An interior space carries and presents many different pictures from different angles. For some, interior space is about colored walls, good floors, nice furniture, and decent lighting whereas for some it is completely the opposite, that is, the quality of the atmosphere, air, ventilation, and temperature. When such differences exist, it is simple to focus on one and leave the other. So our topic of discussion in this regard is the air quality that exists within a space. In construction, various factors and forces play a role, signifying the importance of countermeasures and solutions to implement and improve something.
Air quality is an area of concern, focus, and requirement for many top-notch buildings around the globe. And the primary reason for its importance is quality of life. If you provide fresh, pleasant, and decent air inside a living space, it will lift the mood of residents and show a positive vibe and culture within that space. Hence, a special focus must be on air quality. Adding air inside a system is the basic thing but improving the quality of air in any space is an upgrading task. Contractors such as Wafaiyah have long been serving the construction industry through adequate MEP projects, systems, and applications, and improving air quality is nothing different.
Quality construction is not a simple task but requires external help in many ways. External help is not only through other teams and people but through external tasks and systems that can be implemented within a system to promote anything. MEP or mechanical, electrical, and plumbing is a connection of three sub-systems that develop a giant operating system serving the construction sector. MEP is the backbone of any commercial and private sector building where they are implemented. Implementing an MEP system is not an obligation but is considered a key factor in any construction project.
The role of MEP in construction is immensely important and critical likewise. This is because the three systems making up the MEP involve various small projects that interlink to form an MEP system. Each of these sub-systems has its domains offering superb service to the consumers and end users. For example, when you consider the mechanical aspect of MEP, there is HVAC that is considered the most critical service in the entire MEP let alone the mechanical branch of it. In electrical systems, it is the design and implementation of power systems that have their designated importance. When it comes to plumbing, a series of ducts to prevent water loss is another basic yet meaningful requirement of any MEP system.
The Backbone of MEP
Before we head to our discussion of improving air quality within any space, we must understand what the backbone of an MEP system is. Understanding this will pave the way for understanding various ways to improve air quality. The primary aspect of an MEP system is the mechanical branch of it and the primary aspect of this mechanical branch is HVAC also known as Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning. Air quality is directly improved and implemented through this branch of MEP since it is responsible for ensuring that the air being pumped into space is of the highest quality alongside ensuring that false air is being removed. When you devise a strong HVAC system, only then you can manage the quality of air that can enter any space.
Air quality is key for many reasons. But to ensure that it is of the required quality, the HVAC system has to be spot on. Maintaining the temperature inside a space is key alongside ventilation, but to keep fresh air circulating inside it is one of the key aspects of any HVAC system. MEP keenly focuses on the mechanical wing of its system and HVAC is the backbone of the entire MEP. Through this system only you can ensure that top quality atmospheric conditions will be met and obtained. These cast some great benefits in the end as well such as more energy efficiency and low energy consumption.
Some of the concepts from before will be refreshed again but this section of our read is directed at blowing out your mind. The relation between air quality and MEP is going to be explained to you below alongside how good air quality is ensured through MEP.
HVAC
HVAC is the backbone of the entire MEP system but it is the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning sub-categories that each play a part in upgrading the quality of air within a space. For example, filters are commonly used within the ducts for one basic reason, that is, to prevent and trap dust, pollen, and other pollutants. When trapped, they get separated from the air and thus do not impure the air.
Plumbing
Plumbing systems also play their part and role in upgrading the air quality within any space. This is through an adequate water piping system that prevents water leakage and contaminants from entering any space such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. These pollutants enter a space and contaminate the air particles present inside, causing the air quality to drop considerably.
Building Envelope
Building envelope covers many different sections but when it comes to air quality, the focus is on areas such as insulation, air-sealing, and window design. Any building that is well-insulated and tightly sealed ensures that the quality of air remains high. For this, architects and designers always rely on a compact and tightly sealed design that promotes the best energy consumption.
Enhancing the Air Quality
Now comes the question of what are those ways through which the air quality of any space may be increased. The answer to this is simple. You need to follow some key yet basic steps.
Low VOC Materials
VOC or Volatile Organic Compounds are compounds that are commonly emitted by building materials, furnishings, and cleaning products such as paints. They greatly release an awful odor that significantly pollutes and dampens the air quality. One simple way is to look for alternatives and ensure no such products are present and used that simply improve the air quality.
Regular Monitoring and Maintenance
HVAC, MEP, and every other system requires proper monitoring, inspection, and timely maintenance so that it operates at peak performance without interruption. In many cases, periodic maintenance is missed and this causes any defect within the system to go unnoticed and get further dampened. To avoid this and ensure that systems such as HVAC system works well to improve air quality.
Integrated Design
A design that is present to all managers, stakeholders, and floor managers is key in any project let alone a construction project. During the early design consideration stage, each member has an idea that they table up for discussion. This paves the way for many problems and considerations to be taken away and new options to come forward. Improving the air quality is something that requires deliberate planning, funds, and execution. For this, the entire project planning team needs to be on the same page.
Conclusion
The world of construction is vast and it requires a good degree of planning and executing. Contractors such as Wafaiyah have a wide history of high-end projects and upgrading the MEP systems in different constructions. The need of the hour is the same, that is, constantly upgrading and improving the systems to give valuable output to stakeholders and end users. Maintaining systems such as MEP systems ensures a high degree of energy savings through minimal consumption since leakages and polluting are controlled preventing the use of extra energy consumption and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which branch of MEP controls the quality of air?
MEP comprises three basic sub-systems such as mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing and they are further divided into different branches. When it comes to air-quality management, the branch HVAC of the mechanical sub-system deals with air quality.
What is the common way air quality gets polluted?
Air quality gets easily polluted and troubled when it is mixed with pollutants through leakages and improved segregation. And there are many ways of improving them likewise.
What is the role of ventilation in improving air quality?
Ventilation is a branch of HVAC that is responsible for ensuring fresh air is constantly present within a space. One way of doing it is through proper filtration, keeping polluted particles at bay, and ensuring fresh air is not mixed with them.
What can be the best way to improve air quality from the basics?
The best way you can improve the quality of air within any space is to look out for leakages. Most buildings consume more energy since there are some leakages, especially around the windows. These pathways do not prevent impurities and pollutants from entering any space, thus disturbing the air.
How can an inspector maintain good air quality?
Quality inspectors can perform timely inspections and make sure that maintenance is carried out timely to keep an MEP system running well.