Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Your Building
COVID-19 changed how occupants view indoor environments. Facility and building owners now face demands for comprehensive air quality that goes beyond pathogen control.
The Multi-Threat Reality
Today’s air quality challenges include:
- Airborne viruses and bacteria that reduce productivity and increase sick days
- Odors that create unprofessional environments
- Particulate matter that triggers allergies and respiratory problems
Installing single-purpose solutions addresses only part of the problem. Your building needs technology that solves your specific air quality issues.
Kill vs. Capture: A Critical Distinction
Most systems trap contaminants in filters. Better systems destroy them completely. When you kill viruses rather than collect them, you eliminate recontamination risks and reduce filter maintenance costs.
Collecting live pathogens in your HVAC system creates ongoing contamination risks.
Energy-Efficient Implementation
Air quality improvements shouldn’t devastate your utility budget.
Research Energy Requirements
- Get actual consumption data from manufacturers
- Account for fan power in units requiring forced airflow
- Calculate total ownership costs including maintenance
Match Capacity to Need
Over-installation wastes money and energy. Under-installation leaves coverage gaps. Size systems to match your space requirements and specific air quality problems.
Technology Selection
Available Options:
Traditional Filtration: Captures particulates effectively but provides limited virus elimination and no odor control
UV Light Systems: Destroys pathogens efficiently with minimal impact on odors or particles
Advanced Active Photocatalytic Oxidation (AAPO): Addresses viruses, odors, and particulates simultaneously
Verification Process
Before purchasing:
- Review independent efficacy studies
- Compare performance data across technologies
- Verify real-world results from similar facilities
- Understand ongoing maintenance requirements
Business Impact
Indoor air quality affects:
- Tenant satisfaction and lease renewals
- Employee productivity and absenteeism
- Liability exposure and insurance costs
- Property marketability and value
Implementation Steps
- Measure current air quality across your facility
- Identify specific problems: pathogens, odors, particles, or combination
- Research appropriate technologies within budget constraints
- Verify claims through independent testing data and references
- Install systems sized for actual needs
Indoor air quality investment protects occupant health while supporting business objectives. The cost of prevention typically proves lower than the cost of problems.
Ready to Improve Your Building’s Air Quality?
Don’t navigate this alone. Left Coast Facilities Consulting helps building owners make smart decisions about indoor air quality systems. We’ll assess your specific needs, cut through the marketing hype, and recommend solutions that actually work for your budget and space.
Contact Left Coast Facilities Consulting today to schedule your air quality consultation and start breathing easier about your building’s environment.
