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What
the air conditioning is?
Air conditioning is a creation of appropriate microclimate in a room what means
creating required properties of air (temperature, humidity, composition). We can
say that air conditioning means “internal air improving”. Unfortunatelly, even
the best operating air conditioning system can not substitute ventilation – air
exchanging between a room and an outside environment. That is why it has to be
remembered that air conditioning system does not replace ventilation and what is
more it can only work on the basis of fully operational ventilating system. This
is simple – unless we provide fresh air the air conditioning system will not
have a medium to operate.
Properties of internal air which have influence on our mood are:
-
Temperature – it provides the so called “thermal comfort” and has a great
impact on our mood and efficiency. Optimal temperatures depend on (apart from
individual requirements) the season and physical activity, but the universal
range is: 18 - 24°C;
- Humidity (content of water vapour) – it should amount to 40 – 60% (on
average). Too low level of humidity can lead to drying of mucosal membrane; too
high – weariness, hypoxia, lack of concentration. Too high level of humidity
creates perfect conditions for the development of spores of mould fungus.;
- Speed of air circulation – it should not exceed 0,2 m/s (higher value
is regarded as a draught) Too low speed of air circulation results in the
forming of “basins” of carbon dioxide (e.g. it is stuffy in the corners of a
room);
- Air ionization (electroclimat) – cations (produced as a result of
electromagnetic radiation – office devices, screens etc.) worsen our mood;
anions are characteristic for natural environments – e.g. forest;
- Proportion of oxygen/carbon dioxide – for our good mood not only
presence of oxygen but also its concentration is essential. Too low level of
oxygen condensation can result in hypoxia. Too high condensation of carbon
dioxide in the air is dangerous for our respiratory system;
- Content of organic matters (e.g. formaldehyde) – even a low level of
condensation of poisonous organic matters results in a weariness, drowsiness and
a lack of concentration. Too high condensation is simply dangerous;
- Content of fixed particles – first of all the particles of dust and
smoke. These particle cause the feeling of discomfort and at the same time they
have negative influence on our respiratory system.
- Content of allergens – saprophytes, spores of fungus, spores of mould,
pollens – dangerous not only to allergy sufferers but also to the healthy people
– they can cause allergic reaction;
- Content of microorganisms (viruses, algas, germs) – these organisms
are dangerous to our health.
Internal air conditioning
It can be easily observed that elements of air conditioning installation in our
houses or offices in some situations are not luxurious additions but the
necessity providing appropriate functioning. Let us have a closer look at the
air conditioning devices which can help to solve the problems of internal air.
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