Maintaining clean indoor air within your facility is more than just a health concern, it’s a business priority. When it comes to protecting employee well-being and optimizing energy efficiency, good indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential for the success of any facility. At City Wide Facility Solutions, we are passionate about making your job as a facility manager as easy as possible. Whether you manage an office building, warehouse, healthcare facility, or educational campus, these practical tips for improving your facility’s air quality will help you create a safer, healthier space. Here are 10 tips for improving your facility’s air quality:
1. Upgrade Your HVAC Filters
Standard HVAC filters capture only large dust particles. For better air quality, consider upgrading to higher-quality filters, which can trap smaller particles, including allergens, bacteria, and even some viruses. It’s also important to know that regular replacement is key! Check your filters monthly and change them as recommended.
2. Increase Ventilation Rates
Circulating outdoor air through a facility helps dilute indoor pollutants, so you should ensure that your ventilation systems are working efficiently. In older buildings, simply opening windows during mild weather can make a difference.
3. Monitor Indoor Air Quality
Invest in real-time IAQ monitoring systems that measure pollutants like COâ‚‚, PM2.5, humidity, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Data insights can help facility managers respond quickly to air quality issues and adjust systems accordingly.
4. Maintain HVAC Systems Regularly
Dust, mold, and microbial growth in your HVAC system can significantly degrade indoor air. Schedule regular inspections and preventive maintenance for all of your HVAC components to ensure consistently clean air and a longer-lasting HVAC system. Don’t forget to clean air ducts periodically if you notice buildup.
5. Control Humidity Levels
High humidity encourages mold growth, and humidity levels that are too low can cause respiratory discomfort for occupants of a facility. Keep your indoor spaces relative humidity between 30% and 50% using dehumidifiers or humidifiers, depending on your climate and season.
6. Limit Indoor Pollutants
Use low-VOC cleaning agents, paints, and building materials. Establish policies for safe storage and disposal of chemicals. In some facilities, switching to greener products can significantly reduce airborne pollutants.
7. Add Air Purification Units
Portable HEPA air purifiers can be especially helpful in high-traffic or poorly ventilated areas. For larger facilities, consider integrating commercial air purifiers or bipolar ionization systems into your HVAC system to neutralize pathogens and odors.
8. Promote a Clean Environment
Routine cleaning reduces dust, allergens, and microbial contaminants. It’s important to have a professional janitorial team that understands proper ventilation while cleaning, especially when using disinfectants or chemicals that can release harmful vapors.
9. Educate Occupants
Encourage your occupants to support air quality initiatives like reporting HVAC issues, avoiding blocked vents, and following your facility’s air quality guidelines. Awareness leads to healthier habits and better outcomes.
10. Partner with a Facility Solutions Expert
Improving indoor air quality often requires a comprehensive, tailored strategy. A trusted facility solutions provider like City Wide can assess your systems, recommend upgrades, and create a proactive maintenance plan.
Invest in Cleaner Air. Reap Long-Term Benefits.
Improving your facility’s air quality boosts productivity, reduces sick days, and demonstrates your commitment to the safety of your occupants. At City Wide, we specialize in integrated facility solutions that help you breathe easier. Contact us today to learn more about our HVAC, maintenance, and environmental services.
