How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

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As the pandemic subsides, more and more people are returning to the office, and the last thing these people want is the return of stuffy, dusty office air. Improving air quality is also in a company’s best interest, as continuous air cleaning significantly reduces the likelihood of viruses spreading, which in turn reduces the likelihood of sickness in the workspace. This article will help inform you of a few ways you might improve your indoor air quality.

Why is Clean Air Important?

Even though, yes, it’s technically true that our ancestors survived without filtered air and dehumidifiers, clean and breathable air is a modern marvel that no business should go without – just because the air looks clean doesn’t mean it is clean. 

Since all the air we breathe inside ultimately comes from the outside, the untreated air inside your office is only as clean as the air immediately outside your office. Especially in places with a lot of traffic, breathing unfiltered air can make you feel ill, like you can’t fully catch your breath. In extreme cases, polluted air can make it difficult to think, and cause dizziness, headaches, and discomfort. Needless to say, these symptoms can easily disrupt one’s day, and ultimately, their workflow.

Here are just some of the (invisible) things you should filter from your air:

  • Air pollution from cars, factories, etc.
  • Pollen and other allergens
  • Viruses and bacteria

It’s also worth paying attention to proper humidification to create a healthy environment.

How Do I Improve Air Quality in My Business?

Making sure your office space is well ventilated and circulated is crucial. While this may be difficult in places with, for instance, a lot of noise pollution, there are nonetheless some things you can do to mitigate the effects of stagnant air without opening a window.

If you can only circulate the air internally, you should constantly take care to install the correct air filters, as they keep both dirt and dust out of the air. Keep in mind that, for peak performance and air quality, these filtration systems will need to be checked yearly by an air quality professional. Alternatively, or even in addition, you may open a few windows to let some fresher air in, given that you’re reasonably able to.

The Importance of HEPA Filters

HEPA is an internationally recognized standard for air filters, one that signifies a certain, very high quality of air filtration. A HEPA filter can filter the air in a room with an efficiency of almost 99.98%, or in other words, HEPA filters can almost completely sterilize the air of germs and particles. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can filter out dust, pollen, pet dander, mites, fungal spores, and other irritants.

The good news is that you no longer need to purchase a separate air filtration system to reap the benefits of HVAC HEPA filters. All modern HVAC units come equipped with HVAC HEPA filters, so if you have a compatible unit installed, your HVAC unit can keep your office both comfortable and healthy.

Planning is Essential

When designing the floor plan of an office, store, or manufacturing facility, special attention should be paid to mechanical engineering, in regards to air quality. Thinking ahead will not only mean better cost-effectiveness, but will allow for better, more efficient airflow. Beyond HVAC HEPA filters, furniture, room layouts, and even potted plants will play an important role – with a well-planned building layout, your air quality can be made orders of magnitude better..

Especially when running a large open-space office, integrating multiple HVACs into one smart control system can provide a significant return on investment. This way, air filters, ventilation, and temperature control systems can all cooperate with one another, diverting resources to where they’re needed most instead of distributing everything equally.

To see which HVAC HEPA filter solution is right for you, or to perform a checkup or maintenance on your current HVAC unit, contact Rogers & Sons. We’ll be happy to help you determine your needs and select the system that best fits your business’s needs.