Clean air in the office is essential for keeping everyone healthy and focused throughout the day. From stuffy air to dust buildup, poor office air quality can affect your team’s well-being and productivity. A few simple changes, like investing in professional carpet cleaning or managing humidity, can refresh your indoor air and create a healthier workplace.
Explore ten easy ways to boost your office’s indoor air quality (IAQ) so everyone can breathe easier and perform at their best.
Identify Common Indoor Air Pollutants
Indoor air pollutants, like dust, mold, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can easily infiltrate your office space. These pollutants often originate from office equipment, cleaning supplies, furniture, unclean HVAC systems, and even outdoor air that enters the building.
The first step in improving indoor air quality is identifying the sources of contamination. Monitor air vents, check water-damaged areas, and inspect where biological contaminants like mold may thrive, such as under break room sinks, employee bathrooms, and behind large appliances. Once you know what’s in your air, you can develop an action plan to address it.
Control Humidity Levels
Humidity levels that are too high or too low can affect indoor air quality. High humidity encourages the growth of biological contaminants such as mold, dust mites, and bacteria, leading to respiratory problems for office workers.
The recommended humidity level for indoor environments is between 30% and 50%. You can track humidity levels with a simple hygrometer and adjust accordingly with dehumidifiers or humidifiers. You could invest in an HVAC system like a ductless mini split with a humidity control feature.
Improve Ventilation
Outdoor air can help dilute indoor pollutants, but office buildings are often sealed tight to promote energy efficiency, trapping pollutants inside. Increasing air circulation through proper ventilation can improve indoor air quality.
Your office’s HVAC system can boost air circulation, but ductwork can be a breeding ground for microbes, fungi, dust, and moisture buildup. To maintain maximum airflow, regularly clean the air vents and change the filters every 3 to 12 months. Also, regular professional HVAC maintenance should be scheduled to clean out dust, allergens, and other contaminants that may clog the system.
Open windows on opposite sides of the room or building to create cross-ventilation, encouraging a steady flow of fresh air. Focus on opening windows that are higher up, as warm, humid air rises and can escape more easily, while cooler air enters through lower windows. This method helps balance the air circulation and keeps humidity levels in check.
Be Mindful of Office Equipment and Furnishings
Office equipment like printers, copiers, and even furniture can release pollutants into the air—such as ozone from electronics, VOCs from furniture, and chemicals from cleaning supplies. To reduce these airborne contaminants, switch to low-VOC or VOC-free furniture and cleaning products.
Also, ensure your office equipment is housed in well-ventilated areas so emissions aren’t trapped indoors.
Regular Cleaning to Remove Dust and Allergens
Dust is a major contributor to poor indoor air quality in offices. It accumulates on surfaces, carpets, and in air vents, leading to respiratory problems, allergies, and discomfort for employees. Cleaning your office regularly can reduce dust and other allergens that affect IAQ.
Consider hiring a professional office cleaning service like I.M.K. Cleaning Services, which specializes in removing dust, allergens, and pollutants in office spaces. Focus on regularly cleaning high-traffic areas, changing air filters, and using a HEPA vacuum for carpets to make a noticeable difference in air quality.
Also, schedule a professional carpet cleaning each quarter to eliminate allergens and contaminants. Office carpets, especially in high-traffic areas, can act as reservoirs for dust, mites, and other particles that negatively impact the IAQ.
Address Water-Damaged Areas Immediately
Water damage in office buildings can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which are major sources of biological contaminants that can be especially harmful to anyone with respiratory issues.
Water-damaged areas must be repaired immediately to prevent long-term health effects, whether caused by plumbing leaks, condensation, or flooding. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours in moist environments, so acting quickly is crucial to preventing the spread of these harmful biological contaminants.
Add Indoor Plants for Better Air Quality
Adding indoor plants to your office space can help improve IAQ naturally. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, creating a fresher environment. Some plants, including spider plants and peace lilies, can also absorb indoor air pollutants like VOCs, helping to filter the air.
However, while plants can help improve IAQ, they shouldn’t be relied upon as the sole solution. They work best with other efforts, such as proper ventilation, air purifiers, and cleaning.
Limit Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous indoor pollutant that can cause serious health effects, particularly in enclosed spaces. Office workers exposed to high levels of CO may experience headaches, dizziness, and more severe respiratory problems.
CO is commonly released from heating systems, gas appliances, and vehicle exhaust in parking garages. To minimize exposure, ensure that heating systems and gas appliances are regularly serviced and proper ventilation is maintained in areas where CO may accumulate.
Monitor Indoor Air Quality Regularly
Regularly checking indoor air quality is essential for controlling pollutants, and IAQ monitors make it easy. Many offices now use these devices to track contaminants like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and VOCs.
To maximize the benefits of an IAQ monitor, place it in high-traffic areas or spaces with limited air circulation, such as conference rooms or near office equipment. When selecting a monitor, look for features like real-time data tracking, high pollutant levels alerts, and temperature and humidity sensors. You can avoid air quality issues and create a healthier work environment with the right setup.
Educate Office Workers on IAQ Best Practices
Improving office air quality isn’t solely the responsibility of building managers—it’s a team effort. Employees should be informed about best practices for maintaining good IAQ. Simple habits like keeping workspaces clean, reducing clutter that collects dust, and promptly reporting leaks or water damage can make a big difference.
Additional helpful practices include avoiding the use of harsh personal air fresheners or cleaning products, opening windows for fresh air when possible, and properly storing food to prevent mold and odors. Including an indoor air quality guide in workplace training ensures that everyone is informed about these practices, helping keep the air fresh and healthy.
Creating a Healthier Office Environment
Poor indoor air quality can lead to serious health risks and long-term problems. It can also negatively impact your team’s productivity, ultimately affecting your company’s bottom line. Taking steps to care for your workspace and improve office air quality can create a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone—and professional cleaning from I.M.K. Cleaning Services is the best way to maintain a hygienic space.
Contact us for a free quote and to discuss your office’s cleaning needs. Our maintenance team can handle everything from one-time deep cleaning and sanitizing to regular janitorial services.
