Breathe Better. Perform Better.

Healthcare and education buildings serve populations that are disproportionately affected by poor indoor air quality — and both building types face unique ventilation and humidity challenges that standard commercial HVAC systems were not designed to handle. 

The average hospital uses significantly more energy than most commercial buildings, mainly due to the amount of critical equipment in use, as well as operating 24/7/365. HVAC systems must simultaneously control airborne pathogens, maintain pressure relationships between adjacent spaces, and provide precise temperature and humidity conditions for patient safety and surgical outcomes. 

• Airborne Infection Risk — Maintaining indoor air quality is a critical component of infection prevention in healthcare facilities. Airborne contaminants, including fungal spores and other particulates, can pose risks in sensitive care areas. Proper ventilation design, appropriate filtration, and adequate air exchange rates help reduce airborne contaminant levels and support a healthier environment for occupants.

• Humidity Extremes in Operating Rooms — ASHRAE Standard 170 specifies humidity ranges for operating rooms and perioperative care areas. When HVAC systems cannot maintain RH within the facility’s established range, it creates a “humidity control event” requiring documented protocols. High humidity increases surgical site infection risk and promotes mold growth; low humidity increases ESD risk to sensitive medical equipment and patient discomfort. 

• Mold & Moisture Damage — Hospitals contain extensive plumbing, high-humidity areas (kitchens, laundry, hydrotherapy), and aging infrastructure. Mold growth in HVAC ductwork, behind walls, and above ceilings poses severe risks to immunocompromised patients. Mold remediation in healthcare facilities can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and require extended unit closures. 

• Regulatory Pressure — The Joint Commission, CMS, and state authorities enforce ASHRAE 170 compliance. EC.02.05.01 citations for ventilation deficiencies are consistently among the most frequent Joint Commission survey findings. Non-compliance can threaten accreditation — and accreditation is tied to Medicare reimbursement. 

School buildings across the U.S. are aging, and many districts face the challenge of updating or replacing outdated HVAC systems. Children spend a significant portion of their day in these environments, and their developing respiratory systems can be more sensitive to airborne pollutants than those of adults.

• Asthma, Allergies & Absenteeism — Respiratory conditions like asthma are a common contributor to student absenteeism, and poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a well-recognized trigger. Contaminants such as mold, dust mites, and the effects of inadequate ventilation can aggravate these conditions. Maintaining indoor relative humidity within a balanced range helps limit mold growth and dust mite populations.

• Reduced Cognitive Performance — Indoor air quality can influence students’ ability to focus and learn. Elevated CO₂ levels from insufficient ventilation may affect concentration, information processing, and overall classroom performance. Many aging schools struggle to deliver the ventilation rates recommended for healthy learning environments.

• Mold & Moisture in Schools — Excess moisture is one of the most common sources of IAQ problems in schools. Condensation, roof leaks, and high humidity can encourage mold growth on walls, ceilings, and within HVAC ductwork—with temporary structures like portable classrooms being especially vulnerable. Mold remediation can disrupt learning and divert limited budgets away from educational priorities.

• Tight Budgets & Aging Infrastructure — Schools often face a dual challenge: the need for more ventilation to support student health, paired with limited budgets to cover the energy costs of conditioning that air. Energy recovery technology helps address this tradeoff, making robust ventilation more affordable within tight school budgets.

Healthcare spaces rely on tightly managed airflow to protect patients and staff—keeping contaminants out of critical areas and containing pathogens where they originate. Achieving this requires consistent, dependable outdoor air delivery. NovelAire’s DOAS-integrated ECW provides stable, pre-conditioned air regardless of weather conditions, helping maintain reliable indoor air quality 24/7/365.

Classrooms need constant fresh air to dilute CO₂ and keep students focused — yet occupancy can swing from empty to 25+ students in minutes. Energy recovery makes it affordable to deliver full code-required ventilation continuously, rather than cutting corners to save energy. Best-practice targets recommend 4–6 equivalent air changes per hour for advanced indoor air quality.