Indoor air quality is one of the most important, yet overlooked aspects of the day-to-day operations of your Lubbock, Texas, business. When properly maintained, good air quality improves employee health and productivity, as well as customer and client comfort. If you’ve overlooked this part of your business, don’t fear. Here are a few ways to improve the air quality at your business.
Change Your Air Filter
One of the easiest, quickest, and most cost-effective ways to improve air quality and even energy efficiency at your business is simply to change the air filter. Located between the HVAC unit and the ductwork, these filters help trap particulates that diminish air quality. Over time, the filter becomes clogged with these contaminants, making the air less breathable and even dangerous for those with allergies or asthma.
Make sure to replace your filter every 30 to 90 days depending on how much you use your HVAC system. Not only will you breathe easier, but you’ll also have a more efficient system that lowers energy bills and improves your bottom-line.
Add a Humidifier or Dehumidifier
According to studies, the ideal indoor relative humidity is somewhere between 35 percent and 60 percent depending on the climate and location of the business. However, winter weather often causes humidity to drop low during this time. When the air becomes too dry, it leads to a number of health issues such as sinus infections, dry, cracked skin, and difficulty breathing.
Fortunately, there are several ways to improve the relative humidity in your business. Plants actually give off a bit of humidity, so adding a few extra to the office is always a good idea. Another option is portable humidifiers or whole-business humidifiers, which provide ample moisture to the air. Not only will your employees and clients breathe better, but the humidity also provides the impression that it’s warmer, adding comfort to your business. If summer brings too much humdidity, a dehumidifier will do the trick and help you feel cooler.
Keep Contaminants Out
Another source of poor air quality at work is contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These two types of pollutants come from many sources, and create poor indoor air quality that can linger for weeks or longer. The most common types of VOCs are air fresheners or candles. If possible, don’t allow your employees to use these at their desks unless they can find a natural alternative.
However, it’s not just your employees that cause these contaminants to stay around the office. If you’re in a business that uses equipment with hazardous by-products, you need to keep the area separate from workspaces. You should also require your employees to wear proper safety masks or breathing apparatuses when necessary.
If you spray each year for insects, you should also schedule the appointment on a date that’s the furthest away from people being in the office. A Friday afternoon or Saturday morning should do the trick unless your business does most of its work over the weekends.
Get a Tuneup
As a business owner, it always seems like you’re short on time. Instead of trying to solve the indoor air quality problem on your own, leave it up to one of our professionals. We’ll ensure your system has adequate airflow, ventilation, and is free from any contaminants such as pet dander or dust. You can even opt for a maintenance plan, which gives you priority treatment and discounted prices for service that will improve your air quality.
Test for Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that comes from the burning of fuels. If you have a gas stove at the office or any other type of appliance that operates of natural gas, oil, or wood, carbon monoxide poisoning could be a cause for concern. To combat this issue, install a carbon monoxide detector in high-risk areas and places that are most frequented by employees and customers. We can also test for carbon monoxide and provide advice on how to adequately vent areas of your business.
When it comes to improving the indoor air quality of your business, don’t leave anything to chance. Instead, contact BTAC, Inc. for all your air quality needs. Give us a call today at 806-589-1014.
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