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Hi, I'm James Pease and this is Take5, Maintenance Solutions podcasts on topics of interest to building and facility executives.

When it comes to IAQ, facility managers are too often stuck between a rock and a hard place: on one hand, people demand improved IAQ in the work place – and it’s demonstrable that improved IAQ directly increases productivity – and, on the other, there is greater attention being paid to and responsibility being taken for the environment. Meanwhile, energy costs continue to rise. As driving HVAC systems harder can lead to increased energy consumption and pollution, trying to provide comfort while keeping an eye on cost and green issues is a tricky balancing act.

Our guest today is Patrick O’Donnell, President of Enviro Team, a South Florida company specializing in IAQ issues. Enviro Team provides comprehensive building diagnostics, forensic studies, environmental and microbiological services, and HVAC system investigations. Patrick has been actively involved in the assessment and control of indoor environments since 1973.

Thanks for being here, Patrick.

[Pease] What’s the biggest challenge facing facilities maintenance professionals when it comes to HVAC systems and indoor air quality?

(O’Donnell) There are three trends that are really impacting facilities maintenance professionals – energy costs and the “green” movement are the first two. Energy costs are increasing, and at the same time, the pressure to operate in an environmentally responsible manner is increasing. On the other hand, there remains an increasing focus on indoor air quality, which can, if not properly managed, lead to increased energy costs. So, for the facilities maintenance professional, the big challenge is how to balance a comfortable indoor environment and energy costs associated with HVAC equipment.

[Pease] What advice would you offer the maintenance professional who’s trying to balance those sometimes opposing efforts?

(O’Donnell) You need to understand what’s going on in your facility in terms of HVAC system performance and its impact on energy use and indoor air quality. To do that you need data on airflow, building pressure, particulate counts, really a host of parameters that, measured, will allow you to fine-tune your HVAC system so that you use the least amount of energy while still providing a comfortable indoor environment.

[Pease] And where does that data come from?

(O’Donnell) In the not so distant past, that was a question that was hard to answer. In many ways we’re still in our infancy when it comes to managing indoor air quality, but in the area of data collection, we’re making headway. Until recently, the lack of highly accurate, simple-to-use test tools made our jobs more difficult. But, thankfully, new technologies and new tools are becoming available that provide us the data we need to balance energy conservation and indoor environments. An example is the Fluke 975, which can measure and record temperature, humidity, air velocity, CO and CO2. It’s then a simple matter of comparing the results to standards, and adjusting your system as needed. Another great tool that’s not exactly new, but is now very affordable is thermal imaging. You can quickly determine if there are problems with your building envelope using a thermal camera. It’s quick, problems are easily apparent, and you can make repairs before small problems become disasters.

[Pease] ) How difficult is it to use these Fluke tools? Do you have to be some sort of gizmo wizard, or is there a steep learning curve?

(O’Donnell) No, not at all. They’re highly intuitive, with minimal use of buttons, and many come with software that allows you to download data into your computer for analysis and benchmarking for later comparison. The thing I like about the Fluke tools, whether it’s their HVAC, indoor air, or thermal imaging products, is the consistency in design and user interface and the reliability. That’s the great thing about the new tools available, they will do a great deal of the work for you, like calculating percent of outside air, or indicating excessive heat based on a limit you input. You certainly don’t need to be afraid of the technology. It’s really pretty simple: when you get the right tool, the job becomes enjoyable and rewarding.

[Pease] ) So the secret to success in facilities maintenance is having the right tools?

(O’Donnell) Isn’t that the secret to success, and happiness, in life? Seriously, HVAC system management and creating comfortable indoor air environments can be done, anyone can do it, and you’ll save money and increase occupant satisfaction at the same time.

[Pease]) Thanks for simplifying these complex issues, Patrick.

[McDermott] They will be a cleaner and more comfortable place. Technical Concept is leading the way with true innovations and we would like to take this opportunity to invite your listeners to experience the benefits of a more hygienic washroom themselves. Asimple trial program will show what I have been talking about We also offer free needs evaluation programs that help facilities determine exactly where the biggest benefits are for them.

Our guest today as been Patrick O’Donnell, President of Enviro Team. For more information on how Fluke tools can simplify your IAQ assessment, please click the "More Info" button or the Fluke text link on this page.

I’m James Pease and this has been Take5.

Patrick O'Donnell, President EnviroTeam

"Take5," a podcast series from Maintenance Solutionsmagazine, interviews Patrick O'Donnell, President, EnviroTeam, a South Flordia company specializing in indoor air quality. Patrick has been actively involved in the assessment and control of indoor enviroments since 1973.