Improving Your Company’s Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can make your Mount Pleasant, Texas, business less comfortable for customers. It can also reduce employees’ productivity and increase absences. Dust, dirt, pollen, biological growth and other contaminants can cause a variety of issues. You, your clients and your workers could experience sinus problems or other health issues. Many people call these symptoms “sick building syndrome.” Here are some ways to prevent sick building syndrome and improve your company’s indoor air quality:
Add Ventilation
Modern buildings have excellent insulation. Unfortunately, that insulation can keep smoke, bad smells and pollutants inside your business. Many air fresheners, cleaners, paints, glues and other common products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, acetone and xylene. These substances evaporate at room temperature, and air filters can’t catch them. As they build up inside your place of business, they can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness and other symptoms.
Using exhaust fans or an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) will remove bad smells, excess humidity and contaminants. An ERV works like a heat pump to transfer energy away from stale outgoing air and toward fresh incoming air. That way, you can avoid wasting power and raising your utility bills. Most ERVs also have air filters for the incoming air. Good ventilation is essential for factories, offices, restaurants and other types of businesses.
Use a UV Air Purifier
A UV air purifier, also called a UV lamp, uses ultraviolet light that’s normally blocked by the atmosphere to kill microorganisms or damage their DNA. As a result, it keeps them from reproducing. In workplaces with lots of customers or employees, a UV air purifier can help keep everyone healthy. It prevents illnesses by reducing the numbers of viruses and bacteria in the air. It can also ease allergy symptoms caused by biological growth.
Most UV lamps are called coil sterilization lights because they keep biological growth from spreading on your HVAC system’s coils. You can also choose an air sterilization light that fits inside your ductwork. These UV lamps conserve energy by only turning on when your heater or air conditioner is working. They’re completely silent, and they can help you keep your business’s ductwork and air filter clean.
Keep Things Clean
The dust that accumulates on your company’s floors and furniture could contain pollen, biological growth and other pollutants. Have your business dusted and vacuumed regularly to get rid of excess dust and improve your indoor air quality.
Don’t forget to clean your air registers and move equipment or furniture that could restrict your system’s air flow. Make sure that employees check underneath furniture and equipment when cleaning. Otherwise, spilled food or drinks could attract pests and produce bad smells. You should also have your ductwork cleaned by a professional every few years. To avoid VOCs, use natural cleaners and air fresheners wherever possible. Place any equipment that emits smoke, chemicals or bad smells in a separate area. Make sure that your employees have any necessary safety equipment and plenty of ventilation.
Take Care of Your HVAC System
Finally, you should have your HVAC system checked by an expert at least once per year. That way, you can catch minor issues and get repairs before they become more severe. Regular maintenance can also help you avoid a sudden breakdown that could make employees uncomfortable or force you to close temporarily.
To keep your HVAC system working well, change your HVAC filter at least once per month. Landscaping staff should keep debris like grass clippings away from your HVAC system’s outdoor unit and trim nearby shrubs or branches. You should also have the light bulb for your UV air purifier changed once per year as well.
Wood Air Conditioning & Plumbing has more than 60 years of heating, cooling and indoor air quality experience. We can help you with the unit in your home or with a commercial HVAC system. We guarantee 100-percent satisfaction, and we received the Governor’s Award for Small Business in 2011. For outstanding service from our expert service technicians, give us a call at 903-285-6550.