HOW HVAC WORKS

HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) HVAC units

systems on LIRR trains are typically as old as the trains,
most of which are about 18 years old. Each car has two
of these roof-mounted systems, allowing for redundan-
cy, efficiency and cooling and heating capacity.
An effective system keeps air moving and has a
filtering system to keep air as clear of particles and
droplets as possible.
4 Fresh air

Fa n s Ce i l i n g ve n ts
HVAC unit
1 2 Filters 3 Treated
air
External vent
5

air
Stale
Schematic
is approximate

REPORTED BY ALFONSO A. CASTILLO

NEWSDAY GRAPHIC/ANDREW WONG

SOURCE: LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD

1 STALE AIR. Air in car is drawn into vents of the HVAC unit. 4 FRESH AIR. The units
also draw in fresh air from
outside. About a third
2 THE FILTERS. In the current system, air filters screen out most but of the air that’s pumped
not all contaminants. The LIRR is looking to replace them, testing an into the cars is fresh;
electrical grid technology that would better target pathogens, which the rest is recirculated.
are extremely small and some of which might escape filters.
5 EXTERNAL VENTS.
3 TREATED AIR. Fans blow the treated air back into the car Slats on the sides of
through vents that run along the ceiling. The force pushes air the car also allow air to
down, knocking potential droplets toward the floor away from escape, preventing a
riders. The new system would also ionize the treated air, buildup of pressure when
helping knock down particles. the doors are closed.