Whenever the seasons change, the conversations around HVAC typically revolve around the “H” and “AC” aspects of what we do. It makes sense as temperature control (or lack thereof) is something that can greatly impact the people who work and live in or visit your facility.
But ventilation matters just as much.
Let’s take a look at what we mean when we talk about indoor air quality (IAQ), what happens when it’s lacking, and ways to improve it.
What Does Indoor Air Quality Refer To?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a collection of measurements that indicate the cleanliness and circulation of the air within a contained space. These measurements account for things like:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Carbon dioxide levels
- Formaldehyde levels
- Particulate matter
These measurements not only indicate how comfortable an interior space is, but how healthy it is to be in for prolonged periods of time.
Unfortunately, this time of year isn’t always the most conducive to improving ventilation and air quality. As the temperatures drop, commercial buildings get closed up. While this helps contain heat, it limits the movement of air.
Having a proper ventilation management strategy is crucial for keeping IAQ high. And it’s crucial for various types of commercial properties, too — from industrial spaces to schools, and medical facilities to office spaces.
What Happens When IAQ Suffers?
Here are some things that may happen when air quality and circulation are poor:
Dryness
Humidity drops. This can give building occupants drier skin and can lead to coughing and other respiratory ailments. On the flipside, poor ventilation can lead to an increase of humidity, making the building feel hot and muggy.
Health Issues
Other health issues your tenants or workers may experience include:
- Headaches
- Inability to focus
- Eye irritation
- Congestion
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Exacerbation of asthma
Without good air circulation, allergens like dust and mold can also build up, exacerbating these other symptoms.
HVAC Strain
One of the contributors to poor ventilation is clogged and dirty components. Not only does this affect the environment, it strains your HVAC system, which can lead to more frequent and costly repairs as well as increased energy costs.
Contamination
Pollutants like carbon dioxide, dust, mold, and cleaning supplies build up when the air doesn’t circulate. In return, they create stagnation and contaminated air.
Noncompliance
Some facilities have certain air quality standards they must meet, like in healthcare. When air ventilation is poor, this puts these organizations at risk of noncompliance.
The Benefits of Good Indoor Air Quality
Although OSHA doesn’t have explicit guidelines for IAQ, the CDC and EPA got together in the ‘90s to put together a guide on building air quality.
According to the government, here’s how ventilation contributes to the benefits of a healthy indoor environment:
“A healthy indoor environment is one in which the surroundings contribute to productivity, comfort, and a sense of health and well being. The indoor air is free from significant levels of odors, dust and contaminants and circulates to prevent stuffiness without creating drafts. Temperature and humidity are appropriate to the season and to the clothing and activity of the building occupants.”
According to the guide, adequate ventilation, control of airborne contaminants, and temperature and humidity maintenance are all needed for good IAQ.
According to a paper released by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), here are some of the things that happen when IAQ improves:
- Greater productivity
- Improved cognition
- Lowered job stress
- Increased job satisfaction
- Reduced absenteeism
While property owners may be concerned about the costs of improving their ventilation systems, the benefits indicated above can lead to much greater returns over time.
What Can Your HVAC Partner Do to Help?
According to OSHA, there’s no simple test for IAQ. Instead, here’s what they recommend:
“Your employer should check measurements of temperature, humidity and air flow. In addition, inspection and testing of the ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems (to make sure it is working according to specifications for building use and occupancy) should be performed. A building walk-through to check for odors and look for water damage, leaks, dirt or pest droppings may be helpful. Leaks need to be eliminated. Standing water in humidifiers, air conditioning units, on roofs and in boiler pans can become contaminated with bacteria or fungi and need to be eliminated, also.”
This can be a lot to take on, especially since it needs to be done several times throughout the year. It can also be difficult to know what exactly to look for if you’re not trained in HVAC system operation.
Improving and maintaining air ventilation is an integral part of our commercial heating and air conditioning services. While it’s vital that you have an HVAC partner you can call on to assist with these types of services. We strongly recommend getting on a preventative maintenance plan. That way, your HVAC system and indoor air quality are regularly monitored and maintained.