How to get a comprehensive picture of indoor climate

How to get a comprehensive picture of indoor climate

An HVAC system is a small factor in making a building. Yet, despite its relatively small presence in the grand scheme of things, its contribution to the structure as a whole is huge. This is because it allows you to control indoor climates. But climate doesn't just come down to individual factors such as heating, cooling, ventilation, humidity or air quality. Rather, climate is an amalgamation of all these characteristics. That is one of the main reason HVAC technicians and building managers use multi-function instruments to measure various factors

The importance of indoor climates

HVAC technicians and building managers assess indoor air quality (IAQ) for two reasons. Firstly, doing so shows them whether HVAC systems are operating optimally. Secondly, it allows business managers to determine how humidity, temperature and other factors impact employee productivity and performance.

According to Worldwatch Institute Europe, most people spend between 80 and 90% of their time indoors. This means that the structures in which we work and live have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing. Research consistently reinforces it, consider the following data:

  • A study published in Elsevier found that ineffective contaminant removal processes can decrease productivity between 0.5 and 2 per cent.
  • The University of Reading's Dr Derek Clements-Croome noted that ventilation rates below 10 litres per second (l/s) per person increases health problems.
  • The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends that building managers set relative humidity between 40 and 55 per cent.
  • ASHRAE also discovered that the ideal indoor temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Taking these four factors into consideration is only the first step. HVAC technicians need to figure out how ventilation impacts temperature, humidity, IAQ and so forth. The main objective is to find out how each factor affects another.

Multiple readings, one device 

Using separate devices to calculate office humidity, temperature, ventilation and IAQ is time-consuming. it is much more efficient and feasible for professionals to use one device capable of measuring multiple factors.

For example, the Testo 480 climate measurement tool comes with a range of optional probes that allow you to measure, analyse and log several parameters through one device. Therefore, it is the only instrument you will need to register temperature, humidity levels, differential and absolute pressure, carbon dioxide, heat radiation, turbulence and other factors.

To take full advantage of these readings, the Testo 480 comes equipped with "Easy Climate" software. This enables you to easily transfer measurements to a computer where you can assess the data at your discretion.

Because multiple elements make an ideal working environment, its imperative professionals have the tools necessary to analyse them. For more information on optimising your HVAC systems using our industry-leading tools and solutions, contact the Testo New Zealand team today!