Which component is essential for maintaining indoor air quality in tightly sealed buildings?

Maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) in tightly sealed buildings is crucial due to the reduced exchange of air with the outside environment. In these buildings, traditional natural ventilation methods, such as opening windows and doors, are limited, leading to the potential accumulation of indoor pollutants and stale air. Mechanical ventilation systems are essential in this context because they actively introduce fresh outdoor air into the building while simultaneously exhausting stale indoor air.

These systems can be designed to filter incoming air and control humidity, temperature, and airflow, all of which contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Moreover, they can help manage levels of carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other contaminants that may accumulate in sealed spaces. This is particularly important in modern buildings that prioritize energy efficiency and insulation, which, while beneficial for thermal comfort, can result in poor IAQ if not properly managed.

Natural light, indoor plants, and radiators play beneficial roles in creating a pleasant indoor atmosphere, but they do not directly address the mechanical removal of pollutants or the supply of fresh air as effectively as mechanical ventilation systems do.