Air Flow Obstructions - Unit Ventilators
Most MCPS classrooms use wall-mounted unit ventilators for heating and cooling. Unit ventilators continuously provide a tempered, filtered mixture of outdoor and room (return) air. Outdoor air is drawn into each unit ventilator through an intake in the exterior wall of the building; room air is drawn in through a return air grille (usually mounted along the floor). Conditioned air is discharged into the room through a supply grille mounted on the top of the unit ventilator. See image below (arrows indicate air flow direction).
Objects placed on top of (or in front of) unit ventilators can reduce supply and return air flow, negatively affecting unit ventilator operation and IAQ. Such objects can also reduce access for building service and maintenance personnel attempting to perform preventive maintenance and repair work. See the examples below.
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