H1N1 “swine flu” virus has made headlines during its second pass
through the United States’ population - including, finally and
ironically, an American pig. Understanding transmission methods for
H1N1 and influenza in general, and knowing which ventilation or
filtration countermeasures could be useful, may spell the difference
in the health of dozens or even hundreds of people in a facility
during cold and flu season.
Leaning on experience and data from various K-12 cities and projects, the author pursues some less conventional design approaches. They may revolve around radiant heating and/or cooling, but depending on school size and other factors, the smart use of heat recovery, DOAS, and improved central plants could also put a project on the HVAC honor roll.