Most air handling systems consist of fans, air filters, and equipment that measures temperature and humidity. The sizing and specifying of the air handling plant works to achieve a desired air change rate, as dictated by the building type, size, and expected occupancy levels. Methods for controlling the air in buildings must be adapted further to have intelligent air quality management systems which guarantee a best-case air quality scenario, within the scope of a larger, holistic building operating envelope.
The air quality management system should be an intelligent, computerized add-on that complements existing building systems and technologies such as BMS/BAS. It should be capable of taking data from multiple sources, including indoor air quality sensors, outdoor air quality sensors, weather services, maintenance works, and building occupant feedback. It should have the modelling capacity to determine the best regimes, routines, and actions that will generate the best improvements in air quality conditions under changing operational circumstances.