Where should outdoor air intakes be located for optimal performance?

The optimal location for outdoor air intakes is indeed away from potential sources of contamination. This positioning is crucial to ensure that the air being drawn into the system is clean and safe for circulation throughout the building. Contamination can come from various sources, including vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, or even mold and allergens from surrounding environments. By placing the intakes away from these sources, the air quality is greatly enhanced, resulting in improved indoor air quality and overall effectively functioning HVAC systems.

Choosing locations such as high-traffic areas can increase the risk of pollutants entering the system, while proximity to existing HVAC units might expose the intakes to heated or conditioned air that can affect the efficiency of the system. Placing intakes in shaded areas could help with temperature control, but it does not directly address the critical factor of air quality related to contamination. Therefore, the best practice is to ensure that outdoor air intakes are strategically situated away from potential contaminants to maintain optimal performance of the HVAC system.