Why is monitoring of dry-bulb temperatures critical in HVAC systems?

Monitoring dry-bulb temperatures in HVAC systems is essential for maintaining animal health and comfort. Animals in research facilities often require specific environmental conditions to thrive and exhibit normal physiological functions. By keeping the temperature within a suitable range, stress levels in the animals can be minimized, which is crucial for ensuring that the data collected during research is reliable and valid. Elevated or insufficient temperatures can lead to health issues for the animals and can skew research results by affecting behavior, metabolism, and overall well-being.

While preventing structural damage, reducing energy consumption, and facilitating research protocols are important considerations, they are not the primary reason for closely monitoring dry-bulb temperatures in the context of an animal care facility. The primary focus must always be on ensuring that the animals are housed in a safe and comfortable environment, which directly influences both their welfare and the integrity of the research conducted.