Does the Home Need a VOC Controller?
TVOC sensing HVAC equipment refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that are equipped with sensors capable of detecting and measuring total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in the air. These HVAC systems are designed to monitor and control indoor air quality by incorporating TVOC sensors into their operation. Here we dig into the most commonly asked questions with North American Product Manager - IAQ, Bruno Poitras:
Q: What is a TVOC sensing controller?
A: A TVOC sensing controller is a device or system that measures and monitors the concentration of TVOCs in the air and controls ventilation systems accordingly. TVOCs are a group of organic chemicals that can be emitted as gases from various sources, including building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, and human activities.
The primary function of a TVOC sensing controller is to maintain good indoor air quality by adjusting ventilation rates based on the measured TVOC concentrations. By continuously monitoring and controlling TVOC levels, these controllers help ensure a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment while optimizing energy usage by avoiding unnecessary ventilation. They can be utilized in various applications such as single and multi-family residential projects, offices, schools, healthcare facilities, light commercial applications and industrial settings.
Q: How do Air Handling Units (Fresh Air Appliances) and TOVC equipment work together?
A: Fresh Air Appliances (FAA) are an integral part of HVAC systems responsible for conditioning and distributing air throughout a home. When utilizing a TVOC sensing device, TVOC’s can be measured, the FAA can adjust the ventilation rates, filter efficiency, or initiate air purification processes to improve indoor air quality.
Q: What advantages does a TVOC sensing controller provide?
A: A ventilation controller that senses TVOCs offers several advantages:
- Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): High levels of TVOCs can lead to poor indoor air quality, which can cause health issues like headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. A ventilation controller that senses TVOCs can effectively monitor and control the levels, ensuring better IAQ.
- Energy Efficiency: Traditional ventilation systems often operate based on fixed schedules or occupancy sensors. These approaches may lead to unnecessary energy consumption if the ventilation is not adjusted to the actual air quality needs. A TVOC-sensing ventilation controller can optimize energy usage by adjusting ventilation rates based on real-time measurements, preventing overventilation and reducing energy waste.
- Customized Ventilation Strategies: Different activities and areas within a building may have varying TVOC emissions. For example, a printing room may have higher TVOC levels compared to a meeting room. A TVOC-sensing ventilation controller allows for customized ventilation strategies, tailoring the airflow and ventilation rates to specific areas based on their TVOC concentrations. This targeted approach enhances air quality management and occupant comfort.
- Early Detection of Air Quality Issues: By continuously monitoring TVOC levels, a ventilation controller can provide early warning signs of potential air quality problems. Elevated TVOC concentrations may indicate the presence of harmful chemicals or pollutants in the indoor environment. With prompt detection, appropriate measures can be taken to address the issue, such as identifying and eliminating the source of the TVOCs or increasing ventilation rates.
- Occupant Health and Productivity: Good indoor air quality has a direct impact on occupant health, comfort, and productivity. By effectively controlling TVOC levels, a ventilation controller can contribute to a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment. Improved air quality has been associated with reduced symptoms of sick building syndrome, increased cognitive performance, and higher productivity among building occupants.
- Compliance with Building Standards and Certifications: Many building standards and certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), WELL Building Standard, and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), emphasize the importance of indoor air quality. Implementing a TVOC-sensing ventilation controller can help meet the requirements of these standards and certifications, supporting sustainable and healthy building practices.
Overall, a ventilation controller that senses total volatile organic compounds offers the benefits of enhanced indoor air quality, energy efficiency, customized ventilation strategies, early detection of air quality issues, improved occupant health and productivity, and compliance with building standards.
Q: To wrap it up?
A: TVOC sensing technology offers numerous benefits, including improved indoor air quality, better health and well-being, environmental monitoring, enhanced occupational safety, energy efficiency, and early detection of hazardous situations. By leveraging this technology, we can create healthier and safer environments for individuals while promoting sustainable practices and minimizing the impact of VOC emissions on both human health and the environment.
At Fantech, know that a healthy home starts with a ventilation system that brings in fresh air and controls the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). We’ve got amazing controls to help you get the most out of your Fresh Air Appliance:
- ECO-Feel® is a TVOC sensing controller that runs continuously on ECO Mode to allow your system to operate around the needs of the space and makes sure that there is extra ventilation when it is needed the most – while cooking, cleaning or during large gatherings. It is the ideal solution for multi-family residential projects.
- The award winning ECO-Touch® IAQ is a TVOC sensing controller with a touchscreen. As with the ECO-Feel, ECO-Touch IAQ will recognize the presence of TVOCs and increase the appliance’s airflow capacity based on the TVOC levels. This controller can be customized based on user preferences using the touchscreen settings and is best suited for single-family homes.
No matter what you need for your build, Fantech has you covered. Controllers are compatible with all Fantech Fresh Air Appliances, equipped with a 5-pin connector on the control board and manufactured after January 2019 with the exception of SE704N, SH704 and VH704.
We make finding the perfect solution easy!
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