IAQ and IEQ are similar terms with related ideas. Both involve how we live and feel in indoor environments, but IAQ is actually just one component of IEQ. This article will summarize the difference between the two and how they relate to your HVAC system.
IAQ vs. IEQ
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Indoor Air Quality is a measure of how healthy the air is inside a building. Poor IAQ can cause allergies, illness, breathing issues, and more. Luckily, there are easy ways to maintain healthy IAQ levels, many of which have to do with your HVAC system. Buildings can utilize proper ventilation systems, air filters or air filtration systems within the heating or AC units, air purifiers, and humidity control systems to improve the health of occupants.
Common sources of indoor air contaminants
Indoor air contaminants are everywhere, and that's why it's important to take steps to improving IAQ. They can come from cooking, pets, cleaning materials, mold, dirt, shoes, fireplaces, paints, and many other places.
Indoor Environmental (IEQ)
Indoor Environmental Quality refers to the general conditions inside a building that affect its occupants. The four well-known elements of IEQ are thermal conditions, lighting, acoustics, and air quality, but there can be other factors as well. These elements work together to create an optimal indoor environment that enhances the lives of the occupants. Let's define these four factors:
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Thermal comfort: temperature is an important component of creating a comfortable environment. It can affect how you feel physically and how productive you are, and also goes hand-in-hand with the energy efficiency of a building. The HVAC systems in your building or home should regulate the temperature to create a comfortable space while running as efficiently as possible.
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Lighting: lighting sequences that vary in temperature, color, intensity, and other variables are tied to our circadian rhythms and can affect how we learn, work, and feel overall.
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Acoustics: the sounds around us can also impact our well-being. Many HVAC systems on the market produce minimal sound, like the Unico High Velocity system. With a quiet unit, you will have an easier time working, learning, or relaxing.
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IAQ: as mentioned above, IAQ relates more specifically to the health and comfort of a building's occupants. Your HVAC system can include air purifiers, air filters, ventilation units, and humidity control units.
By understanding IAQ and IEQ and learning how to improve both, you can make informed decisions on your building/home and HVAC system, and provide a comfortable and healthy environment.
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
