by Blake Lynch, Hydronic & UVC Sales Specialist, Climate Systems Inc.
Effective HVAC management doesn’t stop at maintaining comfortable temperatures or ensuring an efficient system. It plays an important role in the health and safety of building occupants. From office space to hospital to manufacturing plant, air quality is a crucial piece of HVAC management, often making the difference between a safe or unhealthy indoor environment.
The topic of indoor air quality is often overlooked within the HVAC industry. Though a common oversight, it remains a critical component in maintaining building performance and protecting occupant health–and it is more cost efficient compared to the overall HVAC system.
What is Indoor Air Quality?
A key term in this discussion is indoor air quality (IAQ), which refers to the condition of the air inside buildings and homes. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to headaches, fatigue, allergies, and respiratory problems. Proper IAQ management comes with a number of benefits, including reducing airborne contaminants, improving comfort, and creating a safer and healthier indoor environment for all building occupants.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
Indoor air pollutants are a major player in indoor air quality. Common indoor air pollutants include:
- Particulate matter from cooking, cleaning, and smoking
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by paints, cleaners, and furniture
- Radon gas: a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can seep into buildings
- Mold and dust mites caused by excess moisture
- Carbon monoxide from fuel-burning appliances
Indoor air pollution sources vary widely, and controlling these sources is a key activity in IAQ management.
Managing Indoor Air Quality
Here’s how to manage IAQ in order to maintain healthy indoor air:
- Reduce pollution sources by limiting harsh chemical products and avoiding indoor smoking.
- Improve ventilation by using exhaust fans and bringing in fresh outdoor air when conditions allow. (Greenheck)
- Use effective air filtration, such as high-efficiency HVAC filters, UV, and/or ionization air cleaners. (Camfil, Steril-Aire, Plasma-Air)
- Control humidity and moisture by repairing leaks. Maintaining indoor humidity levels of 30-50% helps prevent mold growth.
A Great Way to Ensure a Healthy Indoor Environment
Managing indoor air quality isn’t a secondary part of HVAC. It is one of the most effective decisions a building owner or facility manager can make for the health of building occupants. The indoor spaces that are the healthiest to work in are those that take workplace safety seriously, taking proactive steps to ensure proper IAQ.
If you are interested in outsourcing your indoor air quality management, let’s talk. We can discuss options to best fit your building’s needs.
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Blake Lynch
Hydronic & UVC Sales Specialist
Climate Systems Inc.