Improving the Indoor Air Quality

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way humans around the globe think about cleanliness. 

 

In 2020 alone, air pollution decreased by 60% in 34 countries as billions of people experienced virus-related lockdowns and individuals were driven indoors for long stretches of time. And while this change in environment may have positively impacted the air quality of outdoor spaces, it placed a heavy burden on the air filtration systems of buildings, homes and commercial units.

 

When used correctly, HVAC filters can filter out harmful pollutants and reduce the risk of cross-contamination from airborne virus particles. But while this technique is beneficial, improving air quality in your commercial facility requires more than a one step process. 

 

In order to maximize the impact of your air filtration systems, you need a comprehensive cleaning plan that involves intentionality and consistency. Here’s why commercial indoor air quality matters, and how you can maximize your commercial cleaning investment to get results that last.

 

The Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Well-being and Mental Health

 

Short-term effects: The impact of poor interior air quality can often be felt immediately. Employees may begin to complain of headaches, allergy-like symptoms, fatigue, brain fog, and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. 

While these side effects are serious enough on their own, the result of poor employee performance due to adverse health can have serious consequences for Human Resources departments, leading to increased time off, extended sick days, workplace dissatisfaction and higher employee turnover. 

 

Long-term effects: Left untreated, physical symptoms that result from poor interior air quality can lead to chronic breathing problems such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, neurological disorders and even cancer. 

HVAC units also suffer as a result of poor air quality, with many systems struggling under the load of heavy contaminants and maintenance neglect. Poor maintenance causes the HVAC system to become overloaded and allows dust to accumulate inside of air ducts, further diminishing the ability to distribute heat and cool air to the building. 

 

Bottom line: prioritizing your facility’s air quality is crucial if you are looking to avoid illness and promote a work environment that is safe, productive, and cares about its employees’ well-being. 

 

Tools and Techniques to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

 

1. Utilize microfiber cloths and dusters

Microfiber cloths can be designed with up to 110,000 fibers per square inch, making them a superior way to catch and hold dust, dirt and potential airborne contagions.  

Unlike cotton cloths, fabric dusters or traditional rags with a low fiber count, microfiber cloths can be saturated quickly and decrease the need for extra cleaning chemicals, saving you additional money on janitorial supplies.

 

2. Change air filters regularly

Changing your commercial air filters every three to four months is generally regarded as a good rule of thumb. 

Air filtration systems are the front line of defense against contaminated air and the invisible particles that aggravate respiratory systems, leading to illness and discomfort. If you work in an industry such as manufacturing, chemical processing or metal ores, your filters should be changed as frequently as once a month. 

 

3. Vacuum with HEPA filtration systems

According to the Rug and Carpet Institute, a single square foot of carpet can hold up to a pound of dirt before it becomes visible to the naked eye. 

Removing embedded dirt, dust and particles with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum allows cleaners to pull up smaller, microscopic particles of allergens and keep harmful contaminants out of the air.

 

4. Invest in a professional commercial cleaner

At the end of the day, nothing beats a crew of highly trained commercial cleaners who know how to maximize your budget, maintain your facility and suggest services that will prolong the life of your building.

Understanding the implications of air filtration can be difficult—but it doesn’t have to be.

 

At Vanguard Cleaning Systems of Minnesota, we provide a variety of commercial cleaning services to support optimal air quality and keep your facility running at peak performance.

Call us today for a FREE quote and discover the difference a professional commercial cleaner can make.

Contact us for a custom quote.

In Minneapolis / Saint Paul Minnesota – (651) 379-4000
In Rochester Minnesota – (507) 218-3016