improving indoor air quality

These days, facilities managers are giving more consideration to the quality of the air inside commercial buildings, because of the influence it has on health. If you are concerned about the spread of COVID-19, consider the benefits of improving indoor air quality (IAQ) with updates or maintenance to your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Influences Health and Wellness

Recent research has found that indoor air can be a greater health hazard than outdoor air.

Your commercial HVAC system is a key player in the fight against the coronavirus. It uses fans to circulate the air and pass it through filtration systems that clean the air. This ventilation process not only creates cleaner air, but an HVAC system may also reduce the risk of illnesses spreading from person to person.

Due to the contagious nature of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that commercial buildings “ensure ventilation systems operate properly and provide acceptable indoor air quality for the current occupancy level of each space” and consider upgrades and improvements to HVAC systems.

Improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) with an Upgraded HVAC System

Ensuring the best indoor air quality (IAQ) begins with your commercial HVAC system. An up-to-date and well-maintained ventilation system will increase the delivery of clean air and dilute potential contaminants.

According to the CDC, “building owners and managers should maintain building ventilation systems according to state/local building codes and applicable guidelines. Ensuring appropriate outdoor air and ventilation rates is a practical step building owners and managers can take to ensure good indoor air quality.”

Improving indoor air quality is important to people in your building.

Making Your Building Safer During COVID-19

ASHRAE also recently issued updated guidance about how to mitigate potential health risks inside commercial buildings. “Key elements of a strategy to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus are to perform needed heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system maintenance, including filter changes, and to run HVAC equipment, prior to re-occupancy,” ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force chair Bill Bahnfleth said.

In Class A buildings and other types of large commercial buildings, improving indoor air quality (IAQ) may require increased maintenance, upgrades, or repairs to HVAC systems. Before making any decisions, the CDC recommends obtaining a consultation from an experienced HVAC professional who can provide guidance about the best plan of action.

M&S Mechanical works at improving indoor air quality

Contact Us Today for Assistance

M&S Mechanical is the tri-state area’s leading full-service HVAC contractor. We will install the recommended filtration, ensure proper OA damper operation, install Photocatalylic Oxidation (PCO) units and other UVC disinfecting appliances. Contact us today for expert assistance with improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in your building!