9 Ways to Improve Air Quality in Your Office
It's no surprise that air quality in an office can often be poor. With so many people in such a small space, dirt, dust, and other debris can really build up quickly – not to mention the added influence of any office renovations or new building construction nearby. Poor office air quality can lead to Sick Building Syndrome, which affects employees anytime they're inside. If workers complain about headaches, respiratory problems, coughing, or fevers while on the job, it could very well be due to an indoor air quality issue – especially if these symptoms only occur at work and clear up by the time people get home.
How You Can Improve Office Air Quality
Luckily, there are ways to improve air quality and keep employees happy and healthy in any office environment. At the very least, try the following ideas from ServiceMaster Clean to lower the chances of your staff getting sick and to improve office air quality overall:
Keep your air vents open and unblocked. If furniture, boxes, or other items block the path of your air vents, the air inside your office won't circulate properly and could cause health issues.
Replace air filters frequently. If your air filters are clogged, airflow becomes nonexistent. Over time, dust and debris will build up behind the filters and settle inside your air ducts, putting your employees' health at even more risk. As a general rule, air filters should be replaced every 6-12 months.
Maintain a healthy level of humidity. Humidity between 30 and 50 percent helps keep dust mites, mold, and other allergens under control. Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to control the humidity level in your office.
Clean spills immediately. Excess moisture or residual dampness supports the growth of mildew and mold, which can cause severe health risks. It's more expensive to remediate mold damage than it is to prevent it, so it's in your best interest to reduce the risk of mold growth by cleaning up spills or leaks as soon as you see them.
Add some office plants. Not only do plants add a pleasing, peaceful aesthetic to any office, they also absorb toxins and produce more oxygen, which means employees will be able to breathe more easily.
Use fresh air whenever possible. If your office has windows, open them up and let that fresh air in. When weather permits, keeping your windows and doors open helps circulate fresh air in and stale air out.
Keep your office clean. Regularly vacuum, dust, sanitize, clear away clutter, and promptly dispose of all garbage as it accumulates. Often, it's easiest to schedule regular professional cleanings to ensure this crucial component of indoor air quality doesn't get overlooked. Keeping clean ensures less pollutants have a chance to mix with the air and make your employees sick. If it's been some time since your office has been cleaned, a one-time office deep cleaning will do you (and your employees!) wonders.
Inspect and clean your air ducts. If there are any signs that your air ducts are impacting air quality or circulation and need to be cleaned, call in experts to assess and correct the issue before anyone's health is compromised.
Have your air quality tested. Experts in air quality have the right tools and know how to measure air quality in offices, from airflow to humidity levels, ventilation, odors, leaks, standing water, water damage, mold growth, and more. After a thorough inspection, you'll know exactly what needs to be fixed to improve office air quality moving forward.
If you need help correcting an indoor air quality issue in your office, call the experts at ServiceMaster Clean. We'll be there right away to inspect your office, clean your air ducts, and set up a regular cleaning schedule to ensure your staff members stay happy and healthy. With our proven expertise and commitment to holding ourselves to the highest cleaning standards, we'll always be there to deliver exceptional results for you. Call us today for your individualized quote.
