Improving Indoor Air Quality for Commercial Spaces

Managing a commercial property is complicated and ever-changing; all the more so in our present environment. As businesses bring employees back to the office, property managers are working hard to ensure indoor spaces have improved indoor air quality (IAQ) for the safety and health of everyone.

AirPro Houston is focused on helping you maintain a safe work environment by providing information about cutting-edge HVAC purification technologies. Let’s get to it!

Improving Indoor Air Quality with Ultra-Violet Germicidal Irradiation

Many hospitals and research facilities already use Ultra-Violet Germicidal Irradiation as a safeguard against organic airborne particulates, such as pollen, mold, and bacteria. This technology, once a luxury, is now quite common and readily available. Ultraviolet light is the part of the light spectrum that causes both suntans and sunburns.

Certain wave links, invisible to the human eye but lethal to living cells, act as a germicide that kills living particles. That includes both bacteria and viruses. For spaces with high humidity, UVGI will also kill airborne mold spores. Once the organic matter has been neutralized it is trapped in the filter and removed from the air.

This technology can make a difference in Improving Indoor Air Quality for residential and commercial buildings. This technology has two applications:

• Improving Indoor Air Quality with Coil sterilization. The least expensive application installs one or two stick-shaped UV lights inside the air handler coils and shines 24/7. Organic particles that usually stick to the moist surfaces of the coils are irradiated and neutralized.
• Improving Indoor Air Quality with Air sterilization. The same style lights are installed inside the HVAC ductwork on the return side of the system to neutralize pathogens and irritants before they are circulated back into workspaces. Some UV applications are programmed to shine 24/7, others to sync with the HVAC blower motor for maximum efficiency.

Both applications work very well, so much so that the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) updated design guidelines recommend UVGI equipment for any high-density space. The goal is not to produce a pristine “clean room” environment, but to eliminate pathogens before they recirculate throughout indoor spaces.

Organic air-borne particles are constantly introduced into indoor space every time the door opens or humans cough, sneeze, or even breath. However, this equipment should be an option for you to provide a healthier work environment.

Ventilation

In recent years, architectural designs included fewer operable windows in commercial buildings. A healthy indoor environment must include a steady supply of fresh air, and the ready source is outdoor air. Air handlers, by design, have dampers that draw in outdoor air for ventilation.

The same ASHRAE paper recommends opening dampers as much as weather permits for the best in IAQ. And if your building has operable windows, open them as often as possible!

If your building does not have operable windows the performance of the HVAC system becomes crucial. The V in HVAC stands for ventilation. If the ventilation system is supplying all of the fresh air, give special attention to ductwork.

• Have the ductwork system inspected and repaired as needed. Not only will this increase airflow through indoor spaces, but it will also prevent moisture buildup and mold or mildew growth inside the ducts. This service will prolong the life of your entire system. You will see an increase in performance and efficiency.
• Has the ductwork system been cleaned regularly? When the blower motor stops and air flows slow, gravity will cause all air-borne particles to deposit inside the duct. Occasional cleaning will remove this buildup and prevent it from recirculating.
• Change air filters regularly. Not only do dirty air filters restrict airflow, but they also fail to remove dust and pollutants as effectively as clean filters. Consult with your technician to determine whether your HVAC system would benefit from upgrading your filters to HEPA filters.Request a recommendation for how often to change filters and stick with it. Air filters are inexpensive barriers to air-borne particles.

Your HVAC technician can help with cleaning, repairs, filters, and making sure your dampers are set correctly for proper ventilation.

Air Filtration

Dusty or obstructed air filters don’t do as good a job at blocking pollutants or pathogens as clean, new ones. In fact, your service technician may have recommendations on even more effective air filters that can be used with your existing system.

These should be changed regularly, and if possible, consider using a HEPA filter or one with a higher MERV rating than you may have used previously. These aren’t expensive and are readily available.

Blower Fan Run Times

Many commercial HVAC systems are set for the blower fan to operate only when active heating and cooling are happening. However, in a commercial space, you should consider setting the HVAC blower fan to run 24/7.

A programmable thermostat will keep a baseline temperature at optimal levels day and night. Operational costs for constantly moving the air are only slightly higher than the standard setting, but the real benefit is increased airflow and filtration. As a result, IAQ is cleaner and safer all day long.

Spacing Work Places

Before 2020, open office floor plans were popular and resulted in too much germ swapping. People who worked in individual workspaces had fewer sick days than employees in crowded cubicles. Providing a safe work environment might mean moving desks/cubicles away from one another.

A few more feet between workers is not only healthier but also stimulates productivity and contributes to higher job satisfaction.

People who work in the space you provide are staying current with workplace changes. By staying current, you contribute to a sense of wellbeing and safety. While some changes are trendy but not significant, these recommendations are relevant in every setting.

Your building will smell nice, feel better and be healthier. Occupants might not know what you have done, but they will appreciate the results.

Have a question about Indoor Air Quality?

With our four decades of experience as a seasoned Air Conditioning Repair contractor, AirPro Houston provides Indoor Air Quality Inspections with the skill and expertise to assist you with your Indoor Air Quality.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your HVAC repair and HVAC Efficiency needs.