It is believed that air conditioners can completely or partially replace ventilation. Supposedly, it is enough to install a state-of-the-art split system that cleans, moisturizes, ionizes, and has antiviral, anti-allergenic, antibacterial filters, and you can enjoy the cleanest fresh air. But is that so?

What is ventilation and what is air conditioning?

To begin with, we distinguish the concepts:

• Air conditioning is the cooling or heating of indoor air.
• Ventilation is the supply of oxygen-saturated air and the removal of exhaust air.

That is when air conditioning remains the same. It can be heated, cooled, dried, ionized, but is not replaced by a new one.

At ventilation, there is an exchange of air masses.

Tasks of systems:

The main purpose of air conditioning – to create favorable climatic conditions for people.

The task of ventilation is much broader.

Every second we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. In addition, the air is polluted by particles from building and finishing materials, from sprays and aerosols, from cleaning and detergents, etc.

Doctors recommend that every two hours you open the windows to ventilate the premises and work with windows open for ventilation.

The way out is forced supply and exhaust ventilation systems, which supply fresh air and keep the heat in the house in winter or cool in summer.

Are there air conditioners that act as ventilation equipment?

The principle of operation of the air conditioner is similar to a refrigerator. It either cools the air or heats it (when moving the Freon in the opposite direction). In the upper part of the inner case, there is an opening for air intake from the room. In the bottom – for supply of the cooled or heated stream.

It turns out that the same air passes through the system.

If it is stated that the air conditioner has a “ventilation mode”, it means that the device will work like a fan, without additional heating or cooling. However, a portion of oxygen will not enter the house.

Recently, air conditioners with supply ventilation have appeared on the market, which mix the air due to an additional outdoor unit and a flexible hose. However, the amount of “inflow” is so small, and the noise is so great that many owners quickly abandon this equipment.

If there is ventilation, do you need air conditioning?

Air conditioners will not replace ventilation, but they can help it!

For example, if ventilation systems supply air and remove waste, and the air conditioner heats/cools, dries/humidifies, ionizes, or cleans from dust. Equipped your office with ventilation and air conditioning, you will provide maximum comfort and a healthy microclimate.

There are ventilation systems capable of heating and conditioning the air, filtering it, controlling humidity, and carbon dioxide. However, this pleasure is not cheap.

Impact on human health and well-being:

Air conditioning will not affect the health of employees if you follow certain rules:

• It is advisable not to set the temperature too cool. If it is hot outside and +18, +19 degrees indoors, a sharp drop can cause hypothermia and colds.
• If you turn on the air conditioner, close all the windows and do not provide ventilation, the concentration of carbon dioxide will increase many times, breathing will be harder, and the risk of catching viruses – will increase, despite the comfortable temperature in the room. So do not forget about ventilation!
• Filters are clogged with dust and dangerous microorganisms over time. Neglecting the replacement or cleaning of filter elements, there is a risk that the air conditioner will develop fungi and mold. Moreover, the device will be a source of bacteria that cause allergic reactions.

If you follow these rules, air conditioners will bring only comfort!