Good air quality or ventilation in the office is oftentimes given the least priority since there are a lot of other things that needs to be managed in the workplace. The importance of office ventilation, however, can be evident with how we easily notice the temperature and humidity in our working environment, especially when it gets too humid or too cold. Sometimes we take for granted how important good air quality is in our office, and we miss out on looking after our ventilation system.
Why is Good Office Ventilation Important?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plays a huge role in keeping our workers comfortable, healthy and productive. There are air quality standards established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for ventilation rates for different kinds of rooms and spaces to prevent adverse health effects, and one of the important reasons why we must monitor the quality of air is to prevent air pollution that can potentially harm people in the office.
Good Ventilation Starts with Design, Installment and Quality Products.
First, it is important that our heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is designed and installed properly. A good design can control air movement in an energy-efficient way especially if your equipment is properly and strategically placed. You might also want to consider practicality with the products you use since some may be cheaper but are less durable. There are also some that have better features for only a small increase in price.
Control Air Pollutants with Efficient Office Ventilation.
The next important thing about our ventilation system is their operation and maintenance. Your air vents may release dirt or other pollutants if they are not maintained properly and cleaned regularly. This may affect your worker’s health, like triggering allergic rhinitis or spreading airborne viruses. A buildup of dirt in your ventilation system may also block air flow.
Poor Ventilation Increases the Amount of Carbon Dioxide in the Air.
Carbon dioxide can significantly affect a person’s productivity since it can bring about drowsiness, headache or a generally lower functioning capacity to a person’s body. There are also other causes of indoor pollution like pesticides, photocopying machines, building materials and furnishings, cleaning agents and tobacco smoke that can linger in the air if there is poor ventilation.
From design, installation, operation and maintenance, there are a lot of factors to consider so that we can ensure good air quality and efficient ventilation in the office. Make sure you find a reliable company you can trust with this important task as you look after the health and productivity of people in your workplace.
Written by APM Construction Services, a construction and home maintenance company that is the best choice for heating and cooling in Columbia, MO.