Assessing and Improving your Indoor Air Quality

7/11/2018 (Permalink)

As I sit at my desk and breathe deeply, I’m realizing just how often I take for granted the clean, odorless air that circulates around my workplace. It’s an element of my day that I’m thankful I don’t have to think about. I hope that every workplace around Charlottesville can attain the same level of certainty in its air quality.

The first step to better air quality is assessing what your current air quality status is and which factors are attributing to a less than desirable status. If you’re unsure about your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), there is no one test that can be done but there are multiple tests and methods that can determine if a problem is present. For example, if your space smells musty or feels stuffy these can be indicators that there is a larger problem present. These are your first indicators and the easiest option. Inspection and regular upkeep are your next options. Having your HVAC and air ducts inspected can tell you if and how these systems are negatively affecting your IAQ. You should schedule regular walk-throughs of your building to inspect for leaks, water damage or other signs of a problem. Additionally, humidity levels can be tested and can be indicators of the possible presence of mold.

Once the problem is identified, the factors that we mentioned in the last blog come into play. Solutions like, regulating the interior temperature of the building, or regulating the humidity present. Solutions might also involve adding better ventilation or just cleaning and inspecting the existing ventilation. And of course, if mold is present, remediation may be necessary.

With these factors in mind, know that SERVPRO is here to help. We’re happy to recommend an Industrial Hygienist to help ensure that your current IAQ is at an adequate level. And if it isn’t, we’re also happy to begin the process to eliminate these problems so that your business can continue to run smoothly.