How HVAC Services Can Improve Indoor Air Quality in Commercial Buildings

Looking for a way to help keep your staff and clients comfortable for the many hours they spend in your commercial offices, retail locations, and buildings?

One improvement which is sometimes overlooked is air quality. Whether the issue is subtle or substantial, poor air quality can contribute to a workplace that leaves a lot to be desired.

In this post we’ll take a look at the role your HVAC system plays in air quality and ways that you can drastically improve air quality to the gratitude of your team!

What are the benefits of good indoor air quality at a commercial location?

Air quality has a large role in health. A professionally installed HVAC system will reduce the allergens and pollutants in the air through circulation systems. This can help reduce sick days across the entire team, especially during flu and pollen season.

Compliance is also an important consideration, as offices and retail buildings need to meet required standards of air quality.

Lastly, there may be a marked increase in productivity when a team is comfortable in their workspace. A business shouldn’t struggle with turnover, absenteeism, or poor morale as a result of the condition of their office.

What are common causes of poor air quality?

Often the reason is that the ventilation system is inadequate and isn’t able to recycle the air efficiently enough. There are a variety of potential reasons for this: it could be that the equipment is outdated and is running at a fraction of the capacity it had when first installed — or it could be that maintenance has been neglected.

Allowing air filters to build up or ignoring moisture build up in the HVAC system can mean that your circulation systems contribute to airborne quality issues instead of solving the issue. Moisture issues can also lead to mold or mildew problems.

And then finally, air quality will be influenced by the conditions in the building as well. Buildings with high occupancy or that regularly host activities that kick up dust, chemicals or CO₂ will require a much higher standard of HVAC system.

What is required to keep your commercial HVAC system running at full efficiency?

Here are some of the most important tasks and considerations when it comes to maintaining a commercial HVAC system:

Perform Regular Maintenance: A maintenance routine will help identify and resolve many problems before they get out of hand. Most large issues could have been a simple fix if they were addressed in the beginning stages. This will include checking and replacing air filters as needed.

Duct Cleaning & Sealing: A well-functioning circulation system won’t help your commercial space if it is circulating contaminants. Keeping duct clean and limiting pollutants from entering into the system in the first place is a huge benefit in the long run.

System Upgrades: Modern HVAC systems come with technology that can more effectively filter air while also improving on energy efficiency. Contrast this with trying to hold an outdated HVAC system together for years beyond its expiration date and it can be a huge money saver in the long run. In addition, more advanced air purification systems such as UV Lights, HEPA Filters, and Ionizers can help eliminate pathogens and contaminants.

Evaluate the air flow: An inspection to make sure that the airflow is properly circulating clean air and is distributing it effectively throughout the building can identify problems. Issues with air handling can mean one room stays fresh while another is stale.

Control humidity: Through the many changing temperatures and seasons of the year, you need to maintain optimal humidity to prevent a buildup of mold and bacteria in your system.

How does an HVAC technician help maintain your system?

Working with certified, professional HVAC technicians who are familiar with the weather patterns and conditions in your area is critical for keeping things running smoothly.

Sloppy work can lead to a mountain of problems down the road, while bringing in a trusted team of experts to handle air quality issues from the start can give long term peace of mind.

Is it time for an evaluation of the condition of your HVAC system?

When was the last time you evaluated the air quality in your office, warehouse, or other commercial location? A simple maintenance check-up gives the opportunity to identify any problems in their early stages.

ABC Plumbing & HVAC has worked with commercial customers in Ottawa and the surrounding areas for over 30 years, and we’re ready to help you maintain a comfortable commercial environment!