Strategies for Controlling Airborne Contaminants in Commercial Spaces
Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. The EPA notes that the concentrations of certain pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher inside than outdoors. Controlling airborne contaminants such as dust, allergens, and other harmful pollutants is critical in commercial spaces.
We’ll explore effective strategies for controlling airborne contaminants in commercial spaces, emphasizing practical solutions that enhance indoor air quality and maintain a healthy environment for your team.
Why You Must Manage Airborne Contaminants
The term “airborne contaminants” typically elicits thoughts of dust and pollen. While these are certainly present in the indoor environment, they are far from the worst contaminants making their way through your air ducts.
There are many different types of bio-contaminants in indoor air, including bacteria and fungi. They can cause lower and upper airway diseases, flu-like symptoms, and even cancer.
By effectively controlling airborne contaminants, you can protect your workers from these dangers, along with the following:
Promote Better Worker Health
Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory issues and allergies. In the long term, these agents can create chronic health conditions. By controlling airborne contaminants, you can help your team breathe easier and promote better worker health.
Enhance Productivity
Clean air promotes better concentration and productivity among workers. If your team constantly sneezes and coughs or simply feels congested and unwell, they will get less accomplished each day. On the other hand, a clean, healthy environment will help them perform at their best.
Reduce Absenteeism
If your team is feeling sick all the time, they will probably miss work more often. Missing just a few key team members can significantly hamper productivity and cost your business thousands. Controlling airborne contaminants may promote better attendance by reducing the spread of illnesses across your workforce.
Key Strategies for Controlling Airborne Contaminants
Here are a few helpful tactics for controlling airborne contaminants in commercial spaces:
Rethink the Way You Take Care of Your AC
HVAC systems are critical in circulating and filtering air within commercial spaces. Regular HVAC maintenance ensures that your equipment functions efficiently and effectively. Some of the upkeep tasks that you must perform include:
- Regular Filter Changes: Replace all filters in accordance with manufacturer recommendations to prevent clogging.
- Duct Cleaning: Periodically clean air ducts to remove accumulated dust and debris.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect ductwork for gaps or leaks that may allow contaminants to enter the system.
In addition, building automation systems (BASs) can help simplify maintenance and ensure that you complete all of these critical tasks on time. These solutions use a combination of hardware and software to increase visibility across key building systems, including HVAC, security, and fire safety.
BAS technology not only helps you stick to your maintenance schedule, but it also promotes better energy efficiency and an increased equipment lifespan. Forward-thinking HVAC partners like The Severn Group can help design and implement a robust HVAC solution that fully integrates into your BAS.
Use Good Filters
Not all air filters are created equal. Choose the right filters to help capture airborne particles and improve indoor air quality. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are highly effective at trapping fine particles, including dust mites and pollutants. To enhance filtration, consider upgrading to HEPA filters or filters with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating appropriate for your commercial space.
After you’ve implemented the appropriate type of air filters, it’s important to swap them out regularly. Keep in mind that you may have to replace your air filters more often than manufacturers recommend. Consider variables like what type of business you run, how much dust and debris is present, and how frequently people enter and exit the building. All of these factors can impact the lifespan of your air filters.
Clean Everything
You must maintain a clean environment to reduce the buildup of airborne contaminants like dust and mold spores. Create comprehensive cleaning protocols and ensure your team follows them.
Surface cleaning represents a critical step. Your team should regularly clean surfaces, floors, and furniture using high-quality equipment.
Ensure your maintenance staff cleans and disinfects key HVAC components, such as coils and drip pans. You can also contract with a service provider like The Severn Group to simplify equipment upkeep. Our team will handle all HVAC cleaning processes to reduce the burden on your internal maintenance staff.
Use Air Purifiers
Air purification solutions can further enhance indoor air quality by actively removing contaminants. Consider adding the following equipment to your HVAC system:
- Ionizers use charged ions to make airborne particles clump together
- UV-C germicidal lamps can destroy microbial contaminants
- Activated carbon filters absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors
Each of these tips will help control airborne contaminants and ensure your team can breathe easily at work.
Stop Airborne Contaminants With Us
Controlling airborne contaminants in commercial spaces requires a multifaceted approach that integrates maintenance, filtration, and cleaning workflows. Advanced technologies like building automation can assist with keeping maintenance schedules. By prioritizing indoor air quality, you can create a healthier and more productive environment for your staff and visitors alike.
The Severn Group provides custom commercial HVAC solutions for businesses throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Our team handles everything from preventive maintenance to retrofitting and 24-hour emergency service. Whether you are planning a new construction project or need to upgrade your existing HVAC infrastructure, The Severn Group can help. Contact us today.