outside air
#1
10-05-17, 05:39 AM
outside air
Yesterday Eastman had an explosion at their Kingsport plant - they called it a process upset 
They put everyone at the plant and surrounding neighbor hood under a shelter in place notice [stay indoors] They also stated those folks needed to turn off their HVAC systems to prevent outside air from entering the homes.
I understand a window air conditioner would bring in outside air but how can central heat and air do that? Isn't the only thing transferred from the condenser to the air handler - gas that is contained in copper lines?
They put everyone at the plant and surrounding neighbor hood under a shelter in place notice [stay indoors] They also stated those folks needed to turn off their HVAC systems to prevent outside air from entering the homes.I understand a window air conditioner would bring in outside air but how can central heat and air do that? Isn't the only thing transferred from the condenser to the air handler - gas that is contained in copper lines?
#2
10-05-17, 05:55 AM
Member
You are correct, central A/C systems recirculate the inside air. Window A/C units can do either (recirculate the air or bring it in from outside), depending upon their design. I have a small window A/C unit and it only recirculates the air.
#4
10-05-17, 06:46 AM
Frequently modern homes are built so tight that they have air exchange units to bring in fresh air. Same function can be incorporated into a heating or central ac unit where the return draws outside air into the system.
I agree with you, really bad timing, not that they planned it.
Bud
I agree with you, really bad timing, not that they planned it.
Bud
#5
10-05-17, 06:54 AM
While it's been over a year since I've driven past the Eastman plant, I doubt there are any new homes in the immediate area. After all who would want to build a new house near a plant especially with all the odors they are accused of emitting.
#6
10-05-17, 07:03 AM
Depending upon how nasty their problem was most ac systems are not balanced and result in additional air being brought in. Plus, the cooler the inside the more natural air exchange will be occurring, stack effect.
I do understand the issues related to stinky plants. Maine had many paper mills the emitted rotten egg gas (Hydrogen sulfide). It took many decades to force them to clean up their act.
Bud
I do understand the issues related to stinky plants. Maine had many paper mills the emitted rotten egg gas (Hydrogen sulfide). It took many decades to force them to clean up their act.
Bud
#7
10-05-17, 08:09 AM
Depending upon how nasty their problem was most ac systems are not balanced and result in additional air being brought in. Plus, the cooler the inside the more natural air exchange will be occurring, stack effect.
