How technicians can provide healthy air conditioning systems

Summary CoSTIC, the French HVAC Contractors' Technical Institute, investigated the rules and difficulties in designing, fitting and maintaining healthy air conditioning systems. Precautions should be taken in design, notably regarding air intakes, filters, humidifiers and especially ease of access to equipment, yet a thorough commissioning and good maintenance are equally important. However, technicians have to live with various difficulties, particularly the tendency of the owner to save on air conditioning and the tendering procedure for the works. The main vehicle of the Sick Building Syndrome was a lack of understanding or interest from users and owners, which is now changing fast.