How to Improve Laboratory Ventilation System Efficiency?

Did you know?

The International Institute for Sustainable Laboratory revealed that laboratories require 5-10 times more energy per square foot than a typical commercial office building.

That’s the amount of energy demand and utility costs in laboratories.

Today, fume hoods are equipped with better lab ventilation, chemically resistant, cleaner, high performing and much more. But, to continue its efficiency and performance for a longer time, you still need to maintain it regularly.

The key to improving the facility’s ventilation system is to practice better ventilation management. The question is, why do labs require so much energy to operate and what can be done to enhance the efficiency of lab ventilation system?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)

HVAC systems make the majority of the laboratory’s energy demand. It is because a safe research lab environment to cleans up to 12 air changes per hour (ACH). It means that the entire volume of air present in the lab is replenished with fresh air 12 times each hour.

Advanced HVAC systems can adjust ventilation rates based on air quality indoors. Here, the ventilation rates increase, only when contaminants are detected in the air. This results in reducing energy consumption.

Fume Hoods

It's said that lab fume hoods can consume as much energy as 2-3 homes in the US. Basically, a fume hood is a lab ventilation device protecting lab workers from inhaling toxic air.

To conserve energy, you can use a sash when the fume hood is not in use and save energy in two ways:

• less conditioned air is pumped out of the room which gradually decreases the use of HVAC

• use Variable Air Volume (VAV) fume hoods and closing the sash will reduce the rate of exhaust airflow to maintain a minimum lab ventilation rate

Promote behaviour change

Implementing energy efficiency measures should be made a norm. Here, you need to bring a change from within and see if the following steps are followed in day-to-day life:

• installing a fume hood ventilation system
• checking the ducts and vents regularly for blockages
• closing the lab doors and windows when not in use
• purchasing certified lab equipment
• cleaning the mess in the fume hood
• switching off the lights at the end of the day
• using task lighting
• unplugging all lab equipment after use
• utilising appliance timers

With this, you will probably be able to save a substantial amount of money and improve the lifespan of the lab equipment.

GD has been successful in building the future of labs by manufacturing safer, maintenance-free and energy-efficient lab spaces for the past 40 years. We are the first laboratory furniture manufacturer globally to get SEFA certified across 3 categories – SEFA 1 for fume hoods, SEFA 8M for metal lab furniture and SEFA 10 for flexible and adjustable lab furniture. Rely on us for the best and advanced lab ventilation systems.