The Blueprint for Better Air Quality

HVAC Systems & Infection Control in Modern Care Homes.

A safe and comfortable care home conjures up images of nice bedrooms, quiet spaces and easy access.  But perhaps the best examples of what this means come from scientists and wheelchair users.  Since the outbreak of COVID-19, air quality has become a key infection control and resident well-being measure in care homes. Improving air quality is more than just opening windows. It requires applications for medical purposes, with proper ventilation and HVAC systems.

This guidance document explains how the development of better air systems will assist designers and builders of new and refurbished care homes. This guide will give you practical tips for air systems. The aim of this is to present you with helpful advice for making adequate arrangements and wise decisions.

Why Air Quality Matters in Care Homes.

Many nursing home residents suffer from long-term impairments affecting their breathing, immunity, or mobility. They are more prone to airborne illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, and cold viruses.

A care home is meant to be a place to live, not a hospital. It is essential to have clean, safe and comfortable air.

Poor indoor air quality has been linked to.

* This spreads more viruses and bacteria around the place.

* Aulted incidence of respiratory illness, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease*.

* Fatigue, positioning headache and reduced cognitive performance both in staff and residents.

Clean air and good ventilation can lessen the risk of infection and help people stay more alert and sleep better overall. These benefits are significant in care homes.

Understanding HVAC systems and their functions can help you improve air quality at home and at work.  A high-quality heating and cooling system in care homes does much more than heat or cool rooms.

It works behind the scenes to.

* Please bring in some fresh air from outside.

* Stale air containing viruses, allergens and moisture is eliminated.

* Ensure that surfaces do not become damp and that humidity levels are healthy.

* The air pressure of sensitive areas must be maintained.

HVAC Air Conditioning Systems are among the best infection control measures today for care homes, especially when cleaning is included.

What does better air quality look like day to day? Here are some ways modern systems can help.

1. Advanced Air Filtration.

HEPA filters, rated H13 or H14, efficiently filter dust, bacteria, mildew, and viruses. H13 filters are said to trap at least 99.95% of these particles. Many care homes also use MERV 13 filters. What do you think of MERV 13 filters? More nursing homes are using these hospital filters more frequently today. Many new systems also include.

* Carbon filters remove chemical pollutants and odours.

* Ducts that kill microorganisms with UV-C light to prevent illness.

* Smart sensors monitor air quality in real-time. 

2. Fresh Air Without Energy Waste.

Modern ventilation systems do more than move air. Ventilation systems help regulate a room’s air by bringing in fresh air, removing the stale air, and saving heat, which means you don't waste energy. This keeps the air healthy and helps control costs. For example, energy-efficient air conditioning can help reduce care home energy bills by up to 30%. Operators can save a considerable sum of money and receive timely compensation. Some systems can provide air to various locations in the house, such as bedrooms, corridors, staff rooms, and lounges. This helps prevent illness from spreading. Reading.

3. Humidity Control.

If there’s too much moisture, mould can grow. Some people may experience lung and skin problems if the moisture is too low. A properly installed HVAC system can control humidity levels to keep occupants comfortable.

The Residents, the Staff and the Operators.

Better air systems benefit everyone in a care home.

* Residents experience fewer respiratory infections, report sleeping better, and enjoy greater health and comfort.

* Staff can work in a stable and pleasant environment. Staff members often enjoy less sick leave and greater focus.

* Operators can be confident that their houses are safer, efficient, and ready for outbreaks. This also helps with CQC rules and reputation.

Modern care homes with spacious, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems accommodate more residents. Complaints about any temperature or air quality issues are rare. 

Planning a New Build or Refurbishment? Start With Air.

Whether you’re looking to build a care home in Bedfordshire, Sussex or further afield, be sure that proper air quality is considered from the outset. Don’t wait until later.

Custom HVAC systems for care homes that meet budgets and aspirations. We work with engineers and infection control specialists to design your custom HVAC systems. The consultation aims to clarify and reassure operators, as per its purpose. To start, we consider what you have and what you need. We come up with a detailed solution-based suggestion based on this. As soon as you approve the schedule, we will schedule the installation. Our engineers conduct on-site work and team up with your staff to facilitate easy installation. We run many tests and provide training on how to use the system when it is functioning.

We can help you.

* Choose the right systems that suit the size and function of your home.

* Make plans for upgrades that will limit disruption to refinishing. Upgrading only certain parts of a system allows for phased installation, thereby reducing service disruption. In addition to all this, installing temporary air devices, such as portable air purifiers, during renovation prevents indoor air quality from being compromised. Understanding residents' needs instils trust.

* Examine the building regulations and CQC guidelines.

* We must work towards making spaces that feel like home.

Good air equals good care, is our final thought. Its quality was easy to miss in care planning. We can get it right now with awareness and technology.

When investing in a care home, whether it’s a refurbishment, an extension, or a new build, you should focus on air quality.  When the air is peaceful and calm, everything works better.

Ready to improve your care home’s air quality? Contact us today to discuss how we can help make your next project a success.

Do you need help with ventilation, HVAC upgrades or refurbishments? We’d be happy to help.