Maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) is vital in bustling commercial spaces. It not only promotes health and comfort but also positively impacts the productivity of occupants. As a building owner or manager, you must ensure the air within your premises remains clean. In this post, Acker Heating & Cooling shares some best practices to improve the IAQ in your commercial space.
Regular HVAC Inspections and Maintenance
Regular check-ups of your HVAC systems are fundamental to sustaining good IAQ. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) suggests periodic inspections and maintenance, including annual ductwork evaluations, semiannual cleaning, and quarterly filter changes. Ensuring smooth HVAC performance demands that vents are unobstructed, so office layouts must be designed considering air circulation.
Air Duct Sealing
Ductwork is often the silent culprit behind poor IAQ, with leaks or damage leading to unintended entry of debris and pollutants. Air duct sealing is essential in preventing these issues. It enhances system efficiency and promotes cleaner airflow by keeping debris, dust and contaminants at bay.
Use of Air Quality Monitors
Advancements in technology now allow for real-time air quality monitoring. Devices such as Atmocube can gauge various pollutants and provide instant readings on particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and even relative humidity levels.
Indoor Humidity Levels
A controlled humidity level, ideally between 30 and 50%, can significantly deter the growth of pollutants like mold and dust mites. Keeping an eye on indoor humidity can prevent a host of structural and health issues. Employing dehumidifiers during humid summers, or humidifiers when the air is too dry, can make a substantial difference.
Proper Cleaning Procedures
In commercial spaces, where an array of activities and foot traffic pose constant challenges to IAQ, optimizing cleaning procedures is a must. Utilize vacuums equipped with HEPA filters to capture pollutants before they can circulate. Moreover, schedule heavier cleaning tasks during low-occupancy hours to minimize the exposure to chemical pollutants.
Natural Ventilation
Whenever weather permits, natural ventilation can be a boon to IAQ. Opening windows allows the exchange of stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This can significantly improve air quality unless outdoor conditions — such as pollen or pollution — are unfavorable.
Indoor Plants
Adding indoor plants to your office environment is not just aesthetically pleasing but also serves a functional purpose. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen, aiding in air purification.
Air Purification System
Place air purifiers in high-traffic areas where HVAC systems might fall short. Air purifiers with a combination of mechanical and activated carbon filters can effectively reduce airborne pollutants in indoor environments.
Improving IAQ is not just a one-off initiative but an ongoing commitment to the well-being of all who enter your commercial space. It demands a proactive approach to monitor, maintain and manage the indoor environment. Acker Heating & Cooling understands these challenges and is ready to assist businesses in implementing these best practices to achieve a cleaner, healthier indoor space. Call us at (706) 425-8774 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation.