comprehensive engineering guide will help healthcare facility owners, designers and specifiers understand why our new TherisTM systems are so critical for healthcare facilities - both today and tomorrow."
In addition to helping designers and engineers cope with the time pressures they face in responding to rapidly evolving standards for healthcare facilities, this sourcebook also gives designers a detailed, 90-plus page explanation of how to apply these new technologies to meet all existing performance requirements – and get ready for the new requirements that are on the way.
Give us an hour and we'll give you your own Healthcare Sourcebook.
If you give us one hour of your time, we will hand deliver your personal copy of the Phoenix Controls Healthcare Sourcebook to distribute to all members of your team.
At the same time, we’ll give you a brief overview of Ingenuity IEQ and answer any questions you may have about Phoenix Controls, the Sourcebook or other topics related to indoor environmental quality.
Please call us today to schedule delivery of this invaluable guide.
Learn more about what Ingenuity IEQ can do for you.
Ingenuity IEQ offers a portfolio of integrated solutions for indoor environmental quality. We can provide the tools and expertise to evaluate your facility, determine your potential energy savings and assist in the LEEDTM certification process. To find out more, contact us through this web site or call us at 1-800-669-9726.
Downloadable resources:
- Changes in healthcare create a new opportunity to design safer hospitals.
www.ingenuityieq.com/healthcare