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Air Quality and Performance

AAON stands as a premier manufacturer of commercial HVAC equipment, setting the standard for performance, serviceability, and long-term value.

As awareness grows regarding the influence of the building environment on occupants, AAON leverages its engineering excellence to offer solutions for improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).These solutions not only improve air quality and performance inside buildings but also help mitigate air pollution exposure and its associated adverse health effects.

Growing Awareness of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

The quality of indoor air circulation inside a building has become increasingly recognized as a critical factor that can impact human health, cognitive performance, and even physical activity. Poor air quality could lead to poor performance, both mentally and physically.

AAON has standardized IAQ improvements through equipment design and optional features to address these health concerns and environmental factors.

Link Between IAQ and Comfort

Bringing fresh outside air into a building helps flush out infectious aerosols and reduce CO₂ levels in space. This process is essential for improving air quality and reducing air pollutant exposure. Furthermore, maintaining controlled humidity levels can improve the overall health of occupants, as research indicates that certain viruses are rendered inactive on surfaces when the ambient relative humidity is maintained between 40% and 60%.

AAON’s Role in IAQ

Filtration Systems

In certain areas, such as industrial areas, air pollution levels can lead to needing better filtration for HVAC equipment. ASHRAE recommends utilizing a minimum of MERV 13 filters. AAON offers up to MERV 14 pleated air filters as well as HEPA filters to address high pollution areas. Versatile filtration choices include pleated or cartridge filters with efficiencies up to 95% (MERV 14). These higher filtration options are also beneficial for applications such as healthcare.

Ventilation Strategies

Effective ventilation involves introducing fresh outdoor air to dilute indoor contaminants and maintain air pressure. AAON equipment can incorporate makeup air capabilities, allowing up to 100% outside air. This is especially important in areas with varying air quality and outdoor air pollution. AAON is a market leader in Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) with the industry-leading Delta Class Series. Delta Class reliably supplies fresh outdoor air, enhancing system performance and providing greater control over comfort in controlled environments.

Humidity Control

Controlling humidity is integral to IAQ because maintaining ambient relative humidity between 40% and 60% can help render viruses inactive on surfaces. AAON offers precise humidity control through options such as Modulating Hot Gas Reheat and using Variable Capacity Compressors and high-capacity cooling coils for maximum dehumidification.

UV-C Light Integration

AAON offers UV light options that are factory-installed and designed to inactivate pathogens within the airstream of an air handling unit. These UV fixtures are typically installed directly downstream of the cooling coil, with UV effectiveness increasing in warmer temperatures or lower airflows, helping mitigate adverse health effects from air pollutants.

Demand-Controlled Ventilation Systems

AAON integrates controls to manage ventilation based on occupancy needs, thereby saving energy and improving health outcomes.

  • CO₂ Override: Economizer operation can be controlled using a CO₂ Override feature. When CO₂ levels exceed the setpoint amount, the outdoor air economizer will open to allow fresh air into the space until CO₂ levels are reduced to a safe level.

  • Airflow Monitoring: Some units include airflow monitoring devices that measure flow at the outside air opening, supply fans, and/or return fans.

  • Controls Platforms: AAON controls, such as the VCCX-454 controller, maximize performance and energy savings while enhancing comfort.

IAQ as a Competitive Advantage

By integrating advanced IAQ solutions, including high-efficiency MERV filtration, factory-installed UV lights for disinfection, optimized ventilation (100% OA capability), and precise humidity control, AAON equipment ensures a healthy, comfortable building environment.