What is the most significant challenge facing IAQ technicians?

From the variety of environmental factors that affect Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) to the restrictions of using single-function testing instruments, technicians face a range of sector-specific challenges. But the all-important question is: which element of common industry practices is the most difficult for IAQ technicians to successfully address?

Question: Identifying all relevant IAQ parameters?

There are a significant number of IAQ factors that can affect building occupant's health and wellbeing, and even damage a property's appearance. These factors stem from both internal and external sources.

Addressing the external sources of IAQ pollutants, air exchange occurs in three ways:

• Natural ventilation – the process of supplying air to, and removing air from, an indoor space. This is caused by differences in air temperature and pressure.
• Mechanical ventilation – supplying or removing air, which may be conditioned to alter air temperature or humidity, by mechanical means to or from a space.
• Infiltration – the unintentional introduction of outside air through cracks in the building envelope or when opening and closing doors.

The other factors that also affect the parameters IAQ technicians need to be across include:

• Fuel combustion – burning energy sources to heat a space can contribute to build ups of gases that can affect respiration.
• Building materials – the resources used in constructing a property, like asbestos, can affect IAQ.
• Indoor occupants and activities – the number of people in a shared space and the activities performed can also alter the indoor ambient gas levels.

This variety of influential elements means technicians need to be aware of the differing effects of IAQ parameters, including temperature, levels of humidity and air pressure. Those assessing an internal environment also need to be able to track how the above factors cause issues like mould growth or contribute to the build up of dangerous gases.

While testing these parameters is undoubtedly complex, the testo 400 universal instrument makes the task streamlined. Technicians can measure all IAQ and comfort level parameters using just one solution, making testing more efficient and comprehensive.

Testo's 400 is able to measure a range of relevant IAQ parameters

Question: What's needed to improve an indoor space's IAQ?

Once technicians identify all the relevant IAQ parameters present in a given environment, the natural next step is to analyse how these issues can be addressed. Whether sealing cracks in walls and floors or replacing an old flue in a gas heater, IAQ measurements are the means to an end – improving indoor air safety and comfort. 

Testo's 400 universal instrument is equipped with smart-touch display for intuitive operation of the IAQ measuring solution onsite, while testo DataControl PC software allows technicians to document and archive measurement data on a computer for deeper analysis. Faster and more accurate problem solving with this instrument makes the data analysis challenge irrelevant.

Question: Preparing reports and sharing information?

A number of stakeholders are involved with ensuring safe inside air quality. Take, for example, a commercial office space. Every employee wants a comfortable working space with the right temperature and levels of humidity. This is in the best interest of the office manager and business owner too. Responsibility to ensure this ideal environment falls to a building manager and the property owner. Additionally, HVAC system service people also need information about any IAQ assessments.

The testo 400 allows you to prepare custom IAQ reports.

This number of interested parties means preparing and sharing reports is important for technicians. This data exchange may need to be done remotely, online and span different devices. That makes the administrative task of preparing and sharing information tough.

Luckily, the testo 400 universal IAQ instrument allows technicians unparalleled access to produce customised IAQ reports. Staff can produce reports with tailored data tables and graphs, and attach supporting photos and comments for a more complete assessment. This information can be transferred via Bluetooth onsite or connected to a compatible printer.

Answer: The testo 400 can overcome any challenge IAQ technicians face

With Testo's 400 solution, the right question is no longer 'what is the most significant challenge that IAQ technicians face?' – it's now 'what challenges can't the testo 400 overcome?' To see the capabilities of this solution yourself, contact the sales team today.