One of the best ways to keep your employees healthy, productive, and content in their working environment is by improving the indoor air quality (IAQ). Stale, dusty air and HVAC systems that are badly maintained can have a very negative impact on office morale. They can also affect the well-being of all those who spend time in the building, and interior building aesthetics. After all, dirty, dusty air invariably results in dirty, dusty surfaces. Most commercial spaces are closed ventilation systems. In these environments, doors and windows are rarely left open to let fresh air in, and the air that people are breathing is often rife with particulates that are constantly being cycled and recycled through the closed system. As such, IAQ concerns are fast-increasing among San Jose companies, and among the professionals who work for them.
Fortunately, there are a number of things that everyone in your building can do to improve the indoor air quality. For instance, all of your team members can diligently adhere to non-smoking policies in and around the building. They can additionally:
- Avoid blocking or closing air registers or vents
- Practice proper food storage
- Bag and promptly dispose of all food waste and other perishable products
- Limit the use of chemicals in poorly ventilated areas
- Notify building maintenance teams or managers whenever IAQ issues are suspected
With everyone working together and following these basic rules of IAQ maintenance, the quality of the indoor air can remain at an all-time high. In closed systems, however, routine HVAC maintenance is absolutely essential as well. This equipment is responsible for far more than mere climate control. In commercial buildings, advanced filtration systems are often in place to remove harmful particulates, dirt, dust, dander, and other allergens that get tracked into the space.
How Proper HVAC Maintenance Can Help
Regularly replacing clogged and dirty filters ensures that these components are able to do their job efficiently. When build-ups of dirt and other particulates are extreme, this debris can be released into the indoor air where it will be constantly circulated throughout the building. Moreover, excessive accumulations of dirt and debris can also force heating and cooling functions to work harder. Beyond increasing your energy bill, this extra effort can also lend to inefficiency. An overworked system will gradually become less and less able to regulate both indoor temperatures and indoor humidity. Over time, this can lead to mold development and potentially severe health issues for those working within the space.
Another essential form of building maintenance is periodic cleaning of all ductwork. This will remove accumulations of debris that have become trapped in these spaces. If the ductwork in an office building has not been cleaned for quite some time, these services can have a remarkable impact on the facility’s IAQ.
It’s also important for building owners and managers to make sure that their HVAC equipment is not damaged, outdated, or improperly sized for their facilities. This equipment and its functioning will play the greatest role in determining the quality of the indoor air and the overall comfort of building users. If you’re ready to make a concerted effort to improve the air quality in your commercial building, we can help. Call us now at 408-295-2182.