If you have noticed that your employees call out sick more often in the spring or summer, bad allergies may be to blame. Increased pollen from Arizona trees and grasses, combined with mold spores that thrive in warm conditions, can contribute to uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and runny and itchy eyes, noses, and throats. As a business owner, understanding air quality can help you reduce the risk of allergy symptoms in your building. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality at Tucson workplaces.
What is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality is the quality of air inside of buildings. It is influenced by the presence of pollutants, cleaning chemicals, toxins, dust, and other allergens and irritants as well as the temperature, humidity, and ventilation of the property.
What are the Dangers of Poor Indoor Air Quality?
Poor indoor air quality can cause physical and mental health issues for anyone who spends a significant period of time in your building. Some common concerns include:
- Eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation
- Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and trouble concentrating
- Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightening
- Nausea and fever
How Do You Know Your Business’ Air Quality is Bad?
One of the biggest signs that your property’s indoor air quality is bad is increased complaints from employees and visitors about allergies and illness. Some other signs include:
- Having to change the filters on your HVAC system more often
- An increase in dust and debris on indoor surfaces
- More insects or pests in the building
- Increased humidity or condensation
- Lingering smells and foul odors
- Increased wear and tear on equipment and electronics
- Stuffy or hot air and/or cold spots and drafts
What Can You Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality?
The best way to assess and improve the indoor air quality at your business is to work with a qualified air quality, heating, and air contractor. They can identify the specific issues that are negatively affecting the quality of air in your building, and determine the most effective solutions. Some of the best ways to improve indoor air quality at work are:
- Keep vents and air registers clean and clear.
- Install HEPA filters and change them each month.
- Clean air ducts.
- Check air ducts for leaks and schedule duct sealing if needed.
- Strictly enforce no-smoking or vaping policies near building entrances, exits, and windows.
- Use low-VOC cleaning products.
- Schedule semiannual cooling and heating inspections and preventive maintenance.
- Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain consistent humidity levels.
- Install a commercial-grade air purifier or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to remove allergens, pollutants, and pathogens from the air.
- Clean regularly to remove dust and allergens.
- Immediately repair gaps, cracks, and leaks.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Now
B & J Refrigeration offers more than just air conditioning service and heating service to local Tucson businesses. B & J will gladly direct you to the proper company to test the air quality in your office or home. If it is determined that an air purification system is necessary, we will discuss options with you. Call us or contact us online to make an appointment for a cooling and heating inspection and get an estimate for duct cleaning, air purifier installation, and more.