What is Ventilation Control?

Ventilation control is the process of regulating the quality of air that passes into and out of an enclosed space. In many nations, regulations require that equipment to properly regulate the flow of air in spaces where people work meet specific safety criteria. This is especially true in settings where fumes from chemicals and other substances may develop, and could cause respiratory problems for employees if the area is not efficiently ventilated.

The actual process of ventilation control normally involves the use of some type of ventilation control system. Typically, these systems are now computer-driven, making it possible to constantly monitor the indoor air quality within a given space, and adjust the ventilation when and as needed. Some systems are designed to be energy efficient, and include motion detectors and other devices that automatically start and stop the flow of air into the space, based on whether someone is currently in that area. Others are designed to monitor the presence of chemical fumes or dust in the air, and adjust the flow of ventilation to expel the contaminants when they reach a certain level.

Just about any type of public building or commercial workplace will have some type of ventilation control in place. Primarily, the systems remove impurities from the air, and may also aid in keeping the enclosed space at a comfortable temperature by moving air that has been heated or cooled by some sort of heating or air conditioning system. Along with ridding the air of impurities that could cause health issues, there are also some systems designed to release pleasant fragrances in minute amounts. Often barely detectable, these fragrances help to enhance the freshness of the air as it is pumped into the area, a characteristic that makes the space more enjoyable for everyone currently in the area.

There are also residential ventilation systems that help to protect the indoor air quality in houses, apartments, and other types of residential dwellings. These are often easy to adjust to suit the needs of the occupants, and may utilize filters as one way of removing contaminants while air is pumped in and out of the residence. For example, a ventilation control system may be especially helpful for anyone who suffers from allergies, as the system can remove dust mites, pet dander, and other airborne irritants that are likely to cause discomfort or bring on an asthma attack. As with the commercial versions used in many laboratories and manufacturing facilities, these home ventilation control systems may include monitoring capabilities that stop and start the ventilation based on the quality of air inside the space.