| This thesis presents the investigation procedure and results of the assessment of the impact of HVAC system's design and operation on IAQ in commercial and office buildings in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The research methodology has been designed based on the literature review and includes HVAC designer's survey, building assessment survey, data analysis, and finally, formulating conclusions and recommendations. The HVAC designer's survey consisted of personal interviews and questionnaire survey to the professionals in the field. The questions included dealt with the designer's background information, HVAC systems design and selection, indoor conditions and ventilation design, and HVAC systems components design. A total of 32 HVAC designers participated in the study thereby providing information regarding the IAQ concerns that are taken into consideration. Manufacturers and suppliers of HVAC systems were also contacted to obtain product literature. The most common types of HVAC systems being employed in commercial buildings in this region have been found to be rooftop package units, split systems, and central constant volume systems.;Building survey consisted of identifying the prospective buildings, walk-through inspections, environmental measurements, and questionnaire survey to building occupants. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
