1. Infection Control is Paramount

Hospitals require stringent infection prevention. Your HVAC design must:

• Use HEPA filters to trap airborne contaminants
• Maintain positive pressure in sterile rooms like ICUs and operating theatres
• Ensure proper air changes per hour (ACH) as per ASHRAE standards

This helps minimize the risk of airborne disease transmission.

2. Zone-Based Design

Different hospital areas have different HVAC requirements:

• Operating rooms need cooler, dry air with high ACH
• Patient rooms should maintain comfort and quietness
• Pharmacy and storage areas need strict temperature control

Design HVAC systems with separate zones and controls to meet these needs effectively.

3. Build in Redundancy

Hospitals can’t afford downtime. Incorporate N+1 redundancy to ensure uninterrupted service. If one component fails, the backup can immediately take over, ensuring critical areas remain climate-controlled.

4. Focus on Energy Efficiency

Hospitals are energy-intensive. To reduce costs and environmental impact:

• Use energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) to reclaim waste heat
• Choose high-efficiency chillers and boilers
• Incorporate variable speed drives (VSDs) in fans and pumps

5. Prioritize Noise Control

A calm environment promotes healing. Design with:

• Sound-absorbing duct linings
• Vibration-isolated equipment
• Low-noise fans and compressors

This reduces patient and staff discomfort from mechanical noise.

6. Plan for Emergencies

Design the HVAC system with:

• Backup generators or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
• Flood-resistant and fire-safe equipment placement
• HVAC zoning that allows isolation of contaminated areas

Hospitals must function during crises like natural disasters or pandemics.

7. Ensure Superior Air Quality

Clean air = safe recovery. Your design should:

• Provide adequate outdoor air ventilation
• Include UVGI systems in ducts to kill airborne pathogens
• Monitor and maintain indoor humidity levels between 40–60%

8. Meet All Compliance Standards

Follow regulations from bodies like:

• ASHRAE (170 for healthcare facilities)
• NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
• CDC and local health codes

This ensures safety, efficiency, and legal compliance.

9. Plan for Preventive Maintenance

Develop a maintenance schedule for:

• Air filter replacements
• Duct inspections
• Equipment calibration and repairs

This keeps the system running optimally and prevents costly breakdowns.

10. Collaborate with Medical Staff

Effective HVAC design needs cross-functional collaboration. Work closely with:

• Doctors and nurses (to understand airflow needs in sensitive areas)
• Facility managers (to understand operational challenges)
• Architects (to align with hospital layout)