Blog

Balancing regional design temperatures

Blog explores how design temperatures for different areas of the country affect engineering designs

By Krista McDonald Biason /Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


The median design temperature for Minnesota is very different than that of Florida so the size, capacity, and design methodology of the mechanical equipment required to keep a building cool in the summer and warm in the winter is directly impacted by ambient temperature and humidity, according to a blog on the HGA website.

"A 'one size fits all' design does not work in all regions of the country. Some regions have the potential of concurrent heating and cooling needs that directly impacts how the system functions and the energy it consumes. Once the mechanical systems are designed for the facility and the region, the electrical infrastructure required to support those systems needs to be considered," said blogger Krista McDonald Biason.

"So how do we determine how to design the engineer systems for a facility? There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration before you can determine a solid engineering solution. If your facility is a Level 1 Trauma Center, the answer is a little more obvious than if you are a suburban hospital next door to a Level 1 Trauma Center. The higher the acuity of the patients the more the need for additional redundant systems and generator back up," Biason wrote.

Krista McDonald Biason is an electrical engineer with HGA.

Read the blog.

 

 



April 8, 2014


Topic Area: Blogs


Recent Posts

What To Know Now About OSHA's Updated Hazcom Rule

The update requires careful attention because compliance is not optional, and OSHA has set firm deadlines extending through 2028.


HealthSource of Ohio and UC Health Partner for New Medical Office Building

Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2028.


NorthShore Health Centers Investigates Data Security Incident  

The organization became aware of suspicious activity on its computer network on or around Aug. 10, 2026, and took steps to secure its systems.


Healthcare Ransomware Attacks Reach Record High in Q3 2026

The report documented 306 ransomware attacks against healthcare organizations in Q3.


Bon Secours Mercy Health Acquires Fauquier Health

Fauquier Health is a 97-bed acute care community hospital serving Fauquier County and the broader Warrenton region.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.