Which of the following statements about an HVAC system is FALSE?

Maintaining a specific temperature range in animal holding rooms is critical for the health and well-being of the animals housed in those environments. The statement regarding an institution's HVAC system maintaining each room's temperature within a +/- 5° C range is considered FALSE because standard practice typically necessitates a more precise control of temperature settings.

In many research and laboratory settings, especially where sensitive species are kept, temperature fluctuations can be detrimental to both animal welfare and experimental outcomes. A tighter range, often within +/- 2-3° C, is commonly stipulated in guidelines to ensure that conditions remain stable and conducive to the animals' needs.

In contrast, the other statements reflect sound practices in regard to HVAC systems. For example, ensuring that air intakes are located away from pollution sources helps maintain air quality, which is essential for animal health. The recommended relative humidity levels are critical to prevent issues such as respiratory problems or stress in animals. Having separate thermostat controls is advantageous because it allows for tailored temperature management suited to the specific needs of different species or studies.

Thus, while some variability in temperature may not be immediately harmful, the higher precision required in maintaining those controls is why maintaining temperature within a +/- 5° C range is not sufficient for optimal animal care and research