Indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential to maintaining a healthy working environment within any commercial building, and HVAC equipment maintenance is a key factor in improving the standard of the air. It’s important that employees, clients, guests, and any other regular or temporary occupants of a commercial building have access to clean and breathable air, as this is a major contributing factor to a healthy and productive work space.
At Air-rite Solutions, we design, install, and maintain commercial air conditioning systems for businesses in Brisbane and across South East Queensland. We understand how crucial it is to maintain commercial HVAC equipment to help provide consistently healthy indoor air, and in this article, we’re going to break down just how interlinked these two things are.
What Happens When There’s Poor Indoor Air Quality?
Poor indoor air quality significantly impacts the health and well-being of workers, especially in confined environments like offices, classrooms, and smaller shops or cafes in Brisbane. Pollutants, ranging from dust and mould to chemical vapours, can accumulate, especially when there is poor commercial air conditioning maintenance.
In Brisbane, where temperatures can soar and humidity is a constant factor in the summer months, it’s even more important for businesses to maintain strong indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, significantly impacting the daily wellbeing of workers.
Common Symptoms Brought About By Poor IAQ
Common symptoms of poor indoor air quality include headaches and dizziness, often caused by the presence of pollutants like volatile organic compounds or inadequate ventilation. Sneezing and respiratory problems are also prevalent, triggered by allergens such as dust mites and pet dander.
Beyond physical health, poor air quality can affect cognitive functions. This results in decreased concentration and productivity, particularly in workplaces or study environments. These issues underscore the importance of maintaining clean and well-ventilated indoor spaces, ensuring the air we breathe supports our health and well-being.
Some other common symptoms experienced by employees who are exposed to too much poor indoor air include:
- Skin irritations and rashes
- Eye irritation, including redness and itching
- Throat irritation and chronic coughing
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Aggravation of asthma and other lung conditions
- Nausea and general malaise
- Increased susceptibility to infections, especially respiratory infections
The Importance of Regular HVAC Maintenance
Regular maintenance of commercial HVAC systems is crucial in mitigating the risk of poor indoor air quality in commercial spaces. A well-serviced commercial air conditioning system ensures efficient filtration and circulation of air, removing pollutants like dust, allergens, and chemical vapours that can accumulate in busy environments.
By regularly organising HVAC technicians to replace and clean air filters, the system can effectively trap contaminants, preventing them from circulating in the air. Additionally, regular HVAC maintenance includes inspecting and cleaning ducts and vents, further reducing the risk of mould and bacteria growth, which are common causes of respiratory issues and allergies.
Ensuring that the HVAC system operates optimally not only improves air quality but also improves commercial building energy efficiency, leading to reduced operational costs. In short, consistent maintenance of commercial HVAC systems is vital for providing a healthy, comfortable, and productive environment in commercial buildings.
Contact Air-rite Solutions
If you need an experienced HVAC professional to regularly inspect and maintain your commercial air conditioning system, then look no further than the team at Air-rite Solutions. Contact us today so we can ensure the indoor air quality of your commercial space.
