How To Improve Air Quality At Your Business
Posted in Air Quality, on July 09, 2015
Are your employees constantly experiencing sick building syndrome? Perhaps you should consider improving your business's air quality. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is highly crucial for the occupants of any business to be healthy and comfortable. However, we frequently don't think about air quality until it starts interfering with our health. Here are some ways to improve your business's air quality.
Maintenance of HVAC System
Proper maintenance of the HVAC system and its filters plays a fundamental role in maintaining good air quality. You'll discover that when air filters become clogged, allergens and dirt will begin affecting your business's air quality negatively. It's important you develop a maintenance schedule to ensure that you and your staff examine the system monthly to allow for replacement or cleaning of dirty filters. An annual proficient inspection of your system must comprise a cleaning of drain pans and cooling coils to prevent mold growth.
Paints with Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Try using a low concentration of VOC paints to help decrease the pollution of the emitted gases. Leave doors or windows open and run funs while painting to help decrease the amount of fume accumulation. If you engage the services of professional painters, inquire whether their paints have a low VOC concentration.
Furnishings
Ensure your furnishings don't damage IAQ. Benzene and formaldehyde are common toxic chemicals that are frequently used in manufacturing furniture. Regrettably, the emission of these VOCs occurs in the environment over time, triggering various respiratory illnesses in employees.
Air Filtering Plants
Some plants can be excellent air filters and are an affordable and green way of enhancing indoor air quality. Plants including English ivy, spider plant, and aloe are very efficient at air cleaning. Numerous kinds of plants can help purify the air of various chemicals and allergens, so ensure you take the time to research the suitable plants for your business. Besides mold and bacteria, plants can help decrease dust levels, which employees would otherwise inhale. Plants further help regulate the amount of air humidity and decrease room temperature, using transpiration.
Cleaning Supplies
These are major offenders of off-gassing. Traditional cleaning products release VOCs ranging from phosphoric acid to chlorine bleach, prompting the switch to non-toxic products an important decision. Products that use natural, bio-based components will not only enhance air quality but also prevent the toxic residues that these products leave on surfaces.
Maintaining Cleanliness
Keeping a clean business is a great way to improve air quality. Cleanliness decreases the accumulation of dirt and allergens while decreasing the likelihood of insects and other pests invading your business.
Regulating Humidity Levels
You should maintain indoor humidity between 30 and 50% to keep dust mites, mold, and other allergens under control. You should consider using a dehumidifier to help decrease indoor moisture. Other ways to control humidity levels indoors include running bathroom and kitchen fans, cleaning condensation rapidly, and emptying the drip fans in your air conditioners and dehumidifiers promptly.
Fix Leaks
Leaks can yield dampness, moisture, and health issues. Ensure you check and repair any leaks around your business including cooling and heating units.
Improve Ventilation
A common trait of heavily polluted business premises is poor ventilation. Stagnant air will naturally harbor a greater degree of pollutants. Employees have a higher likelihood of catching the cold virus when exposed to poorly ventilated settings. The HVAC system should regulate the airborne pollutants and comfort level of the business premises. You can improve ventilation through these tips:
- Open windows and doors when humidity and temperature levels permit. Nevertheless, be wary of allergens throughout fall and spring seasons.
- Ensure mechanical filters fit well, are in place, and undergo periodic changing in line with the manufacturer's instructions.
Are your workers constantly complaining of poor air quality? Consider implementing these tips to improve your business setting. If you require assistance with air quality issues, kindly contact us for a solution so we can help (416)414-5690