Warm sunlight through a window illuminates a stack of old files and papers, with dust particles dancing in the golden glow.

Allergens and dust are found in the air throughout the summer, so IAQ remains a priority year-round. Maintenance managers and commercial cleaners need to focus on ways to improve indoor air quality to continue to provide a safe environment for the people inside.

HVAC

Your HVAC system is a vital tool for keeping your building’s air fresh and clean. Be proactive in setting up a maintenance schedule with a professional for your HVAC system that includes changing the filters, cleaning the coils, checking belts and pulleys, cleaning inside the cabinet, checking the condensate lines, and recording all performed maintenance. Ensuring that your HVAC system is operating at peak performance will allow you to provide clean air for the occupants of your building.

Humidity

Humid air is a concern as high levels of humidity can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Monitor your humidity levels to ensure that they are within the recommended range of between 40 and 60 per cent. If your humidity levels are high, improving ventilation with exhaust fans and using de-humidifiers can help you regulate those levels. Technology can also help you stay on top of your humidity levels with tools like sensors and smart thermostats that will report on humidity levels throughout your building, even when the spaces are unoccupied.

RELATED: Managing moisture and mould

Cleanliness

While this may seem simple, cleanliness – or lack thereof – can affect your IAQ. Dust that remains in carpets, on furniture, appliances or electronics can find its way into the air. As well, any garbage that is not removed promptly can affect the air quality with odour, biological contamination, and can attract pests.

It can also create the perception that IAQ is poor, which could affect employee performance. Adding greenery can help with IAQ, as plants absorb gases and VOCs, helping to clean the air. However, over-watering or spilling water can create a space for mould or fungi to grow and become airborne, so be vigilant with cleaning up spills and avoiding puddles or water inside.

IAQ does not just refer to germs, it is important to keep your HVAC in working order, monitor humidity, and prioritize cleanliness to provide clean, safe air throughout your building year-round.

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