Indoor air quality (IAQ) has a significant impact on the operations and performance of a business. Although sometimes overlooked, IAQ directly influences employees’ productivity, comfort, and health. Below are four tips that can improve the indoor air quality of your business in Norfolk, VA.
1. Control Humidity
It is crucial to control moisture levels to improve the quality of indoor air in your business. Too much moisture contributes to biological growth. The tiny contaminants in the air can cause health complications for your employees, such as headaches, nausea, and asthma symptoms.
When the relative humidity is low (below 25%), your employees may suffer from dry throats or chapped skin. Also, dry air is synonymous with static electricity, and it can cause electrical problems. To increase moisture in the air and monitor the level of humidity, invest in humidifiers.
2. Proper Ventilation
To improve the indoor air quality, pay close attention to your building’s ventilation system, heating unit, and air conditioner. HVAC systems have a significant impact on how air moves around your working space. They clean and filter out pollutants and remove stale and stagnant air from the workspace.
If not properly maintained, the HVAC system can act as a source of air contaminants. When air filters are not changed, they become contaminated with moisture and dirt, which encourage microbial growth. Adding a mechanical ventilation system is one of the most effective ways to help improve indoor air quality.
3. Establish Smoking Policies
Tobacco smoke poses a health risk to both active and passive smokers. Since your business facility is a public space, develop a policy that prohibits smoking in the workplace. Smoking not only affects the quality of air but it can also increase the cost of maintaining your ventilation system.
Good air quality helps reduce health complaints among your employees and can improve reliability and performance. Such improvements will result in customer satisfaction and profits.
4. Avoid Products and Equipment That Contaminate the Air
Many commonly used household and office products and devices produce air-contaminating chemicals and odors that lower the quality of indoor air. When using them in the office space, ensure adequate ventilation if possible. They include:
- Solvents
- Adhesives
- Paints
- Certain kinds of ink
- Pesticides
- Cleaners
When purchasing office equipment, take the necessary steps to reduce exposure to pollutants. Ensure your office furnishings and cleaning products provide information about chemical emissions.
Contact Absolute Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc if you need help with your commercial HVAC system. Our team will help you better understand indoor air quality and can install products to mitigate the effects of air pollution.
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