Operating room HVAC system must maintain safe conditions efficiently

ORs should use occupied/unoccupied ventilation control systems


Operating room HVAC system must maintain safe conditions in the most efficient way possible, according to an article on the FacilityCare website. For peak efficiency, ORs should use occupied/unoccupied ventilation control systems to cut air-conditioning costs during unoccupied hours.

Air coming from outside must be conditioned to maintain a relative humidity range between 30 and 60 percent for proper infection control. 

At the lower room temperature set points of ORs, which can sometimes be lower than 60 degrees, humidity control is difficult without extensive dehumidification — and dehumidification is energy intensive, the article said.

ORs require a large quantity of outside air — often with a high moisture content. A desiccant wheel can enhance the ability of an air-handling unit’s cooling coil to dehumidify the air. 

Read the article.

 

 



May 18, 2015


Topic Area: Energy and Power


Recent Posts

Texas Law Limits Backup Power Mandates for Senior Care Facilities

As Texas relaxes generator mandates, healthcare facility managers now face tough decisions about emergency power investments and resident safety.


Cyber Crossfire: Why Healthcare Is Becoming a Battleground in Global Conflicts

As geopolitical tensions escalate, hospitals and critical suppliers are increasingly targeted in cyberattacks.


UPMC Presbyterian Receives $65 Million Gift for New Bed Tower

The tower is projected to open for patient care in early 2027.


Premier Health Partners Falls Victim to Cyber Incident

The incident occurred in July 2023.


Backup Power's Expanding Role in Emergency Preparedness for Healthcare

Manufacturers discuss design strategies, code shifts and lessons learned from real-world disasters.


 
 


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.