Facility managers face unique challenges with the design of HVAC systems for hospitals due to their sensitivity. Healthcare facilities have a higher level of demand, various thermal conditions and codes regarding reliability and hygiene that must be taken into consideration. There’s also the need to reduce energy use while maintaining a safe environment.
Here are some tips on designing heating and cooling systems for healthcare facilities from an HVAC air conditioner repair expert.
Project Goals
The first step in choosing the best HVAC system is understanding the facility’s specific goals. Determine if the facility has specific infection risk assessment goals, such as a departmental reduction in airborne contamination or reduction in the number of hospital-acquired infections.
Budgetary Limits
Determine the budget allotted for the construction and mechanical costs of the project before the design process begins. Your design and options will depend on the size of mechanical rooms, method of vertical distribution, floor-to-floor height and desired architectural ceiling height.
Thermal & Ventilation Loads
Developing accurate load calculations can affect energy efficiency, occupant comfort, indoor air quality, building durability and equipment choices. The professional you choose should be able to do the job correctly and fully understand its results. At Dittmer Air and Heat, our technicians can perform indoor air quality testing to determine the products your facility will benefit from the most.
Life-Cycle Cost Analysis
Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is a method used to assess the overall cost of facility ownership. It includes the cost of acquiring, owning and disposing of a building system. However, the one with the lowest resulting life-cycle cost may not necessarily be the best system, especially when the budget isn’t an issue and considering that the LCCA is just a measurement to consider when building the proposed system.
Turn to Dittmer Air and Heat for your commercial and residential HVAC needs. We offer restaurant refrigeration, maintenance plans, air conditioner repair and more. Call us at (321) 637-0170 or fill out our online form to request a consultation.