Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality

As many organizations start to look more closely at a long-term, post-COVID world, keeping employees safe is at the top of everyone’s mind. How can we gather in traditional working environments while maintaining the health and safety of our employees? Of course, part of that is regular sanitation of hard surfaces. Another, and possibly more important component is ensuring the air around is free of contaminants. Here are four things to consider to improve indoor air quality at your facility.

Utilize a high-efficiency air filtration system

Changing EPA standards have led to significant advancements in HVAC technologies. Along with improving the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, this includes onboard air filtration systems designed to remove pollutants from the air.

• Use HVAC filters with higher MERV ratings: The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter can trap dangerous particles in the air. The highest rating today is MERV-13, though some older systems can only function with lower MERV-rated filters. Discuss your options with your HVAC contractor to find out what your system supports.
• Consider adding bipolar ionization to your air filtration system: Bipolar ionization electrically charges the ions in the air to eliminate germs, viruses, and other harmful particles. In conjunction with a highly-rated MERV filter, bipolar ionization can significantly improve indoor air quality at your facility.
• Add one or more UV filtration solutions to your existing system: UV sterilization became front and center of everyone’s mind with COVID-19. From smartphones to professional tools, it’s a great way to eliminate harmful pathogens that cling to hard surfaces. In addition, UV filtration systems can maximize your indoor air quality by eliminating any remaining dangerous particles before your employees or tenants breathe them in.

Increase airflow from outside to the inside

As many of us are aware, mask requirements are less stringent for outside events than indoors. Outside air flow can dilute any nearby virus or germs. Increase the amount of outside airflow by opening windows and doors throughout your facility. If this isn’t possible, you can also increase outside ventilation on your HVAC system which will have a similar effect throughout the building.

Increase your carpet cleaning schedule

We’ve all increased our cleaning of hard surfaces recently. Another consideration is to clean your carpets and floors more often than you have been. Carpets especially can trap allergens and increase the spread of germs. A low-moisture carpet cleaning can eliminate harmful particles which, in turn, can significantly improve indoor air quality at your facility, keeping everyone safe.

Minimize VOCs

Have you ever purchased a mattress in a box and felt sickened by the smell? That’s VOCs in a nutshell: volatile organic compounds that break down over time. Everything from paint to your cleaning chemicals include VOCs. When selecting which chemicals you’ll use in your facility, only select low VOC options. Incorporating non-toxic, low VOC products will make a huge difference in your indoor air quality.

Healthy employees are happier employees

With air quality a major concern for many workers, it’s always a good idea to do what you can to both maximize their health while minimizing their fears. Taking proactive steps to improve indoor air quality at your facility is one easy way to demonstrate to them you’re committed to their well-being.

We can help you make sound decisions and establish plans of action about your facility.