How to Deal with Unique Obstacles and HVAC Needs for Veterinary Clinics
HVAC for veterinary clinics can be tough. Meeting the need for HVAC systems in animal hospitals and clinics is difficult on many levels. This is especially so due to the extra dust, fur, and dander that can make its way through the systems. While commercial HVAC systems, in general, must combat many challenges, veterinary clinic systems are on an entirely different level. Let’s see why.
Challenges of Veterinary HVAC Systems
Systems designed for vet clinics must prevent the spread of illnesses and odors. They need to do this without compromising the integrity of the indoor air. They also have to keep room temperatures comfortable and humidity within an acceptable range. HVAC for veterinary clinics must maintain good air quality, but that isn’t the only challenge to overcome.
Pathogens + Fur
Just like regular hospitals, germs must be controlled and killed to ward off diseases like kennel cough and parvovirus. Ventilation with UV filters can help, but costs can add up quickly. UV also produces ozone, which can trigger many different health problems in animals and people. Unfortunately, UV bulbs can burn out without anyone realizing it. For these reasons, many owners of pet health facilities prefer to use air filters in their systems, replacing them regularly.
Then there is just the sheer about of hair and dust. The large amount of fur that these clinics must handle can quickly lower air quality. It can also cause an HVAC system to malfunction. Fur can clog filters or jam the moving parts, causing it to overheat, stop working, or suffer expensive damage. Fur can increase the need for more frequent maintenance checks.
Moisture, Humidity, and Carbon Dioxide
The furry patients at animal hospitals and veterinary clinics produce a lot of carbon dioxide and extra humidity, especially when staying overnight. Because of this, HVAC systems need to provide comfortable ventilation while mitigating mold and other moisture-related issues.
Ventilation is also vital for controlling odors. No family wants to walk through the doors of a building with their precious pet and get hit by stinky smells. With this in mind, HVAC for vet clinics must direct odors away from the front of the building to the back of the building or, ideally, away entirely.
This need requires that the front reception area have positive airflow pressure. The clinical areas in the center must have neutral pressure, while the back of the building needs negative pressure. This unique type of setup requires ducted returns.
The Cost of Proper HVAC
Vet clinics may not always have the funding to pay for expensive HVAC solutions. While some people have insurance on their pets, most do not. The burden of paying for services often falls to pet owners. When veterinary costs come out of their pockets, many bypass optional services. This can limit incoming cash flow to clinics. These facilities may not have the funds to cover excessive HVAC upkeep, repair, or replacement costs.
How to Deal with the Challenges of HVAC for Veterinary Clinics
To properly fight these issues that animal hospitals and clinics face, a custom-designed HVAC system is helpful. Every facility has its unique layout, size, and overall design, so standard systems don’t always make sense. Clinic owners must change filters more frequently than they might for the average residential system. Regular routine maintenance is also highly recommended.
Good indoor air quality means removing pathogens, mitigating fur/dust, and preventing odors from circulating. The Severn Group provides custom commercial HVAC services, including system design, maintenance, installation, and repair throughout the Baltimore-Washington area. Contact us today to learn how we can improve your HVAC for veterinary clinics effectively and affordably.
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