Building Airflow: Lessons for Facility Managers
Room-to-room airflow deserves attention in hotels, hospitals, aged care and other commercial buildings. Cleaning and airflow assessment are related tasks, but they are not interchangeable.
“If your building has a common area like a shared kitchen it’s likely this room is designed to be at negative pressure”
DARREN BRODERICK, CLEAN AIR FILTRATION SERVICES CEO, 2021
“Building & Facility Managers need to be aware that airflow can be periodically reversed if the supply or exhaust air ducts are not clean.”
DARREN BRODERICK, CLEAN AIR FILTRATION SERVICES CEO, 2021
Understand the intended airflow
Air moves in response to pressure differences. Doors, windows, supply air and exhaust air can affect its direction. A ventilation design assessment is needed where pressure relationships are important; an open door or a clean grille alone does not establish the result.
Measure rather than assume
If airflow appears different from normal, ask for testing against the intended operating requirements. Record the location, system state and relevant conditions so findings can be compared meaningfully. For clinical areas, involve the facility’s engineering and infection-control teams.
Keep supply and exhaust paths maintained
Deposits, dirty filters, damaged components or obstructed outlets can affect performance. Cleaning may form part of the response, but it does not automatically restore pressure relationships or correct an unsuitable design.
Distinguish separate exhaust systems
Toilet and laundry extraction should be included in the site’s maintenance register, not overlooked because the main air-conditioning plant is serviced. See commercial laundry and toilet exhaust cleaning.
Use the maintenance framework appropriately
AS/NZS 3666.2 addresses operation and maintenance of building air-handling and water systems for microbial control. It is not a kitchen exhaust cleaning standard or a guarantee against infection. Confirm the applicable edition, equipment requirements and site maintenance plan with the responsible maintenance professional rather than copying an online schedule.
Record the scope and follow-up
Keep the agreed scope, service date, before-and-after photographs, PDF report, inaccessible sections and recommended follow-up together. A service report documents the work completed; the insurer, auditor or relevant authority determines whether it meets their requirements.
Arrange a commercial service
Clean Air Filtration provides commercial HVAC duct cleaning in Melbourne and Victoria. Tell us your site location, system details, access restrictions and operating hours so we can discuss the cleaning scope. Call (03) 9303 9661 or email sales@cleanair.com.au.
Every client receives a client portal, including one-off services. Completed-service PDF reports and job photos are available there. See our service records guide for what to keep with your maintenance history.
Cover image: AI-generated editorial illustration of representative equipment or premises, not a client-site photograph.