Avalon Nursing Center
Avalon Nursing Center, an 83-bed skilled nursing facility in New Castle, Pennsylvania wanted to reduce the risks caused by airborne germs and viruses, as well as typical odors associated with nursing homes. Skilled nursing facilities like Avalon are required by Pennsylvania state law to provide at least 30% inflow of fresh air. Why just 30%? Mainly because constantly heating or cooling outside air for inside use is extremely costly. That means that 70% of their Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is recirculated, contaminated air.
Berner met with the staff of Avalon to identify the IAQ issues facing both the staff and the residents. After discussing issues such as air temperature, humidity control and condensation, Berner calculated different percentages of outside air from 30% to 100%, and the impacts associated with the levels. The Berner ventilation system that was designed incorporated equipment that was coupled up with typical air handlers and then allowed Avalon’s entire complex to be converted over to 100% outdoor air — odor free — and reduced utility costs associated with heating and cooling it.
Indoor environmental contaminants can originate within the building, not just from the outside. The complete exchange of air that Berner’s system provides for Avalon removes pathogens and provides air that has more oxygen in it. “Sick Building Syndrome” is a term many workers use to attribute to a range of symptoms from nausea, headaches and more, that are alleviated once they leave the office. However, with Berner’s system the major reduction in pathogens means fewer illnesses, and more oxygen means higher levels of energy and productivity, helping to reduce employee absenteeism.
The Berner system helps the residents of Avalon as well. The system minimizes microbial growth, while maintaining a consistent comfortable indoor air temperature, providing a healthier environment for residents, all the while creating a higher level of comfort for everyone.
30% fresh vs. 100% fresh … their monthly costs are nearly the same. Although Avalon’s initial investment for equipment and ductwork was more expensive than other options, their monthly utility costs were lower than what they were before — and almost the same as if they had only provided 30% fresh air to the occupants.