Indoor Environmental
Quality (IEQ) affects all aspects of building performance, from
cost of ownership to energy costs to occupant productivity. Advantek
can expertly apply the best methods to assess indoor air quality
(IAQ), lighting efficacy, and noise distractions. We make it our
business to develop and apply IEQ evaluation tools and techniques
that result in higher bottom line numbers for our clients.
Independent studies
have clearly shown that better IEQ improves occupant performance
and increases retail sales, just as a poorly lit, stuffy, noisy
environment degrades performance. Increases in productivity are
manifest by reduced absenteeism, less employee turnover, and fewer
complaints for facilities and maintenance staff. Removal of air
pollutant sources and/or increasing ventilation rate to improve
air quality by 10% results in productivity increase of about 1½ %.
This means that reducing the concentration of indoor contaminants
by half can increase overall workplace performance by as much as
2%. In most cases, Advantek can quantify human resource dollar
savings with hard numbers that far outweigh the cost of achieving
these benefits. |
Urgent IAQ/Mold Response
Advantek’s first steps on any urgent IAQ/Mold project
address the protection of health and property through rapid identification
of the causes indoor air quality complaints. Almost all indoor air
quality problems have two controllable components: air pollutant source(s)
and inadequate ventilation. A third component of indoor air quality
issues is a susceptible population of exposed persons. Persistent indoor
air quality problems are seldom so serious that all occupants are affected.
We
are fully prepared to quickly identify causative factors from
available information, observation, and walk through surveys. Advantek’s
extensive experience solving IAQ problems in a wide variety of
settings allows us to identify air pollution sources and evaluate
their potential impacts on susceptible populations. If
any air sampling is required, it is targeted through a well-designed
protocol. This strategy minimizes cost by eliminating unnecessary
testing that produce no useful results. |
Advantek In the News: After
the Storms: A First-Hand Report From Central Florida
Example Projects
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This survey at a major department store began
with specific identification of undesirable air characteristics, followed
by an investigation to determine the building components and/or air conditioning
system components that have manifested these characteristics. This was
accomplished by performing detailed on-site measurements and inspections.
Analysis of current operating
conditions, and the design-intent of HVAC components led to the identification
of the problem’s root-causes: uncontrolled air flow, high coil temperatures,
oversized coils and chiller, and mold growth on roof. Then, corrective
remediation, refurbishment, and replacement measures were developed that
targeted these causative factors. A building computer simulation based
on a joint-frequency BIN analysis was performed to estimate potential
energy savings. Economic factors such as payback period, return on investment,
and life-cycle cost were calculated to support the decision making process.
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Uncomfortable conditions
at an Orlando area luxury resort hotel ultimately resulted in a design
which provided 12,000 cfm of conditioned outside air to pressurize
the lobby areas and corridors. Several system design concepts were
modeled to predict energy costs, including one- and two-stage chilled
water and DX systems with and without heat pipes, and direct-fired
natural gas desiccant systems. Depending on the cost of available electricity,
natural gas, and rate structures, either the chilled water system with
heat pipes or an enhanced desiccant system incorporating heat pipes
was found to have significantly lower energy costs. |
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Mold
growth on books at the Hillsborough County Regional Library prompted
an investigation of the building envelope and air-conditioning system
to pinpoint the causative factors and provide cost effective, energy
efficient solutions. The main factors were found to be several small
roof leaks, leakage of air into the return air plenum and air handlers,
and high coil temperatures. The HVAC system was delivering
less than half of it's rated dehumidification capacity. Corrective actions
included replacement of one air handler, refurbishment of the other two
air handlers, sealing of air leaks, a compressor replacement, and improved
filtration. |
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