Prioritizing Indoor Air Quality

 Indoor air quality has been a can kicked down the road far too long. Even before the pandemic put air purification and air quality to the forefront of healthcare providers, families, and business owners, the United States had a serious problem with poor indoor air quality.Our homes, our public spaces, our schools, and our business need to take action.

Indoor Air Quality in Schools

As public and private schools worked to bring students back safely in the fall of 2020, many school districts around the country found their HVAC systems lacking adequate ventilation and filtration to keep students safe. New York Schools were one of the worst districts, putting tens of thousands of students and staff at risk.The problem wasn’t isolated to New York City, however. One survey found that more than a third of US schools are operating with HVAC equipment that needs repair or replacement. The number of schools rated as having poor indoor air quality is higher. Not only is that a concern during a pandemic; the CDC has published study after study that shows the stale air of poorly ventilated spaces increases the spread of viruses.In schools, businesses, and any indoor environment, poor indoor air quality can lead to:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Irritation
• Asthma

Many of these symptoms are similar to those of sick building syndrome.

Improve Indoor Air Quality in Any Facility

There are some concrete steps decision-makers can take to address indoor air quality concerns and monitor the risk.

• Install IAQ monitors that can track levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and humidity.
• Install high-efficiency HEPA air purifiers in busy areas to capture air particles as small as 0.03 microns. Schools should receive funding to install air purification equipment capable of covering every room.
• Open windows. When appropriate, open windows to improve ventilation. Consider opening windows early in the morning or after students or employees have left for even short periods of additional ventilation.

Energy Efficiency and IAQ

Today’s energy-efficient building materials and designs have presented a challenge. The well-sealed structures limit airflow into and out of the facility, contributing to elevated levels of airborne pollution that becomes trapped.Commercial energy use is now more than 36% of the world’s annual energy output and produces more than 40% of total carbon emissions. However, more efficient HVAC systems and smarter controls have made it possible to balance IAQ with energy efficiency. Solutions that measure airflow, occupancy, energy availability, and heating and cooling every 15 minutes help to bridge the cap. Connected technology can play a role in improving indoor air quality and public health.

Learn More About Air Quality with Keen Technical Solutions

At Keen, our experienced energy consultants work to improve your business’s energy efficiency and your team’s health, happiness, and productivity. Our team identifies possible IAQ risk factors, analyzes airflow and ventilation, and notes high-traffic areas that would benefit from additional air purification measures. Learn more about what Keen Technical Solutions can do for you. Contact us today to get started.