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Assessment of Indoor Air Quality in Air-Conditioned Buildings

Abstract

Indoor air quality is an important component of indoor environmental quality because building occupants spend significant amounts of time within enclosed spaces. In air-conditioned buildings, mechanical ventilation and cooling systems play an important role in controlling temperature, humidity, and air circulation. However, inadequate ventilation, poor system maintenance, pollutant sources, and inappropriate operating conditions can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Assessing indoor air quality in air-conditioned buildings is therefore essential for creating healthier, more comfortable, and productive indoor environments. This study assesses indoor air quality in air-conditioned buildings by examining the environmental conditions and factors that influence the quality of indoor air. It considers parameters such as carbon dioxide concentration, particulate matter, temperature, relative humidity, ventilation rates, and the presence of indoor pollutants. Attention is given to how these conditions vary across different spaces and occupancy patterns within air-conditioned buildings. The study further investigates the influence of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems on indoor air quality. The effectiveness of air filtration, fresh-air supply, air distribution, ventilation rates, and system operation is considered in relation to pollutant control and occupant comfort. Poorly designed or inadequately operated systems may result in insufficient outdoor air exchange, uneven air distribution, excessive humidity, or the accumulation of airborne contaminants. In addition to mechanical systems, the study considers internal and external sources of indoor pollutants. Building materials, cleaning products, furniture, combustion activities, occupants, outdoor pollution, and moisture can contribute to indoor air contaminants. The study therefore examines the interaction between building occupancy, material selection, ventilation practices, maintenance, and environmental conditions in determining overall indoor air quality. The quality of indoor air may vary according to building type, occupancy density, climate, ventilation strategy, maintenance practices, building age, and operating schedules. Poor maintenance of filters, ducts, cooling equipment, and ventilation components can reduce system performance and contribute to pollutant accumulation. Regular monitoring, appropriate ventilation management, effective filtration, and timely maintenance are therefore important for sustaining acceptable indoor air conditions. The study concludes that indoor air quality in air-conditioned buildings is influenced by the interaction of mechanical ventilation systems, occupancy patterns, pollutant sources, building characteristics, and maintenance practices. Effective ventilation, appropriate filtration, regular equipment maintenance, and continuous monitoring can contribute to healthier and more comfortable indoor environments. The findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects, facility managers, building operators, and other professionals in improving indoor air quality through appropriate design, operation, and maintenance strategies.

Keywords: Indoor air quality, Air-conditioned buildings, HVAC systems, Indoor environmental quality, Mechanical ventilation, Carbon dioxide, Particulate matter, Air filtration, Ventilation rates, Relative humidity, Indoor pollutants, Building maintenance, Occupant comfort, Healthy buildings.