5 Tips for Improving the Indoor Air Quality of your Office
Air pollution has always been a major concern but what many people don’t realize is that indoor air pollution is a much bigger threat to our health than outdoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution is caused by a buildup of dust and other allergens as well as excess humidity and mold. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health effects such as itchy eyes, sinus problems, headaches, dizziness, and asthma attacks in extreme cases. This makes it especially important to ensure good indoor air quality in your office.
Studies show that good indoor air quality in a work setting not only provides a healthier and more comfortable environment for employees, but also helps improve productivity and morale. The following tips will help you maintain good indoor air quality and reduce air pollution in your office.
Improve Ventilation
Good ventilation is important for circulating the indoor air and removing contaminants from the building. You must check the HVAC system regularly to ensure that it is properly ventilating air from the building and efficiently heating and cooling the office. It is also recommended to hire a professional to inspect the HVAC system at least twice per year to check for broken parts or deficiencies. Professional air duct cleaning helps improve ventilation and indoor air quality by removing built up debris from the air ducts and component parts.
Check and Change Air Filters
Air filters are one line of defense against poor indoor air quality but they are ineffective once they become full of dirt and debris. You must regularly check the air filters and change them when needed so they can continue to trap contaminants effectively. You can also take an extra step by installing HEPA filter air purifiers.
Control Office Temperature and Humidity
The temperature and humidity in an office has a major effect on the comfort level of your employees. If the office is too cold, hot, wet, or drafty, you may experience a reduction in employee productivity. Keeping the temperature and humidity at a comfortable level will not only boost the morale and productivity of your employees, but also help improve indoor air quality. Excess humidity can quickly lead to mold or mildew growth so make sure you constantly monitor the humidity level in your office.
Reduce Indoor Pollutants
There are several sources of air pollutants in an office building including cigarette smoke, emissions from machinery, and fragrances. You must do what you can to keep these pollutants out of the office or reduce them as much as possible. Designate an outdoor smoking area and put machinery that emits emissions in a separate space that is well ventilated. You can also make a rule that employees cannot use scented items or fragrances indoors.
Clean your Office
One of the best ways to prevent indoor air pollution is to regularly clean your office to remove potential contaminants. Many surfaces and objects in office buildings quickly gather dust and bacteria from consistent daily use. Make sure you dust, clean, and disinfect your office thoroughly to create a sanitary working environment. You can also hire a professional that provides office cleaning services to ensure that your office is fully cleaned and sanitized effectively.
By improving the indoor air quality of your office, you can create a healthy and comfortable working environment that promotes higher morale and productivity among your employees. The most effective way to ensure good indoor air quality is to thoroughly clean your office, but many companies don’t have the resources to do this effectively. If this is the case for your company, contact a professional to provide office cleaning services. These professionals will ensure that your office is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized which will improve your indoor air quality.