Factors To Consider When Buying Air Handling Unit

The air in your home or building is conditioned and circulated by an AHU device. Even though this brief explanation covers the fundamentals of an air handling unit (AHU), not all of them function or operate similarly. There are several things to consider while looking at AHUs to get the most influential economic unit for your needs. 

Where will the apparatus be placed?

As an illustration, operating rooms in hospitals have distinct features and maintenance requirements from ventilation systems in corporate buildings. A ventilation system created and tuned for a particular purpose will perform better in the space for that application.

Is it simple to install the device?

Your job can be finished on time and without adding to your costs if the installation is quick and easy. Is it necessary for the gadget to be constructed on the job site, or can it be transported in pieces? If so, is it simple to put together?

This article also lists essential things to think about while buying an AHU.

Airflow

The required airflow the AHU must manage is the first factor to consider. You can determine the size and capacity of your AHU by having an understanding of this. In L/s, an air conditioner’s ability to control and distribute air is expressed (litres per second). It would help if you determined the heat load for the space you are compensating for to select the desired L/s when thinking about an AHU. To begin, figure out how much room the AHU will move around. The next step is to decide how frequently the room has to be ventilated. There are regulations for this from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.

Measurements and modularity

Regarding AHU’s size, there are many factors to consider. In addition to considering the space in the plant room and adhering to all building standards, the air handling unit must be big enough to accommodate filters, heat exchangers, service, and fan access sections. The planning or design process frequently includes a precise 3D or BIM (Building Information Modeling) model of the unit to ensure that the AHU is the proper size for the structure.

AHUs can be large and sold in modules for simplicity in installation and transportation. The form of conveyance in this situation must also be considered, in addition to the size of the target building’s doors and elevators. The AHU’s modular architecture enables the system to be delivered in pieces rather than using pricey special transport.

Filter

Filters are one of the most crucial components of the AHU system and distribute fresh, clean air throughout the entire structure. Poor air quality is caused by fine dust pollution, and smaller fine dust particles may even harm human health. AHU should have as much filter area as possible for the best efficiency. In addition to increasing the filter change cycle and lowering the need for maintenance owing to pressure drop, this also offers a high dust retention capacity.

Hygiene

Numerous precautions should be implemented to prevent biological contamination and condensation. Air handling unit cleanliness is ensured by the appropriate inner surface materials, fan positioning, filters, and cooling coils with slanted drip trays. To avoid dirt buildup, the AHU should also be well-sealed. In particular, filters and upkeep have the general inspection, maintenance, and cleaning criteria.