Power of Removable Panels on HVAC Enclosures

Designed for Safety, Engineered for Health:
The Power of Removable Panels on HVAC Enclosures

The Hidden Health Hazard in Inaccessible HVAC Units
In behavioral healthcare settings, patient safety is a top priority — but so is
maintaining a healthy, clean environment. HVAC systems play a vital role in
ensuring indoor air quality, comfort, and bacteria control. However, when
these systems are sealed behind non-removable panels, a silent threat
builds up over time: dust, debris, and mold accumulation.

The Problem: Inaccessible HVAC Units Harbor Unseen Dangers
At Arsco Custom Metals, we manufacture Ligature Resistant HVAC Enclosures
that prioritize safety without compromising on functionality. During an
installation at a behavioral health center, our team encountered a troubling
discovery. Behind the outdated, sealed HVAC coverings, years of neglect had
resulted in layers of dust, dirt, and mold — all of which were entirely hidden
from staff and maintenance personnel.

The photos below, taken during that installation, reveal just how severe
the issue can become:

These are not isolated incidents — they are the result of HVAC enclosures that
were never designed for routine access and cleaning.

Health Implications: Why Clean HVAC Units Matter
Indoor air quality is a foundational aspect of occupant health, particularly in
enclosed facilities such as hospitals, behavioral health centers, and residential
treatment environments. Mold spores, dust mites, and other contaminants
circulating through an unclean HVAC system can exacerbate respiratory
issues, trigger allergies, and contribute to poor overall health outcomes.

In sensitive populations — such as patients with compromised immune
systems or mental health vulnerabilities — these risks are magnified. In
behavioral health settings, ensuring clean airflow isn’t just about comfort
— it’s about minimizing triggers, supporting recovery, and adhering to
the highest standards of bacteria control and facility hygiene.

The Solution:
Removable Panels for Routine Maintenance and Health Protection
To address this dual need for safety and hygiene, Arsco Custom Metals
designed an innovative line of Ligature Resistant HVAC Enclosures with
Removable Panels. These panels maintain the same tamper-proof,
ligature-resistant qualities required for behavioral environments, while
allowing facilities teams to access and clean internal HVAC components regularly.

With these panels:

• Patients and staff breathe cleaner air — promoting wellness and
  reducing avoidable health issues.
• Maintenance— reducing system downtime and preserving
  equipment longevity.
• Routine inspections become possible — preventing long-term
  buildup of harmful particles.
• Mold and mildew can be addressed early — before they cause
  widespread contamination.

Conclusion: Safety and Health Should Never Be at Odds
At Arsco Custom Metals, we believe that designing for safety should also
account for the ongoing health and well-being of those occupying a space.
Our Ligature Resistant HVAC Enclosures with Removable Panels reflect that
philosophy — empowering healthcare providers to uphold the highest
standards of environmental care without compromising on patient security.

For healthcare administrators and facilities managers, the message is clear:
if your HVAC units aren’t accessible, your indoor air quality is at risk.
Investing in enclosures that support both safety and serviceability isn’t
just a maintenance decision — it’s a commitment to better health outcomes.