Poor air quality contributes to various health issues, from allergies and asthma to heart disease. Unfortunately, the indoor air quality in many commercial buildings is often worse than what you experience outdoors due to inadequate ventilation systems that trap pollutants inside. This can seriously affect employee health and productivity, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Below are ways commercial buildings can improve indoor air quality.

1. Increasing Ventilation

Ventilation plays a major role in air quality and is often the easiest way to improve it. While providing fresh air from the outside, ventilation also helps remove pollutants that build up indoors and reduce airborne illness. This can be achieved by opening windows, installing mechanical ventilation systems, or updating current ventilation systems. Although increasing ventilation can lead to increased energy costs, the long-term benefits of improved air quality can far outweigh the costs.

2. Utilizing Green Building Strategies

Green building strategies aim to improve indoor air quality using natural materials and energy-efficient technologies. This includes using paints, sealants, adhesives, carpets, and furniture that don’t emit harmful chemicals into the environment. You can also increase insulation and upgrade heating and cooling systems with more energy-efficient solutions.

Investing in green materials and technologies can be expensive initially because specialized equipment and professional installation are needed. However, commercial building owners and managers must also consider the long-term benefits of green building strategies. Over time, these costs can be offset by improved air quality, energy savings, and overall occupant health and productivity.

3. Cleaning with Eco-Friendly Products

The products used to clean commercial buildings can also majorly impact air quality. Many cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic chemicals that are released into the air when used. This pollutes the air with harmful substances and can cause irritations and allergic reactions in those exposed.

Using eco-friendly cleaning products is a great way to keep indoor air clean while being kinder to the environment. Eco-friendly cleaning products use natural ingredients that don’t release hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere or leave behind toxic residues. These products can be just as effective as traditional ones but can provide better results with fewer impacts on our health and planet.

4. Investing in Air Purifiers

Air purifiers remove particles and pollutants from the air. Many commercial buildings, such as offices and hospitals, are now installing HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration systems and/or UV lights within the HVAC system. These systems can eliminate up to 99.7 percent of airborne particles, including allergens, viruses, bacteria, dust, smoke, and more.

Cleaner air can reduce asthma symptoms, allergies, respiratory infections, and other illnesses associated with poor air quality. Additionally, air purification systems can reduce energy costs since cleaner air can result in less strain on heating and cooling systems.

5. Incorporating Plants

Plants are more than just aesthetically pleasing. They can also help to improve air quality. Green plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which helps purify our air. Incorporating green plants into building designs can make a big difference in indoor air quality. Additionally, green walls and living roofs provide additional benefits such as sound absorption, energy savings, and stormwater management.

7. Installation of HVAC System Filters

HVAC systems are often the primary source of air circulation in commercial buildings. Unfortunately, when overlooked, these systems can become breeding grounds for dust, bacteria, and other particles that compromise air quality.

Installing high-quality filters ensures that HVAC systems run efficiently and provide clean air. However, it’s important to note that these systems need regular maintenance and filter replacements to provide the best air quality. Residents of Omaha and the surrounding areas can also use professional HVAC services from Xtreme Heating & Cooling LLC to ensure their systems are well-installed, maintained, and running efficiently.

Conclusion

Commercial buildings often have poor air quality due to the number of people and activities inside them. However, building owners and managers can take some steps to improve indoor air quality. There are many ways to make a big difference, from using eco-friendly cleaning products to installing HVAC system filters, investing in air purifiers, incorporating green plants into building design, and educating on and promoting air quality.

At Xtreme Heating & Cooling LLC, we provide a wide range of services, from HVAC installation maintenance, and repair to indoor air quality testing to air purification and ventilation. Call us now to learn how we can help improve the air quality of your commercial buildings.

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