With a significant portion of the workforce gradually coming back to the office, it’s essential to maintain good indoor air quality at all times and take the appropriate actions if there are signs that it’s less than ideal. In today’s post, local heating and air conditioning service company Shackelford Heating & Cooling discusses the signs that your workplace has poor indoor air quality and what can be done about it.
Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Problems with poor indoor air quality can be due to a combination of the following factors: inadequate temperature, poor ventilation and high levels of humidity and indoor air pollutants that include bacteria, fungi and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs come from common objects and substances like paint, plastic and aerosols, and are released through a process called “off-gassing,” which can occur over many years. Enclosed spaces like typical offices can become polluted if these particles keep circulating in the same space rather than being vented out.
Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Staying in an enclosed space with poor indoor air quality on a regular basis can result in flu-like symptoms, including headaches, fatigue and nausea. In addition, pollen and mold spores in the air indoors may trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing and irritation of the eyes, nose or throat. There may also be a pervasive odor in some areas. Poor indoor air quality can cause discoloration on the walls, wrinkled or blistering paint and visible signs of mold growth, as well.
How to Prevent Indoor Air Quality Issues
Keeping up with your building’s HVAC maintenance schedule, administered by your air conditioning repair service contractor, should take care of most indoor air quality problems. A typical HVAC maintenance routine includes a full inspection of the HVAC systems, the building’s vents and ductwork and the air filtration systems.
The air filters, in particular, are crucial in maintaining the building’s indoor air quality. If your workplace is having indoor air quality issues despite regular filter replacements and scheduled inspections, additional steps must be taken. This could include installing an air purifier unit. Hiring professionals to perform air testing and mold removal may also be necessary.
Call Shackelford for Your All HVAC Needs
Shackelford Heating & Cooling is your leading provider of commercial and residential heating repair and installation services. Give us a call at (608) 530-0667. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Madison, WI.
