The air quality of an office can have a huge impact on the productivity and health of the employees who work there. What’s true in the office is even more important in other workplaces like factories and schools, where students or workers spend all day breathing the same air over and over again. Unfortunately, indoor air quality is usually an overlooked topic. In this blog, you will learn about the importance of good indoor air quality as well as ways to improve air quality in your commercial space.
Why Good Air Quality is Important
Employees spend most of their day in offices, so it’s important that these buildings maintain good air quality. The EPA estimates that indoor air can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air, and office buildings are often responsible for a lot of poor indoor air quality. This can be caused by several different factors: people smoking indoors, inadequate ventilation systems, or machinery.
But no matter what’s causing poor air quality, it can cause some serious health problems for employees—especially those with asthma or allergies. If you’re concerned about your building’s air quality, here are some steps you can take to improve it.
Keeping the Space Clean
Keeping the office clean improves air quality, which leads to more efficient work and better health. A clean office is also more inviting than a messy one, ensuring that you’ll get the best out of your employees and clients every day. Keeping a clean office shows that you care about their comfort and health, boosting morale and productivity. Finally, having good indoor air quality (IAQ) can help prevent issues like allergies and asthma among employees.
A good commercial cleaning service can help keep your office clean and healthy. A pro will come by at the frequency of your businesses’ choosing to take care of routine tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and mopping, leaving you with more time to focus on important matters. They’ll also handle deep-cleaning duties upon request so that your office stays cleaner over time for your employees and clients.
Clean Air Filters
One of the most cost-effective ways to improve indoor air quality for your employees is by replacing all old air filters to clean, new air filters. According to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air pollution and often contains volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Asbestos, radon, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants can also find their way into indoor air.
Dirty filters don’t just reduce airflow; they also make it harder for heating and cooling systems to work properly. Cleaning or replacing filters regularly will help ensure that you maintain healthy indoor air quality throughout your office building. You will notice an immediate difference in your air quality once you replace your old, dirty air filter with a clean, new air filter. Air filters accumulate dust, dirt, mold spores, bacteria, and other particles as well as keep fresh air from entering your home or business.
If you have allergies or asthma then having clean air filters is essential to prevent further complications. Clean air filters will keep allergy and asthma triggers at bay so that your employees and patrons are healthy.
Stay Up To Date On Cleaning Practices
To ensure that your employees are working in a safe and clean environment, it’s important to stay up to date on all cleaning practices. From using disinfectants to removing allergens from your office space, a good cleaning schedule will help keep your employees healthy and focused on work. Remember: You are responsible for providing a safe place for them to do their best work.
Commercial cleaning professionals know the best products and tools to use to keep your office space clean, therefore improving the overall air quality of your office or commercial space. For example, a janitorial service can come in on a regular basis to remove allergens like dust mites from carpets and upholstery using specialized vacuums that can trap these allergens before they spread throughout your office.
Similarly, disinfectants are great for removing germs and bacteria from surfaces like desks, chairs, tables, and other furniture pieces that are commonly touched by employees throughout their day.
Utilize Natural Air Fresheners
Some people don’t realize that synthetic air fresheners can actually cause health problems. Synthetic air fresheners use chemicals to mask odors, and unfortunately, some of these chemicals have been linked to allergies, headaches, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues. The best thing you can do to improve indoor air quality is to avoid synthetic fragrances and use natural scents instead.
A great place to start is with your plants! Plants are a great way to naturally purify your air while also adding a little color and life into your space. Try placing plants near any windows where they will receive plenty of sunlight. Not only will they boost your office’s air quality but they will boost your employee’s morale.
You can also utilize essential oils and a diffuser to freshen up your office’s air. Essential oils are natural compounds extracted from plants that have been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, alleviate pain, and sometimes help fight illness. Diffusers use ultrasonic technology to break down the essential oil into tiny particles that are then dispersed into your space. This will add a pleasant scent to your commercial space without adding allergy-inducing chemicals into the air.
Utilize a Humidifier or Dehumidifier
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are powerful tools that can help improve your indoor air quality. Depending on your climate and the weather, you can use one of these tools to improve your space’s air quality.
A humidifier adds moisture to dry air, which prevents excessively dry air in your office. In the winter months when heat is being blasted through the office, the air tends to get dryer. This is the optimal time to use a humidifier. Employees spend a significant amount of time in the office, and dry air contributes to asthma, dry skin, dehydration, and irritated eyes.
A dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of a room. If you live in a damp area, or if mold starts growing in your commercial space, consider purchasing one. Damp air can lead to mold or mildew growth, pests, damaged electronics, and the overall decrease in the longevity of your building.
Get An Air Purifier
One of the best ways to increase your quality of indoor air, and therefore boost your productivity, health, and overall happiness at work, is to get a high-quality air purifier. By removing pollution from your environment—such as dust particles, allergens like pet dander and pollen, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted by various items in your office—you can remove common stressors that can lead to asthma or allergies.
HEPA air filters are a great choice, as they can remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns—which is about 1/30th of human hair—from your indoor environment. This type of air filter is the most beneficial and effective for improving your office’s air quality.
Invest in a Professional Commercial Cleaning Company
You’re ready to take your business to new heights, and that means welcoming a new set of challenges. One of these challenges will be keeping your workplace clean and safe for both employees and guests alike. A thorough, professional commercial cleaning service can help you do just that.
Whether you have a small office or large headquarters, a commercial cleaning company can greatly reduce costs associated with equipment maintenance and supply purchases while making your workspace healthier and safer for everyone who passes through it every day.
Investing in a commercial cleaning service or janitorial services is the best choice you can make to improve your office’s overall health and safety, including indoor air quality.
FlowerHill Facility Services offers commercial cleaning
and janitorial services for your commercial business in the North Richland Hills and Fort Worth, Texas areas. Call today at 817-422-4740 or visit https://www.flowerhillfs.com/ to take the first steps in improving your office space and your employee’s well-being.
