The air quality of your building improves health and comfort. Poor air quality can lead to severe respiratory illnesses, headaches, and fatigue. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve indoor air quality in buildings so everyone inside breathes easier. In this post, reputable ductless HVAC contractor EZ Air Conditioning and Heating shares five tips to introduce better indoor air quality for a safer home.
The Danger of VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are airborne environmental pollutants from cleaning products, paints and filtration systems. VOCs have been linked to asthma and health issues like respiratory infections and eye irritation.
When released into the air, VOCs can create unhealthy air quality levels in buildings. As VOCs accumulate in the indoor environment, it becomes harder for occupants to breathe and may exacerbate their respiratory issues as these pollutants build up. In addition, higher levels of humidity can also increase VOC concentrations inside your building.
There are several strategies to improve indoor air quality in commercial buildings. Below is a comprehensive list of ways building owners, managers and occupants can reduce VOCs in the environment:
1. Reduce Indoor Air Pollutants
The first step in improving indoor air quality is reducing the concentration of pollutants inside. Use non-toxic cleaning products, avoid aerosol sprays and limit exposure to fumes from solvent-based materials. Avoid using high-VOC content products indoors, such as paints, furniture polish, carpet cleaners and scented products. Building owners should also ensure their maintenance team chooses alternative cleaning supplies that are low in VOCs when available.
Prevent Indoor Smoking
Smoke is a huge problem in commercial rental and corporate properties. Property owners should highly restrict indoor smoking and consuming cigarettes near the building entrance and exit pathways to reduce smoke infiltration. Having designated smoking areas is critical in lowering VOC concentrations in buildings.
Clear Pests in the Area
Another way to reduce VOC concentrations in buildings is by keeping pests away through regular cleaning and hiring pest control services to remove nests. Reduce their presence further by clearing the building of clutter and food waste.
2. Improve Ventilation
Ventilation is crucial for indoor air quality. It helps circulate clean outside air across the building and remove all pollutants. Proper ventilation ensures that your building has a continuous supply of fresh air that helps reduce mold growth and pollutant levels indoors. Here are a few ways to improve indoor ventilation, according to a local home automation expert.
Increase Fresh Air Intake
Open the windows regularly and let in fresh air from outside in the morning and evening, clearing old air. Restore the operability of old windows on your property or replace them if necessary.
Install Mechanical Ventilation Systems
Due to the architecture of buildings, outdoor air cannot enter them easily. Mechanical air intake and ejection ventilation systems circulate air through the building to gain filtered fresh air indoors. You can look into ductless HVAC systems to achieve excellent mechanical ventilation. These are good investments to attain stable temperatures and clean indoor air for your property.
3. Optimize Temperature and Humidity
Optimizing temperature and humidity levels is essential to improving air quality. Colder temperatures will evaporate VOC concentrations, which can cause severe damage to our lungs when inhaled. On the other hand, high humidity exacerbates symptoms of allergies and asthma because mold, bacteria and dust mites thrive in dampness. Here are a few steps to improve indoor temperature and humidity levels.
Use Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers reduce indoor moisture levels by removing excess water from the air inside your building. This reduces mold growth which will reduce indoor air quality and worsen respiratory issues.
Adjust Thermostat Settings
Find the right thermostat settings for each unit of your property. Have your tenants ask a local home automation expert to find the best HVAC systems and thermostats that can help them save energy and improve air quality.
4. Use Air Filters
Air filters can be used to reduce concentrations of contaminants in the air. Here’s how to maximize them:
Change Filters Regularly
Have your cleaning staff or HVAC technician change filters regularly to remain free from dust, dirt or debris buildup. This will help capture more contaminants while keeping the environment free from any additional risk of exposure to polluted indoor air.
Choose the Right Filters
Filters can eliminate all smoke, dust and pollen before entering indoors. Use filters with a high Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) certified by industry organizations such as ASHRAE or ULPA. If you’re unsure about the right filters for your system, consult a reliable duct cleaning company to get the best options.
5. Implement Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Good hygiene practices on the part of your cleaning service and the occupants can help you maintain indoor air quality. Here are some cleaning, maintenance and lifestyle tips that will be beneficial for preventing VOCs from accumulating in your building:
Have Your Cleaning Service Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming helps eliminate dust, dirt or debris accumulating over time and reduces VOC concentrations inside.
Clean Air Ducts
Air ducts should be cleaned at least annually to remove any buildup of contaminants that may have accumulated over time from air traveling through them. A duct cleaning technician can handle this job for you.
Let Technicians Check Your System
Regular HVAC system maintenance ensures it is energy-efficient and effectively cools all the units in your property. Reach out to a trusted local AC contractor and create a repeating contract for annual or bi-annual HVAC system maintenance.
Make Sure Trash Is Taken Out at Least Daily
Regular garbage clean-up helps keep pests away and eliminates a potential source for VOC release or other indoor pollutants. Make it a rule that all tenants must take their trash to the dedicated disposal area and never leave them in the units overnight.
If you need recommendations on IAQ improvements, don’t hesitate to consult the best ductless HVAC expert in your local area. EZ Air Conditioning and Heating is a renowned contractor trusted by many homeowners and property owners in your neighborhood. We’ve handled all their duct cleaning and HVAC needs for decades. Call us today at (210) 429-9186 or reach us using this contact form to book a consultation.
