Every commercial industry contributes to our society in a different way, but the medical industry is responsible for improving public health and well-being. To achieve this goal, HVAC systems in medical facilities must be designed to eliminate the higher concentrations of germs that building occupants introduce to the environment and maintain a conducive atmosphere for medical research.
Hospitals and clinics often have isolated HVAC systems in each area of a facility to preserve indoor air quality and prevent infection among patients and employees, and HVAC design varies by department.
Patient wards in a hospital, for example, have their own filtration systems in every room that mechanically filter out bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the air. Surgical rooms have even more strict regulations to maintain a sterile ecosystem. Areas that have high foot traffic, like lobbies and office spaces, also have their own HVAC requirements, although these are usually less restrictive.
Temperature control also matters in healthcare. In addition to keeping occupants comfortable year-round, commercial heating and cooling systems maintain precise indoor temperatures and humidity levels in laboratories to develop and store vaccines, medicines, and other treatments.