When it comes to ensuring occupant comfort, employee health, and top-notch performance in buildings, air quality is king. For facilities managers, technicians, and HVAC professionals, managing air flow is no longer just an operational concern; it’s a critical component in balancing efficiency, sustainability, and indoor air quality (IAQ). At the heart of it all is precise airflow measurement.  

If you care about air flow system precision, energy savings, and streamlined system performance, you’re in the right place. Welcome to the first installment of our blog series on Airflow Management Systems, where we’ll explore the evolving role of airflow technology in HVAC and IAQ management. But today, let’s start with the basics. Let’s discuss how enterprise-level air flow solutions are changing the game. 

The Role of Outdoor Air Flow in Building Performance 

Before we get into the specifics, why is outdoor air flow such a big deal? The short answer is simple—but profound. Proper air flow: 

• Ensures fresh outdoor air is delivered to occupants, promoting health and productivity. 

• Manages indoor temperatures and humidity for optimal comfort. 

• Supports energy-efficient HVAC systems, saving on energy costs. 

• Mitigates the spread of airborne pollutants and contaminants, enhancing safety. 

Despite its importance, accurate air flow measurement remains a challenge for many facilities due to outdated or mechanical/installation requirements. But with emerging systems, those hurdles are becoming a thing of the past. 

Building Wellness Begins with Airflow Measurement 

Think of it like this: the quality of indoor air starts with proper air exchange. According to the EPA, indoor pollutant levels can be 2–5 times higher than outdoor air, worsening occupant health and productivity. Furthermore, insufficient air changes are linked to illnesses like Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), carrying an estimated $93 billion annual productivity loss in the United States. 

Organizations like ASHRAE and the EPA have established ventilation standards to counteract these challenges. For example, ASHRAE Standard 62.1 calls for a minimum ventilation rate of 15 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per person. Achieving these rates requires precision, yet the limitations of older technologies (e.g., traditional pitot tubes or thermal dispersion sensors) often leave gaps in performance and data reliability. That’s where intelligent systems like the KMC AFMS™ (Airflow Management System) come in to bridge the gap. 

At its core, KMC AFMS answers key questions like: 

• How do you measure air flow? 

• What technologies are best for OA measurement and verification? 

By delivering precise data, these systems enable informed decisions for HVAC optimization. 

Introducing the KMC AFMS

KMC AFMS is a cutting-edge solution designed to deliver accurate, repeatable, and reliable airflow measurements across a wide variety of equipment types. Best of all, it’s built to overcome the shortcomings of traditional systems like mechanical constraints, environmental fluctuations, and maintenance headaches. 

Here’s what sets KMC AFMS apart: 

• Accurate Measurements Across Environments  

Whether you’re working with high wind gusts, low air velocities, or ductwork restrictions, KMC AFMS delivers consistent results. The technology generates the CAP (Characterized Airflow Performance®) curve, fit for the individual piece of equipment, leveraging the ASHRAE 111 for calibration and FDD (Fault Detection and Diagnostics). 

• Automated Commissioning  

The system streamlines installation through a hands-free “Learn Mode,” which dynamically calibrates airflow performance using ASHRAE-compliant methods. No room for error here, and no costly recalibrations are needed down the road. 

• Tailored Compatibility  

From small unit ventilators to massive handlers managing tens of thousands of CFM, KMC AFMS works seamlessly across nearly all HVAC systems. This makes it an incredibly versatile addition to any facility’s toolkit. 

• Energy Efficiency–Driven Design  

Not only does it enhance IAQ, but it also optimizes energy usage. By preventing over-ventilation and enabling demand-controlled ventilation, facilities can save significantly on their energy bills. 

• Cost-Effective from Day One  

Unlike traditional technologies, KMC AFMS doesn’t require costly ductwork modifications or finicky recalibrations. Once it’s up and running, ongoing maintenance needs are minimal, making it a savvy long-term investment. 

Why Facilities Managers Need Smart Air Flow Technologies  

Balancing occupant wellness with energy efficiency is one of the biggest challenges faced by today’s facilities managers. Poorly ventilated buildings simply won’t cut it anymore. Occupants expect healthy air, optimized comfort, and transparency in how buildings manage indoor conditions.  

Using KMC AFMS to monitor and control airflow allows teams to: 

• Provide real-time diagnostics for fault detection, enabling proactive equipment maintenance.  

• Prevent SBS (Sick Building Syndrome) symptoms tied to poor air circulation.  

• Achieve compliance with certifications like WELL, RESET, and ASHRAE guidelines.  

• Enhance tenant retention by showcasing a building’s commitment to performance and health. 

Take, for example, the team at Denver Public Schools, who tackled inconsistent air exchange performance in their facilities. With the KMC AFMS, they reduced commissioning and installation time dramatically while building confidence in their HVAC monitoring. This is the power of a smarter airflow system. 

How the KMC AFMS Works 

The system uses a Characterized Airflow Performance measurement method. By analyzing the position of dampers, temperature ratios, and fan performance curves, it reliably quantifies how much fresh air is in the mix. It’s like having multiple experts continuously monitoring HVAC performance, but packed into one simple, automated tool. Stay tuned for our next blog article, where we look in depth at the inner workings of this revolutionary system. 

The future of HVAC management demands intelligent, reliable technology. By choosing specialized solutions like KMC AFMS, you’re investing in healthier spaces, lower energy usage, and long-term savings.  

Want to learn more? Explore the power of the KMC system for yourself. Take a deep breath, contact KMC Controls today, and discover how we’re changing the way air flows.  

References: 

Indoor Air Quality | US EPA 

ANSI/ASHRAE Addendum p to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2013