ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a practical guide to the people responsible for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance or evaluation of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It aims to help the readers to understand how these systems are intended to perform with respect to providing and maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ). The book discusses industrial hygienists, HVAC contractors, building owners, managers, facility operators, and those individuals that perform IAQ evaluations. It is based on experience accumulated over 12 years in the evaluation of over several million square feet of both low- and high-rise commercial office spaces. The book focuses on the basic types of HVAC systems from a macro perspective; that is, as a collection of parts working together. It discusses the evaluation criteria for ventilation systems.
