The quality of our indoor environments has more significance than most of us realise. We can experience discomfort with even a slightly higher-than-normal humidity level, or a light build up of the wrong gas. In some more extreme cases, this discomfort can lead to health issues or mould growth on walls and ceilings. Because of this, technicians need to be wary of all indoor air quality and comfort parameters. But what exactly are these parameters, and what instruments do you need to read them?
What are indoor environment air comfort parameters?
Comfort parameters refer to the indoor air quality (IAQ) factors of an indoor space that technicians need to control. These factors include:
Radiant and ambient temperature and humidity: Temperatures are set and maintained in relation to the environment of an indoor space and the activities performed within it. Maintaining relative humidity is also important. By finding the mid point between temperature and humidity we are able to establish an optimum range of conditions called the “comfort zone”.
Organic compounds: This refers to materials that have a high vapour pressure at low temperatures. This means that they are able to easily become ambient gasses. These can compromise air quality and comfort after long periods of exposure due to poor ventilation. Examples include paint fumes and combustion gasses like smoke.
Carbon dioxide levels: This is a particularly important parameter to consider as carbon dioxide is able to build up soley from a lot of people being in an internal space with poor ventilation. Carbon dioxide deoxygenates the blood, causing fatigue and low levels of focus.
Air turbulence: this refers to the movement of air, whether that be from natural ventilation or caused by mechanical HVAC systems. It will either cool or warm spaces, depending on other environmental factors. This means that excessive turbulence can rapidly compromise comfort levels.
Lighting: Endorphin production is significantly affected by exposure to light, making measuring lux levels important. Consideration has to be also given to the type of light in an indoor space. If there is too much white light, it can negatively impacts energy levels, while studies suggest that yellow light stimulates emotional positivity.
What instrument do you need to detect IAQ comfort parameters?
The newly released Testo 400 is the multifunction measuring solution that suits IAQ professionals in any application and with any level of experience. It allows technicians the ability to perform IAQ measurements, data analysis and document reports all within the Testo 400 unit. The rugged housing makes the instrument durable for any work place environment the technicians may wish to use it. The multi functional abilities of the Testo 440 save the technician time by allowing them to no longer need to switch between multiple instruments to measure and log different parameters.
The Testo 400 comes with a variety of probes (two cable probes, four Bluetooth probes and two type K thermocouples), as well as a built-in differential pressure sensor and integrated absolute pressure sensor. It really is the ultimate asset for IAQ professional's day-to-day needs.
If you want more information on the Testo 400 instrument, contact the Testo team today!