Introduction

With summer temperatures reaching their peak across New York and beyond, we’ve had multiple questions from customers about how they can maintain optimal indoor air quality during the summer months. This is a pivotal concern for many facility managers and building operators: that’s why we’ve created a definitive learning resource with advice that can be applied to virtually any commercial building.

Summer - we all look forward to it. However, it has presented major indoor air quality challenges to commercial buildings across New York. And, despite the fact that we’ve been lucky to avoid forest fires this year, soaring temperatures continue to exacerbate air quality issues. This is of particular concern in commercial buildings, which typically receive more footfall across the season, combined with the presence of those members of staff who are in those buildings all-year round.

For key-decision makers, ensuring indoor air quality in summer months is about more than just comfort. When action isn’t taken, poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of respiratory and other health issues. We’re passionate in our belief that all of these threats are avoidable with the correct approach to HVAC. Keep reading to stay informed, and take action to stay protected across the warmest months of the year.

Ensuring Fresh Air in the Summertime

It doesn’t always require a total system redesign: some approaches help you secure fresh air for your building without breaking the bank.

How to Enjoy Cleaner Summer Air in Commercial Buildings

Ensuring that the air within commercial buildings is of high quality is not just about comfort—it's about safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone who enters the space. This makes it essential to understand and implement effective strategies to manage and enhance indoor air quality effectively. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the simplest - yet most significant - steps you can take.

Make HVAC System Maintenance a Real Priority

Regular check-ups: The first step in ensuring excellent indoor air quality during summer is the regular maintenance of your HVAC systems. Preventative maintenance checks should be scheduled to ensure that all components of the HVAC system are functioning efficiently. This includes checking and replacing air filters, inspecting coils for cleanliness, checking v-belts and ensuring that the condensate drain is clear of obstructions.

Air filter upgrades: Upgrading to high-efficiency air filters is crucial during the summer when dust, pollen, and other particulates are more prevalent. Brookaire offers a range of high-quality air filters, such as MERV-13 pleated air filters, which are capable of capturing fine particles while maintaining optimal airflow. These filters are ideal for commercial buildings looking to improve air quality without sacrificing system performance.

Enhance Ventilation the Easy Way

Increase outdoor air intake: Increasing the intake of outdoor air can help dilute indoor air pollutants. This is particularly effective in commercial buildings where recirculated air can accumulate higher levels of contaminants. Ensure that your HVAC system is set to maximize outdoor air intake as much as possible without overloading the system's capacity to cool the air. And, of course, considering opening windows in more densely populated spaces.

Try some energy recovery ventilators (ERVs): ERVs can be a valuable addition to any commercial HVAC system, especially during the summer. They allow for greater intake of fresh air by recovering energy from the conditioned air being expelled. ERVs help maintain a balance between air quality and energy efficiency, making them a smart investment for energy-conscious facilities. For more advice on this, reach out to one of our air quality experts who can recommend a manufacturer.

Control Humidity Levels Properly

Optimize your humidity settings: Maintaining humidity levels between 40% and 60% within commercial buildings can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth and discourage the proliferation of airborne pathogens. Brookaire’s HVAC solutions include systems that effectively manage humidity, ensuring a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Whilst all of our air filters have humidity control properties, some have this as a prime feature.

Dehumidifiers: In regions with high summer humidity, integrating dehumidifiers into your air management system can prevent the accumulation of moisture and the resulting growth of mold and mildew. Dehumidifiers help in maintaining the desired indoor humidity levels, thus enhancing the overall air quality.

Regular Cleaning and Air Purification

Scheduled cleaning: Frequent cleaning of all occupied spaces is essential. Dust, carpet fibers, and other particulates can accumulate quickly and degrade air quality if not regularly addressed. Ensure that vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning of ducts and vents are part of the building's routine maintenance schedule.

Air purifiers: Implementing air purifiers with HEPA filters in high-traffic areas or where pollutants are a significant concern can provide an additional layer of air quality assurance. These devices are effective at capturing a vast array of microscopic airborne contaminants, further enhancing the indoor environment.

Monitor Air Quality

Indoor air quality monitors: Utilizing IAQ monitors can provide real-time insights into the levels of various pollutants and environmental conditions inside your building. This data can be invaluable for making informed decisions about when to adjust your HVAC operations or when additional measures might be necessary to improve air quality.

Educate and Engage Building Occupants

Awareness programs: Educating building occupants about the importance of maintaining good air quality and how their actions can impact the indoor environment is crucial. Encourage practices such as reporting spills or water leaks immediately, minimizing the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and adhering to the building's smoking policy.

Invest in Fresh Air with Brookaire

Whether you're looking to enhance your commercial building's air quality or need a bespoke solution for your residential space, Brookaire is here to assist. To discover why we’re the leading choice in the Northeast, explore our range of products or reach out for a consultation.