Indoor environmental quality is one of the tipping points in retaining and attracting new tenants.
- IEQ affects worker productivity. Researchers estimate that workers’ performance would increase between .5 and 5 percent with improved indoor air quality.
- Most Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors
- The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) notes that HVAC, thermal comfort and indoor air quality rank among the top five leading tenant complaints.
- Proper IEQ improves building marketability—owners know they are more competitive and attract quality tenants.
You cannot overlook the importance of HVAC maintenance on indoor air quality (IAQ). James Piper, in an article on FacilitiesNet notes,
“The operating condition of HVAC equipment is critical to indoor air quality. A well-maintained system will not only protect occupants from poor IAQ, but also protect the organization from litigation, adverse publicity and potential code violations — all of which can have an impact on the bottom line. The facility executive is responsible for demonstrating to budget managers how maintenance impacts IAQ. The cost of HVAC system maintenance is very small in comparison to the potential costs related to poor IAQ issues and their related fallout.”
Studies have shown that transmission of airborne infectious diseases is increased where there is poor indoor air quality, and exposure to biological pollutants can lead to hypersensitivity that has been directly traced to air conditioning and humidification systems contaminated with bacteria and molds.
Biofilm is an active, complex microbial matrix of mold and bacteria that adheres to HVAC evaporator coils, drain pans and ducts, protecting the organisms from biocides. The biofilms themselves give off what are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause not only malodors, but also headaches, allergic reactions and asthma responses among building occupants. It is important for facility managers to reduce the presence of VOCs through proper cleaning of the full HVAC system.
Odor removal is as simple as source removal. ACTS works alongside restoration workers who specialize in deodorization of structure and contents within spaces. Our technicians, utilizing skills through learned IICRC certification and field experience, determine the cause, remove the source, clean and sanitize your property, including the HVAC system. Different causes require different approaches to eliminate malodors. Technicians attack protein, microbial, smoke, nicotene or even food odors using products developed for that purpose.
Proper Indoor Environment Quality Management includes routine inspections of HVAC systems as a cost-effective way to maintain indoor air quality and to ensure proper functionality. Owners and managers who are proactive with this maintenance are betting situated to deal with claims by tenants or employees.
Air Quality Communication
How and when do you communicate with building occupants? Minimize confusion by planning ahead. Should you have an actual IAQ event, follow these notes:
Respond quickly. A delayed response to a complaint shows a lack of concern
Listen carefully. Understand and evaluate the situation, before reacting
Communicate often. These are health issues, so you need to dispel rumors before they form.
Document. Keep records of events, responses, reviews and investigations, and official communications complete with signatures as needed.
Take charge. Mange the situation with the best interests of occupants in mind by listening and communicating with them.
ACTS can assist you with IAQ issues by inspecting systems and recommending the proper procedures that can alleviate malodors, VOCs, low airflow and even mold issues in your facility. Poor IAQ can lead to problems with your tenants and even litigation if the problems remain unresolved. The best way to avoid litigation for IAQ issues is to consistently document HVAC maintenance activity. If you hire ACTS to assist with your building’s mechanical hygiene, you can be assured that the procedures used are thoroughly vetted by national independent organizations such as NADCA and ASHRAE and documented for your records and retention.
Air Purification systems can also help you retain the quality of the air you breathe in your building. Ask an ACTS technician about Odorox Hydroxyl units we have available for both rent or installation.
Why ACTS to help you improve air quality?
- We make documentation of your maintenance processes easier
- We proactively manage our scheduling with you
- We provide professional, high-quality results
- We are properly insured and bonded for commercial projects
- We adhere to industry best practices and employ certified technicians
- We protect individuals in your building from exposure during the cleaning, including use of HEPA filtration, using air scrubbers, working in vacated areas and erecting containment as needed.
- ACTS has the knowledge, training and experience required. (link to experience page)
