Commercial Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Good indoor air quality in an office or place of the business ensures employees and customers that you consider their health and safety a top priority. The results of good Indoor Air Quality include improved health, fewer sick day absences, reduced health insurance claims, and increased profitability for any business.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) considers neglected HVAC maintenance a leading contributor to poor indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality can not only lead to headaches, fatigue, and lack of concentration on the job but also contribute to chronic health problems, such as asthma, heart and lung disease. Poor indoor air quality in public spaces is also a concern for the new threat of Covid-19.

Many attribute sneezing and runny nose to allergies caused by outdoor triggers, such as pollen. Once pollen invades interior spaces it has to be removed; the EPA has determined inside air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outside air. The EPA also ranks indoor air pollutants among the top five environmental risks to public health.

• According to the US Department of Energy, poor indoor air quality costs as much as $168 billion annually in medical care and business losses due to employee sick days.
• It is estimated that with improved air quality, workforce performance may improve by 10%
• Research has found that for every 10 employees, poor indoor air quality caused an additional 6 sick days.
• While research is still underway, there is a concern as to whether poorly maintained HVAC systems may contribute to the spread of airborne illnesses such as Covid-19

Fortunately, indoor air quality solutions can mitigation the problems, and since indoor air quality correlates to so many health and productivity issues, it makes sense to consider these solutions. In the US, the majority of people spend 90% of their time indoors, including the majority of their workday. The HVAC system heats and cools air to create the optimal indoor experience for comfort and health. However, all of the indoor air was once outdoor air and outdoor air brings with it many particles and gases, pollutants, and contaminants. Neglecting HVAC preventative maintenance contributes to trapping these particles inside and compounding indoor air quality problems. Let’s consider some real solutions!

System design as a solution

Having the right components for the location and space, with properly sized and laid out components, places the top priority of health and safety. In commercial spaces, the HVAC system is often paired with a ventilation system that supplies outdoor air and exhausts indoor air in the right proportions. Balance is so important. An indoor air quality problem might require a redesign to relocate vents or ducts for improved ventilation.

Solutions for Covid-19 mitigation

In addition to good ventilation and humidity control, a commercial space might consider additional products.

• High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can help protect against the Covid-19 problem. While they are not foolproof, HEPA filters have smaller openings, .3 microns, removing more particles—including viruses—from the indoor air. Some HVAC systems will not accommodate HEPA filters. Consult your HVAC professional.
• Air cleaning technology, such as filters using ultraviolet light, static electricity, and ionizing fibers can be inserted into the ductwork. These filters either removes or kills all microorganisms they come in contact with. Consult your HVAC professional. Portable air purifiers are also available for commercial spaces.
• As a reminder, no mitigation is foolproof. Continue to follow CDC guidelines concerning masks, hand washing, and social distancing.

Preventive maintenance is key for Indoor Air Quality

The key to indoor air quality is capturing airborne particles and gases that threaten air quality. Preventative maintenance service of your HVAC system is the best solution for your commercial space. Call R.M. Mullinix to schedule your preventative maintenance service today.

Have Questions About Commercial Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Our technicians can provide a thorough inspection of your heating and air conditioning system to identify any potential Indoor Air Quality problems.

Replacing worn or improperly configured Commercial HVAC System components can significantly improve the efficiency of your furnace.

Our technicians are thoroughly trained and certified to repair or design any improperly installed ductwork systems.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or heating systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.