As the summer approaches, maintaining the indoor air quality of your office is imperative. With waves of humidity and other summer variables, employees should be aware of the inherent risks it poses on their HVAC systems.
As employees file back to offices, it’s also important to have a system that protects against COVID-19 particles in place. In this blog, we’ll take a look at how to maintain optimal indoor air quality in the summertime.
Clean Your HVAC System
With the summer heat coming up, your HVAC system will be working to cool your entire office down. However, your system’s efficiency can be bogged down by pollutants, especially during the summertime.
Cleaning your HVAC system is crucial to maintaining optimal indoor air quality and the safety of your workforce. HVAC systems are composed of many different parts — from evaporator coils to elaborate ductwork. Evaporator coils work to cool the refrigerant that pulls hot air from your home and dispenses it outside. As warm air passes through the evaporator coil to be cooled, this can lead to a buildup of condensation. This condensation eventually makes its way to the drain pans, which can become hazardous if not properly maintained.
Pools of standing water can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can lead to respiratory injuries amongst staffers. According to the American Lung Association, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, sore throats, and coughing can ensue mold and mildew inhalation. Take appropriate measures to combat water buildup.
Air Filter Maintenance
Keeping tabs on your air filter is crucial for maintaining optimal indoor air quality. HEPA filters, which are composed of thick layers of fiberglass, are ideal for trapping such pollutants.
Air filters help protect your HVAC system from external irritants, such as dirt, dust, pollen, and more. However, as your system works hard throughout the summer, it’s important to have your air filter inspected for potential replacement.
An unkempt air filter not only can be harmful to your workforce’s health, but it can also damage your HVAC system internally by clogging air ducts — leading to wasted energy and performance from your system. Replace your air filter every 90 days.
Control Humidity in the Office
No one likes coming into a muggy office, High humidity indoors can lead to increased discomfort along with decreased productivity from your employees. Take charge of this problem through the use of a dehumidifier.
According to Healthline, dehumidifiers help maintain optimal indoor air quality by pulling in hot air and removing its moisture before expelling out cool air once more sans humidity. On top of making the environment physically comfortable, it can also help those who suffer from allergy attacks, asthma, and other respiratory issues by making the air less heavy to breathe.
Consider bringing a dehumidifier into the office — or installing a commercial dehumidifier, which can also help you save money on your energy bills.
Educate Employees
Making your employees aware of what causes poor indoor air quality will help keep them in the know if their workspace’s HVAC system is failing or not working properly. Employees should be able to detect factors such as cold or hot spots in an office alongside malodorous smells. They should also be mindful of physical sightings of leakage and blackening of pipes. This will put your workplace ahead of the curve to maintain optimal indoor air quality.
How XTRAIRE Can Help Maintain Optimal Indoor Air Quality
Your home and office deserve the best when it comes to HVAC servicing. At XTRAIRE, our experts are trained in maintaining optimal indoor air quality and fostering a comfortable environment for you, your family, and your coworkers. To learn more about how XTRAIRE can service your workplace and home, contact us today!