Pilar Budí (AFEC): ‘Indoor air quality has taken centre stage’

In your opinion, how could air quality be improved in homes and business premises in Spain? 

The issue of indoor air quality has become a major factor in the context of the current pandemic. Its importance has been amply demonstrated, alongside the significant role played by air conditioning and ventilation.

Air conditioning equipment and ventilation have been widely shown to be our best allies in improving indoor air quality, especially in homes and business premises, since these are the places where we spend much of our time. Among its many advantages, this equipment helps to reduce the concentration of particulates in the atmosphere, with the resulting benefits for the health, comfort and productivity of the people using these spaces.

Because of this, it is important to take into account the need for adequate air conditioning and ventilation not only in new construction but also when renovating homes and workspaces, and this deserves wider publicity.

In this vein, AFEC launched a campaign last year called Take Care of the Air Around You!, whose aim is to spread the message that air conditioning and ventilation systems play an important role in helping to reduce both the concentration of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the risk of transmission, while also helping to improve the air quality of interior spaces.

In specific terms, what should be done to improve the situation in public-access establishments? 

There is no doubt that appropriate ventilation of spaces - either independent of or integrated into air conditioning systems - ensures constant air renewal, helping to remove airborne particulates and, in turn, reduce the risk of infection from the virus, which is of vital importance in public-access establishments.

In this type of establishment, where there is a variable influx of the public and, at times, high concentrations of people, it is extremely important to comply with the regulations regarding air renewal requirements. It is also essential to ensure that indoor air quality requirements are observed as efficiently as possible.

Can you tell us about some of the latest trends in the air conditioning and ventilation industry? 

The air conditioning and ventilation sectors are continuing to develop equipment that improves indoor air quality still further. In this regard, some appliances may include high-efficiency purification and filtration systems, based on technologies that have proven highly effective, such as UV radiation, photocatalysis and ion filtration processes, which can achieve even greater reductions in airborne particles.

To help make indoor spaces increasingly comfortable and healthy, it is necessary to ensure the correct integration of air conditioning equipment with the appropriate control and regulation systems, linked to ventilation systems and the appropriate air distribution and treatment systems, as well as filtration apparatus and air purifiers, which provide an excellent complement to improving indoor air quality.

The C&R Trade Fair, which will this year be held from 16 to 19 November, will feature the latest trends and cutting-edge technology related to the systems and equipment mentioned above.

What other sector-related aspects would you highlight? 

Quite simply, I would underline the important role of air conditioning and ventilation systems in our daily lives and the necessity of proper equipment maintenance and good design, and point out that we should always bear in mind the recommendations of manufacturers and industry professionals.