HVAC is trending in #Ontario.
Let's clear the air, #onted.
It should be immediate #VENTILATION, with filtration improvements, for a #SaferSeptember to buy us time, and Indoor Environmental Quality improvements (#IEQ), for the long term. Not generic 'HVAC'. Not "AC".
THREAD
Let's clear the air, #onted.
It should be immediate #VENTILATION, with filtration improvements, for a #SaferSeptember to buy us time, and Indoor Environmental Quality improvements (#IEQ), for the long term. Not generic 'HVAC'. Not "AC".
THREAD
We say we urgently need quality HVAC in schools (we do!) but HVAC is:
(H)eating the building,
(V)entilating using outdoor air, and
(A)ir (C)onditioning,
where AC = removing heat and moisture.
ALL classrooms have H and V, though often no AC.
(H)eating the building,
(V)entilating using outdoor air, and
(A)ir (C)onditioning,
where AC = removing heat and moisture.
ALL classrooms have H and V, though often no AC.
In old schools Ventilation was provided naturally, using a chimney effect to cause negative pressure in the school, drawing outdoor air inside. It's unreliable, so these schools were later retrofitted with exhaust fans to force the air out. (if you find unrenovated, send pics!)
Later, (c. 1950's) schools were designed and built with exhaust-only ventilation, and they still operate today.
Here's one serving four classrooms. It's in poor condition, and the fan was switched off because it was too noisy for the classroom below.
Here's one serving four classrooms. It's in poor condition, and the fan was switched off because it was too noisy for the classroom below.
What should educators and parents really be demanding from @fordnation? Indoor Environmental Quality, or IEQ.
Interestingly the #ETFO Building Better Schools campaign is silent on the physical building itself.
Yet we've all experienced the effects of degraded #IEQ.
Interestingly the #ETFO Building Better Schools campaign is silent on the physical building itself.
Yet we've all experienced the effects of degraded #IEQ.
IEQ is Indoor Environmental Quality of:
-Air (min pollutants, contaminants, toxicants)
-Thermal (optimal comfort)
-Lighting (optimal)
-Sound (acoustics, noise)
-Odour (min)
-Vibrations (min)
(huge props to Robert Bean @healthyheating)
-Air (min pollutants, contaminants, toxicants)
-Thermal (optimal comfort)
-Lighting (optimal)
-Sound (acoustics, noise)
-Odour (min)
-Vibrations (min)
(huge props to Robert Bean @healthyheating)
We immediately need to fix one aspect of Indoor Air Quality: reduce risk of airborne virus transmission. We do that with #ventilation, supported by filtration.
This is one area @fordnation has moved in the right direction, although belatedly and with little guidance.
This is one area @fordnation has moved in the right direction, although belatedly and with little guidance.
The Aug 25 memo is on "Optimizing Air Quality in Schools": efis.fma.csc.gov.on.ca/faab/Memos/B20…
Note it's titled Air Quality, not HVAC.
Remember, #IAQ Indoor Air Quality means minimal pollutants, contaminants, and toxicants.
Note it's titled Air Quality, not HVAC.
Remember, #IAQ Indoor Air Quality means minimal pollutants, contaminants, and toxicants.
The memo's eligible expense categories are:
1) upgraded filters and installation cost,
2) recommissioning (measuring and adjusting) the current HVAC system airflows & pressure, and
3) portable HEPA air filtration units.
$50M is enough for 1&3, and some of 2.
1) upgraded filters and installation cost,
2) recommissioning (measuring and adjusting) the current HVAC system airflows & pressure, and
3) portable HEPA air filtration units.
$50M is enough for 1&3, and some of 2.
Those categories all fall under Air Quality: Ventilation and Filtration. Not HVAC.
AC alone is cooling and humidity control. It's not Ventilation. You'll be more comfortable installing AC but remain at higher infection risk unless V & F are addressed. Not all AC include V & F.
AC alone is cooling and humidity control. It's not Ventilation. You'll be more comfortable installing AC but remain at higher infection risk unless V & F are addressed. Not all AC include V & F.
We really want our educators and children in optimal physical environments, with indoor *environmental* quality. That means long-term capital projects to implement or upgrade HVAC systems, improve acoustics, lighting, and the many aspects of thermal comfort such as low e-windows.
Just one factor, elevated CO2, is equivalent to students skipping breakfast. There are many others.
Want higher quality education and measurably better academic performance? Improve #IEQ.
Want higher quality education and measurably better academic performance? Improve #IEQ.
Funding capital #IEQ improvement is great for the local economy, improves the well-being of all school building occupants, and creates a legacy of durable healthy buildings.
Demand capital IEQ investment, not "HVAC".
Demand capital IEQ investment, not "HVAC".
But also demand *immediate*:
1. acknowledgement that aerosol transmission is a risk
2. ventilation and filtration directives, including room by room measurements
3. masks for all (source control, in air quality and safety language)
4. increased spacing (smaller class sizes),
1. acknowledgement that aerosol transmission is a risk
2. ventilation and filtration directives, including room by room measurements
3. masks for all (source control, in air quality and safety language)
4. increased spacing (smaller class sizes),
5. rapid testing & pooled testing
6. clear thresholds for closing schools based on community prevalence
7. outbreak control plans.
6. clear thresholds for closing schools based on community prevalence
7. outbreak control plans.
RESOURCES:
FAQs on Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 Aerosol Transmission: docs.google.com/document/d/1fB…
FAQs on Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 Aerosol Transmission: docs.google.com/document/d/1fB…
Harvard-CU Boulder Portable Air Cleaner Calculator for Schools (includes list of models)
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
More technical: ASHRAE's COVID-19 Resources for School Reopening ashrae.org/technical-reso…
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