Better Indoor Air Quality Increases Productivity

A High Standard of Indoor Air Quality Is More Important Than Ever

The demand for a high standard of air quality (free of germs and allergens) in the workplace or other commercial spaces is bigger than ever.  Taking steps to improve your indoor air quality has a number of significant health benefits.  But is it just another expense or is there an economic benefit to making your air a little more breathable?

We say yes.  And that benefit comes mainly in the form of greater worker productivity.

The green trend has introduced us to a multitude of ways to upgrade the efficiency of heating and cooling commercial spaces, saving the building owners on fuel and energy costs.  But, this comes at a hidden price.  An increase in efficiency tends to mean a decrease in loss of airflow through holes and cracks in ductwork.  Yeah, a good thing.  But, this has the unintended side effect of trapping and circulating air that is more polluted with higher concentrations of contaminants such as mold, mildew, germs, and allergens.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make efficiency upgrades to your heating and cooling system.  It only means that you should offset the reduced air quality caused by these efficiency upgrades with air quality improvement approaches.  There are several approaches.

Filtering is the first and most obvious step in improving air quality and keeping unwelcome pollutants from the air.  Generally, the thicker the filter, the better the job it does in keeping contaminants out of circulation.  Try to go with the thickest air filter available.

Viral particles remain active for longer periods in dryer air while mold and mildew thrive in more moist air.  This is part of the reason why humidity control is such an important aspect of improving indoor air quality.  Have an HVAC professional determine whether your current system can be upgraded with enhanced humidity monitoring and controls.

The installation of air purification systems in commercial spaces is another way to boost your indoor air quality.  There is a range of air purification products with a variety of screening capabilities on the market.  We can help you find the right fit for your space.

Adding UV heat and light purifiers to your ductwork is another approach.  These purifiers emit ultra-violet heat and light that eliminates airborne pathogens and microorganisms.

Newer HVAC designs are utilizing the time-tested benefits of fresh air.  The more exterior air that is brought inside and diluted with interior air, the fewer contaminants are being recycled over and over throughout your ductwork.  This is the dilution approach.

What do all these things add up to?  A cleaner, healthier, and, ultimately, a more productive workspace.  According to Harvard University’s Healthy Buildings Program study, subjects in a better ventilated enclosed space showed an average increase of 8% productivity.

Over time, yes, keeping a high standard of air quality in your buildings isn’t just good for the health of the people who occupy them, but for your bottom line as well.  Especially now that everyone is looking to reduce their carbon footprint by upgrading to energy efficient systems.

Contact us, and let’s talk about what sort of air quality of efficiency upgrades PSI can implement into your commercial space.