Discover Ways to Improve Air Quality for Smaller Businesses
Use technologies to improve air quality for smaller businesses and increase productivity.
Indoor Air Quality
Poor air quality not only creates an uncomfortable atmosphere, but also an unhealthy one. Any time you notice an overall problem with productivity at the office, take some time to find out what is causing the trouble. It is not always a personnel issue; one of the most frequently overlooked causes of poor performance is indoor air quality.
Poor Indoor Air Quality Signs
Many times there are no physical signs that something is wrong with the air quality in your workplace. There does not have to be an off odor, or a lot of visible dust for something to be wrong. Pay attention to your employees and clients; look for a change in attitude, appearance or actions. A few hints that the air they are breathing in is not clean include:
- Scratching or rubbing eyes or nose - microscopic irritants, such as air pollution, often go unnoticed but will cause eyes and noses to itch or tingle.
- Coughing and/or sneezing - once pollutants are inhaled, your body tries to get rid of them by sneezing or coughing them out.
- General malaise - having one or two people looking a bit sluggish after lunch is normal, especially if you know they have had a long night. However, if everyone in the office suddenly appears tired or lazy, it is usually something in the building.
- Complaints of frequent headaches - not getting enough good oxygen to the brain will result in a headache.
Ways to Fix the Problem
One of the first things you should do is change all the air filters in the heating, cooling and ventilation ducts. It would be a good idea to have portable air filters placed in small or heavily used rooms. It is also beneficial to have your HVAC system serviced to make sure that there is nothing in the ducting that could be spreading disease. These fixes are quick and easy, and will have your productivity increasing almost immediately. Your employees will feel better and happier too.
Purifying Your Air has Never Been Easier
Advanced technologies in air purification have made it easy to keep dust, pollution and disease-causing pathogens out of the air you breathe. Portable units that sit in a corner are whisper-quiet and able to clean the whole room in just an hour. You can have a few units that you move from room to room when they are needed. There is no need to have units in rooms that are not used all the time.
Having Clean Air is Not Expensive
It does not cost a lot of money to make sure that you and your employees are breathing clean, healthy air. Routine maintenance on the entire HVAC system will cost roughly $100 and should be performed twice a year. Air filters for the ducting cost about $3.00 each and a portable air purifier can be purchased from about $80.00 to $300.00. Having everyone working to their potential will create much more income than the amount you spend annually on air filtration and purification.
Do not underestimate the importance of air quality in the work place. Ensuring you keep the air clean will mean a better bottom line for you and a better place to work for your employees.