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Improving Indoor Air Quality in Your Office

Stepping outside in Birmingham, AL is starting to feel a little cooler (finally!). Fall is here, and it’s starting to feel like it. What also comes with cooler weather is the cold and flu season. We have covered how we can help you prevent those germs from spreading in your office by cleaning, but you can help by improving the air quality in your office.

Poor air quality can trigger allergy symptoms, and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indoor study found that Americans spend about 93% of their life indoors on average. That same study found that indoor air concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor concentrations. Regular use of natural and man-made indoor air cleaners and proper cleaning methods may help your employees breathe easier. A healthy office is a productive office, so we have put together some tips for you to improve your office’s air quality and the overall health of your employees.

Change Your Air Filter

A dirty air filter allows dust and debris to be recirculated through your office. Most air filter packaging indicate how often the filter should be replaced, but several factors can impact how often the filter should be changed. If you have an office pet or high levels of dust and/or outdoor pollution, your filter probably needs to be changed more often. A good rule of thumb is to check your filter once a month to see if it needs to be changed.

Purify Your Personal Air

Air purifiers are portable machines that remove contaminants, odors, and more from indoor air. Air is passed through a filter(s) via a fan and then the purified air is pushed back into the room. Air purifiers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so be prepared to do some research and invest some time and money into finding the perfect purifier for your space. Most models require frequent filter changing or cleaning.

Natural Air Filters

Houseplants have been shown to purify air and even reduce dust my as much as 20% in a small office. The NASA Clean Air Study found that some common household plants are effective at removing harmful contaminants from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia. Indoor plants can be inexpensive and easy to maintain, as well as improve the appearance of the office. However, some indoor plants, like Ficus benjamina, yucca, ivy, and palm trees can actually trigger allergies.

All-Over Vacuuming

Carpets can be full of dust mites, dander, and other debris and allergens. Frequent vacuuming helps remove those irritants and keep the carpet clean. However, don’t forget to look all around you. Fabric-covered cubicle walls can house all sorts of allergens, and dust loves to accumulate on light fixtures and air vents. Vacuums with hoses and attachments can aid in removing dust from those hard-to-reach places. Professional Management of Alabama uses backpack vacuums equipped with attachments that enable us to remove particles from the air, and vacuum commercial floors, baseboards, corners, vents, and vertical surfaces easily and efficient.

To get a quote for commercial janitorial services, email [email protected].