What Is The Difference Between Air Conditioning & Ventilation?

To help with cleaning the air of a building, ventilation systems are used alongside or to supplement natural ventilation. These man-made aircon systems ventilate commercial and industrial buildings by keeping the air cool and fresh. Although here at Logicool Air we do not install mechanical ventilation systems, we have decided to write this blog to highlight when it is suitable and when standard air conditioning installation is more suitable for your home or office.

The main difference between air conditioning units and mechanical ventilation is that air con units are designed to alter and cool a room by recycling the existing air within your home. Ventilation systems are different in that they pull in air from outside and mix it with your indoor air, leading to overall slightly more pure air quality. The main goal of ventilation systems is to not necessarily cool the room but rather to remove pollutants and unpleasant odours. However this overall leads to a cooler environment as fresh air is being constantly cycled throughout your property.

What Is Mechanical Ventilation?

Mechanical ventilation systems are typically used in larger industrial and commercial settings when ducted or vrv systems are not necessary. A mechanical ventilation system works with or replaces natural ventilation systems inside buildings. They use ducts, fans and filters to help circulate air and they keep the air quality clean. Supply, exhaust and balance are the main categories of ventilation systems with MVHR, C-MEV, D-MEV and PIV the main systems. 

When Should Ventilation Systems Be Installed?

As Australia has relatively high air quality levels compared to the rest of the world, there is not an urgent or pressing need to install ventilation systems in our homes. Although our recent bushfires have contributed to lowering our overall air quality, we are still in a comparatively better position to other countries in the world.  This is why we typically always recommend installing ducted, split systems and vrv units for homes and small to medium sized offices. 

However if your office is relatively enclosed, has a lot of foot traffic or is larger in size then it is advisable to install larger ventilation systems to help deliver air flow to your employees and visitors. Mechanical ventilation systems should also be installed in industrial complexes where there are manufacturing processes which are creating air pollutants. The main reason being is that ventilations systems will cycle out contaminants and bad smells by replacing them with clean air.

What are the Benefits of Mechanical Ventilation Systems?

Installing a mechanical ventilation system in a building, where standard air conditioning is not sufficient, can have many different advantages. Some of these include:

• Flexible Designs – ventilation systems are able to be installed into almost every type of building complex. Natural ventilation has its drawbacks with not being easily installable in all places
• Consistent Temperature – ventilating the room with mechanical systems allows for adjustments to be easily made. The temperature can be adjusted regardless of the climate which is outside.
• Air Quality Improvement – the filters in the ventilation systems will clean out the air of the room. Allergens to pollutants will be removed from the air which will help with health benefits. Fresh and clean air will be guaranteed when mechanical ventilation systems are installed.
• Humidity Reduction – excess moisture will be removed when dehumidifier systems are connected. The decrease in humidity will help with comfort levels along with the temperature adjustments.  
• Noise Reduction – mechanical ventilation systems are built to operate quietly. Also, as windows and doors are not needed to be open, outside noises will also be blocked. 

What Mechanical Ventilation Systems are Installed In Different Climates?

Installing mechanical ventilation systems will depend on the climate and location of the building. Any system can be installed but the most effective ones will be based on these factors. Below is a guide on the different ventilation systems installed depending on the environment and climate.

Sydney Air Conditioning Installations!

A Licensed ac technician who understands indoor air quality can install ventilation systems in larger office spaces or buildings that have high foot traffic and relatively no natural ventilation features such as windows and doors. Although we do not install mechanical ventilation systems, Logicool Air, we have over 15 years installing and repairing Australian air conditioning units in residential and commercial properties. If you are unsure as to whether your office needs ventilation or air conditioning, please give us a call today and we would be more than happy to assist you in any way we possibly can!