Imagine a commercial building where every breath is genuinely supportive of health and wellbeing. With the correct approach to indoor air quality control across your building, this ideal can become your reality.

The air circulating through your commercial building shouldn’t just be ‘passable’ - it should be clean, fresh and free from the many pathogens and contaminants that lead to respiratory illnesses and other medical conditions.

Everyone deserves the right to fresh air, and by building some simple, achievable measures into your HVAC maintenance processes, you can give your staff, customers and site visitors just that. Aside from investing in one of your building’s most overlooked assets - the air it circulates - following the five steps below will demonstrate that you’re willing to take action on behalf of the half of the US population who are concerned about indoor air quality impacting their health.

Step #1: Ensure Regular HVAC Maintenance

Maintaining your HVAC system isn't just about temperature control; it's a vital step in preserving indoor air quality. If you haven’t included a full HVAC maintenance schedule in your general facility maintenance plans, now’s the time to make a change.

Over time, HVAC components can accumulate dust, mold and other pollutants which are then circulated throughout your building. Regular inspections, cleaning of ducts and servicing of the system are crucial and can prevent common issues like blocked filters or dirty coils that can compromise air quality.

Moreover, during maintenance, attention should be paid to all parts of the system, including outdoor intakes and exhausts. Keeping these areas clean and unobstructed ensures proper air circulation and prevents the intake of polluted outdoor air. For tips on where to get started, check out our Top 5 HVAC Maintenance Tips .

Step #2: Upgrade Your Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system play a pivotal role in trapping and removing airborne particles, including allergens, dust, and even microorganisms. However, not all filters are created equal. Brookaire’s high-efficiency air filters , particularly those with higher MERV ratings, are designed to capture finer particles effectively. For instance, our MERV 10 high-capacity pleated air filters can trap a significant amount of airborne pollutants without hindering airflow.

It's crucial to choose a filter that matches your system's requirements and the specific air quality needs of your building. Furthermore, these filters should be checked regularly and replaced as needed to ensure they remain effective (see Step #1). This regular replacement not only maintains air quality but also preserves the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system.

Step #3: Control Indoor Humidity

Proper humidity levels are essential for both comfort and health, and striking the balance here is key. But why is that balance so important?

Put simply, high humidity can encourage the growth of mold and dust mites, while low humidity can exacerbate respiratory problems and viral transmissions. Brookaire’s HVAC solutions are adept at maintaining optimal humidity levels, typically between 30-50%. In regions where humidity is a persistent issue, standalone dehumidifiers or humidifiers might be necessary.

Additionally, it's essential to address any sources of moisture, such as leaks or condensation, as these can lead to higher humidity levels and mold growth.

Regularly inspecting the building for signs of moisture and promptly addressing any issues is crucial in maintaining ideal humidity levels.

Step #4: Ensure Proper Ventilation

Fact: ventilation is key to diluting and removing indoor airborne contaminants.

An effective ventilation system brings in fresh outdoor air and expels stale indoor air, but it needs to be properly balanced and maintained. This includes ensuring that vents are unobstructed, air filters are clean and the system is balanced to provide adequate fresh air intake and exhaust.

In buildings where natural ventilation is limited, mechanical ventilation systems should be evaluated and adjusted regularly to ensure they provide sufficient air exchange. This is particularly important in areas that are densely occupied or have limited access to windows.

Step #5: Remember Your V-Belts

Often overlooked, V-belts play a crucial role in the smooth operation of HVAC systems. A well-maintained V-belt contributes to the overall system efficiency, impacting not only the air quality but also energy consumption. So, why focus on these components?

• Energy efficiency: A worn or improperly tensioned V-belt can cause slippage and reduced fan speed, leading to increased energy consumption. Regular inspection and maintenance of these belts can prevent such inefficiencies.
• System longevity: V-belts under undue stress can wear out faster and potentially cause damage to other components of your HVAC system. Ensuring that they are in good condition and correctly aligned can extend the life of your entire system.
• Noise reduction: A failing V-belt can become a noise nuisance. Regular checks can help identify and rectify issues that cause operational noise, leading to a quieter and more pleasant environment.

Our motto? Look after your V-belts, and they will look after you. Simple.

Brookaire: Your Air Quality, Our Mission

Fast delivery. Custom size filters. A wealth of expertise built on decades of HVAC experience. When it comes to ensuring optimum indoor air quality in commercial buildings, choose your trusted HVAC supply partner - choose Brookaire. For a consultation on specifying the perfect solution for your space, contact us now.