Can Your HVAC System Make Your Guests Sick?

When a guest leaves your hotel and says they “got sick,” the first thing you might think of is a cold or a virus caught outside. However, the real culprit could be your hotel’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system.

Yes, a poorly designed, neglected, or insufficiently functioning HVAC system can directly threaten guest health. Moreover, these health issues usually start with mild complaints:

• Headache

• Dry throat

• Nasal congestion

• Eye irritation

• Sleepless nights

Over time, these symptoms can escalate into more serious problems and damage your hotel’s reputation.

So why can HVAC systems make guests sick, and what can be done to prevent it?

1. What is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome refers to discomfort experienced by people who spend long periods in enclosed spaces due to poor indoor air quality.
In hotels, this can manifest as:

• Feeling of stale air in rooms

• Unpleasant odors from air conditioners

• Poor sleep quality

• Waking up tired

• Allergic reactions

The root cause is often the inadequacy or neglect of the HVAC system.

2. How Can HVAC Systems Threaten Guest Health?

Dirty or Clogged Filters
If filters are not replaced on time:

• Dust, pollen, bacteria, and fungi are transported into guest rooms

• Harmful airborne particles increase

• Allergic guests may experience coughing, sneezing, or shortness of breath

Condensation and Mold Growth
If the condensate pan in fan coil units or split ACs is not cleaned regularly:

• Bacteria and mold accumulate in the condensate pan

• These microorganisms are released into the air

• Serious infections such as Legionella or Aspergillus can occur

Insufficient Fresh Air
Systems that only circulate indoor air may cause:

• Carbon dioxide accumulation

• Decreased oxygen levels

• Fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating in guests

Excessively Low Humidity (During Winter)
Heating systems reduce humidity, which can cause:

• Dry nasal passages

• Throat irritation

• Dry skin

3. Who is Most Affected?

HVAC-related air problems can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk:

• Guests with asthma or COPD

• Allergic guests

• Elderly and children

• Long-stay guests

• Guests using SPA and wellness facilities extensively

These groups are more sensitive to room air quality and often report problems first.

4. Examples of Hazardous Situations

Example 1:
In a city hotel, the central system’s filters had not been changed for a year. After increased odors and humidity in rooms on the ground floor, an analysis revealed mold colonies in the ventilation ducts.

Example 2:
During the busy summer season at a resort hotel, guests reported fatigue despite the AC running. The cause: condensate accumulation and bacterial growth in split AC units.

5. Seven Measures for a Healthy HVAC System

6. Provide Guests with a “Clean Air Assurance”

A healthy HVAC system is not just a technical matter in the background; it is also part of your brand trust:

• Include “This room is filtered according to high air quality standards” on room cards

• Offer a “Clean Air Certificate” on your website

• Provide informative visuals about your filtration systems

• Offer “sensitive room” service for guests with asthma or allergies

These steps increase guest loyalty and differentiate your hotel.

Conclusion: Healthy Air = Healthy Guests = Healthy Business

The success of a hotel depends not only on beautiful rooms and good service but also on guests feeling healthy and comfortable. Your HVAC system may be invisible, but its effects are very visible.

Remember:
Guests may not know the brand of your air conditioner, but they can feel the air quality in the room.
And this perception determines whether they choose your hotel again.

İlker KURAN
Alperen Mühendislik Ltd. Şti.