Compared to outdoor air, indoor air usually has a higher concentration of pollutants since it’s enclosed in a small space. Many workers around the world get sick due to illnesses caused by poor indoor air quality, not to mention that a lot of people spend the majority of their day in the office, which puts them at greater risk of contracting an illness. This is why it’s important to have clean air circulating in your building regularly to keep your workspace healthy and safe.
In today’s post, heat pump repair specialist Dittmer Air and Heat shares with you five actions you can take to keep your workplace clean and safe.
What Is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality determines how the air inside a building or space affects a person’s health, comfort and ability to work. It’s an important concern for businesses and employees alike since it directly affects the health and productivity of employees. Poor indoor air quality is caused by pollutants such as second-hand cigarette smoke, dust, mold and mildew, chemical pollutants and volatile organic compounds.
You can improve your workspace’s indoor air quality by keeping these five tips in mind:
1. Clean your workplace regularly. While this tip is very basic, it’s worth remembering that keeping your workplace clean reduces the amount of mold, dust, allergens and other contaminants that can spread in the air. When cleaning, be mindful to use eco-friendly cleaning products that don’t produce any harmful or chemical byproducts that could be released into the air and which may harm your health.
2. Change your HVAC filters frequently. HVAC maintenance should be a top priority when conducting routine office cleaning. That includes inspecting your HVAC filters and replacing them if necessary. Replacing your HVAC filters keeps your indoor air clean and prevents the circulation of dirty air around your workplace. Not changing your filters can cause them to clog and hasten the buildup of pollutants in your office space.
3. Use air-cleaning devices. You can improve your indoor air quality simply by purchasing over-the-counter items such as air scrubbers, dehumidifiers and air purifiers to maintain normal indoor air quality levels while keeping everyone safe at the same time.
4. Conduct an indoor air quality test. Conducting this test can give you a detailed overview of the situation in regard to your indoor air quality. This test will determine airflow, ventilation, mold presence, odors, possible water damage and the indoor humidity level. You can use the data from this test to plan your course of action depending on your findings.
5. Observe proper ventilation. If possible, turn off your HVAC system and open your windows to let fresh air into your office space daily. Keep furniture, cabinets and other obstructions from covering air vents, as this will disrupt air circulation. You can also add indoor plants to help improve your indoor air quality and provide your office with a pop of color at the same time.
If your workplace needs HVAC repairs or other heating and cooling services, cast your worries aside and turn to Dittmer Air and Heat! We’ve been the top HVAC professionals in the area since 2010. We’re NATE-certified and A+ rated by the BBB®! Call us at (321) 637-0170 or request a free consultation by filling out our contact form.