Improving Indoor Air Quality – Best Practices for Commercial and Industrial Buildings

An essential part of any commercial or industrial building across Canada, the HVAC system plays a critical role in distributing air and air quality. Good insulation, properly sealed ductwork, and the addition of air purifiers and air cleaners help reduce the contaminants that impact Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

With most of us still battling various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of improving IAQ cannot be overstated. In fact, several global studies point towards aerosol transmission capabilities of the SARS-COV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. This means that as facilities managers or administrators of commercial or industrial premises, some of your highest priorities include:

• Improving the IAQ and complying with Ontario’s HVAC systems guidelines
• Taking all necessary measures to keep your staff and visitors safe and reduce the risk of virus transmission in ventilated environments.

The HVAC professionals at TRI-AIR Systems share common best practices and cost-efficient solutions in this context.

A Guide to Achieving Cleaner Air in Ventilated Spaces

Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) may trigger allergies and headaches and cause several other health problems, including headaches, fatigue, concentration problems, skin rashes, eye irritation, and aggravation of chronic issues, such as asthma. Prolonged exposure to specific contaminants could also lead to lung diseases, heart conditions, or other serious ailments.

Improving IAQ in your commercial or industrial premises is a win-win-win situation for the staff, the business, as well like the environment. It serves to help facilitate:

• A healthy and comfortable workspace
• A high-quality indoor environment that is clean and pollutant-free
• Better staff performance and productivity levels
• Reduced illness and absenteeism
• An increased rate of Air Change Per Hour (ACH) means less stale air indoors

Here are the top 3 solutions for enhancing the IAQ on your premises:

1. Ventilation: Keeping the air vent pathways in your HVAC system clear from obstacles will ensure that airborne contaminants do not remain trapped indoors in your tightly packed, energy-efficient building. Some other solutions for improving ventilation:

• Heat-recovery ventilators (HRV): They heat the incoming air to maintain a steady flow of fresh air.
• Energy-recovery ventilators (ERV): Similar to HRVs, they also improve the energy efficiency of mechanical ventilation systems.

2. Temperature and Humidity: Maintaining optimum levels of temperature and humidity will prevent the growth of fungi, mold, and other contaminants and help you achieve a comfortable environment for all the building occupants.
3. Source Control: Investing in commercial-grade equipment, such as air scrubbers, air purifiers, air cleaners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers will keep the air quality at acceptable levels. While air cleaners will trap dust mites and allergens, UV lights, and air purifiers will neutralize harmful chemicals, bacteria, and viruses in the indoor environment.

Let the Experts at TRI-AIR Help Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

Despite the measures you take to control indoor air quality, you also need a reliable HVAC partner for cleaning and servicing the HVAC systems in your commercial or industrial premises. The qualified and experienced technicians at TRI-AIR Systems have decades of experience in improving IAQ, creating healthy, ventilated spaces, and maintaining HVAC systems at optimum levels at all times.

Call 905-470-2424 or contact us online to schedule an inspection and testing of your HVAC systems. Our experts can help you achieve energy-efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation, along with desired levels of indoor air quality.

1. Why is improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) crucial for commercial and industrial buildings?
   Improving IAQ is vital because poor air quality can lead to various health issues for occupants, including allergies, headaches, fatigue, and aggravation of chronic conditions like asthma. It also enhances overall productivity, reduces illness, and creates a comfortable workspace.
2. How does ventilation impact indoor air quality in commercial and industrial premises?
   Proper ventilation ensures a constant flow of fresh air, preventing airborne contaminants from getting trapped indoors. Techniques like Heat-Recovery Ventilators (HRV) and Energy-Recovery Ventilators (ERV) help maintain efficient ventilation, improving air quality.
3. What role do temperature and humidity play in indoor air quality management?
   Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels is crucial as it prevents the growth of fungi, mold, and other contaminants. This balance creates a comfortable environment for occupants while inhibiting the proliferation of harmful substances.
4. How can source control methods enhance indoor air quality in commercial and industrial buildings?
   Source control involves utilizing equipment like air scrubbers, air purifiers, air cleaners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. These devices trap dust mites, and allergens, and neutralize harmful chemicals, bacteria, and viruses, ensuring the indoor environment remains clean and safe.
5. Why is it essential to partner with a reliable HVAC service provider for improving indoor air quality?
   An experienced HVAC partner, like TRI-AIR Systems, ensures that HVAC systems are cleaned, serviced, and maintained at optimum levels. Their expertise and inspection services help businesses achieve energy-efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, and desired IAQ, creating a healthy working atmosphere.