If you’re a business owner, office manager, building, or facility owner, improving the air quality in your workplace should be top of mind. Did you know that most Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors? Not only does indoor air quality directly affect the health and productivity of your staff, but studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that employees exposed to indoor pollutants can develop decreased cognitive performance and respiratory illnesses, too.
Fortunately, there are ways to improve the air quality in your workspace quickly and easily so you can promote better conditions for yourself, your employees, and your visitors alike. Read on to discover our 8 proven strategies for creating an optimal atmosphere in your indoor environment.
What is Indoor Air Quality, and Why is it Important?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of air that’s present inside a building, and it can be affected by things like ventilation, temperature, humidity levels, airborne contaminants (such as mold or dust mites), or chemical pollutants (like formaldehyde). Poor IAQ has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and other respiratory illnesses in employees – which is why it’s so important to do everything you can to ensure clean air in your office or workplace.
Testing Your Indoor Air Quality
It’s important to monitor your indoor air quality regularly to make sure it stays at healthy levels. This can be done using air testing kits that check for allergens, mold, and other contaminants in the air. It’s best to do this periodically so you can identify any dangerous substances or pollutants that may be present.
How Can You Improve the Air Quality in Your Workplace?
Now that we’ve talked about indoor air quality testing, let’s look at eight ways you can improve the air quality of your workplace:
1. Keep Your Workplace Clean
Everyone wants to work in a clean environment, but did you know that it can improve the air quality in your workplace? Dust and other particles can accumulate on surfaces, causing discomfort to the people around them. Regularly cleaning surfaces, floors, and other work areas can prevent these particles from spreading throughout the room. A clean workplace is aesthetically pleasing and promotes a healthy work environment.
If you want to ensure that your workplace is always clean, consider enlisting the help of a commercial cleaning service like Star’s Janitorial Services. With their expertise, they can thoroughly clean the workspace, including those hard-to-reach areas, making a significant difference in air quality. By investing in the cleanliness of your workplace, you are investing in the health and productivity of your employees.
2. Change HVAC Filters Regularly
HVAC filters play an important role in improving the indoor air quality of your workplace. These filters trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles so they don’t circulate through the building. It’s essential to regularly change these filters as they can quickly become clogged with dirt and debris. This not only reduces the air quality, but it can also reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
3. Allow Natural Air Inside
Fresh air is essential for good IAQ, so try to bring some natural air into your workplace when you can. Open windows or doors during nice days or use fans to get clean air from the outside. Natural air improves indoor air quality by diluting the pollutants that may be present in the air. The more natural air you can allow into your workspace, the better it is for everyone’s health.
4. Keep Air Vents Unblocked
Air vents are designed to circulate air throughout space but can quickly become blocked or obstructed by furniture or other objects. Be sure to keep your air vents free of any obstructions so they can do their job and provide fresh, clean air into the workplace.
5. Use Indoor Plants
Did you know indoor plants can help improve air quality in your workspace? Not only do they look great, but some plants act as natural air purifiers by filtering out pollutants from the air. Certain types of plants are better than others at this, so research which ones will work best for your workplace. A few great examples include spider plants, English ivy, and snake plants.
6. Use Air-Cleaning Devices Such As Air Purifiers & Dehumidifiers
Air purifiers are designed to draw in air from the room and filter out any pollutants, allergens, or other particles that may be present. Using an air purifier in your office can ensure clean and safe air for everyone to breathe. Similarly, dehumidifiers can help reduce the humidity levels in your workplace, which can prevent mold growth.
7. Clean Air Ducts Regularly
Air ducts are pathways for air to travel through a building’s ventilation system. Over time, these ducts can become clogged with dust & debris, mold, bacteria, and even insects, reducing air quality. Regular professional cleaning of your air ducts can help ensure everyone breathes clean, safe air.
8. Prohibit Smoking and Vaping
Smoking is one of the most common causes of poor indoor air quality. Not only does it emit harmful toxins into the air, but second-hand smoke is also dangerous to those nearby. Vaping and electronic cigarettes should also be prohibited in the workplace as they can contain chemicals and particles that can contaminate the air. If you want to improve your workplace’s air quality, consider prohibiting smoking and vaping on the premises.
Final Thoughts
Improving the indoor air quality of your workspace is essential for creating a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved. With these eight tips, you can ensure clean and fresh air in your office or workplace. Additionally, it’s important to regularly monitor the air quality in your workplace to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. By making a few small changes, you can create a healthier and more productive work environment for everyone.
At Star’s Janitorial, we believe the environment you create speaks volumes about your business. Contact us today for a free assessment and free estimate for our commercial cleaning services. We’ll help you create a clean and safe environment that will help improve your indoor air quality.