Achieving Cleaner Air in Facilities: The Benefits Beyond Disinfection
Air quality is a significant factor in maintaining the health and well-being of your facility's occupants. Poor indoor air quality can lead to various respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma that can create a sick building syndrome, which can cost a facility thousands of dollars. Keeping the air in your building clean is a top priority, and it involves creating a comprehensive plan that is optimized with the use of Safe Air UV.
Below, we'll explore why achieving cleaner air in facilities goes beyond disinfection and discuss the benefits of maintaining clean indoor air. Whether you are an Operations Manager, principal, superintendent, or workgroup leader, optimizing air quality in your facility can lead to a healthier and more productive environment for all.
REDUCED HEALTH RISKS
Clean air is vital in keeping your teams healthy, present, and productive. Airborne transmission of viruses is a real concern in any indoor environment, and having cleaner air filters, and better ventilation can help to reduce the risk of transmission. In addition, pollutants in the air, such as allergens and dust, can cause respiratory problems and trigger allergies, leading to sick building syndrome and destroying productivity. Clean air reduces the health risks of those who occupy the building, allowing for increased comfort, reduced absenteeism, and healthier lives.
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
Poor indoor air quality can cause fatigue, headaches, and irritability, leading to reduced work performance and focus among the staff.
The EPA recognizes a significant correlation between improved air quality and increased workplace productivity. Cleaner air can lead to:
Reduced absenteeism: Fewer sick days due to respiratory illnesses.
Increased cognitive function: Better concentration and decision-making abilities.
Improved morale: A healthier work environment can boost employee satisfaction.
Many studies have shown around a 5% improvement in productivity. Some studies have indicated this improvement could be 10% or more! (W N Burton et al Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001)
Maintaining clean air in a facility with Safe Air UV can lead to increased productivity among your workforce and improve your bottom line.
ENERGY SAVINGS
By improving the ventilation and filtration of indoor air, a facility can reduce its energy consumption and achieve significant cost savings in the long run. Dirty HVAC systems work harder to maintain the desired temperature, and this leads to expensive repairs and increased energy consumption.
How so? Glad you asked!
HVAC systems are notoriously damp and dark – a perfect environment for mold and other “biofilm” cultivation. A biofilm as thin as one micron (on MILLIONTH of a meter!) can significantly impact the performance of an HVAC system.
Reduced Heat Transfer Efficiency: Biofilms are insulating layers that reduce the ability of heat exchangers (coils) to transfer heat efficiently. Even a thin biofilm can reduce heat transfer efficiency by up to 30%, leading to increased energy consumption.
Increased Energy Consumption: The presence of biofilms increases the workload on HVAC components, forcing the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This increased load can result in up to a 15% increase in energy usage.
Airflow Restriction: Biofilms can build up on coils, filters, and ducts, restricting airflow and reducing system efficiency. This restriction causes the system to operate longer and at higher capacities, further increasing energy costs.
Increased Maintenance and Operating Costs: Biofilms can promote the growth of mold, bacteria, and other microorganisms that may require additional cleaning and maintenance. Over time, this can lead to increased operating costs and potential health concerns.
System Longevity and Component Wear: Biofilms contribute to the degradation of HVAC components, such as coils and fans, by promoting corrosion and wear. This can reduce the lifespan of these parts, leading to more frequent repairs or replacements.
Everyone knows you should keep your coils clean with regular maintenance. Unfortunately, this is often neglected.
Double-unfortunately, even with a superb cleaning schedule, biofilm grows back quickly and extends far deeper into the coils than mechanical and chemical treatments can reach.
But that’s great news for UV light that easily bounces off internal surfaces for a thorough, 24/7 clean!
Incorporating our In-Duct/In-AHU on your heating and air systems ensures the cleanliness of your HVAC coils, helps to extend the life of your filters, maintains the proper functionality of your HVAC system, and allows a facility to achieve significant energy savings.
BETTER AIR QUALITY FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF
Schools and other educational facilities are often vulnerable to indoor air pollution due to increased density and ventilation issues. Maintaining clean air in classrooms and offices can help ensure that students and staff breathe fresh air, leading to better learning outcomes, fewer sick days, and lower healthcare costs.
In addition to the facility-wide protection of an in-duct UV system, SAFE AIR UV offers upper air UVGI for highly vulnerable areas such as lobbies and school nurse offices. Portable Surface Disinfection Units are also valuable when outbreaks of illnesses occur in specific classrooms.
By implementing SAFE AIR UV products, you can reduce health risks, increase productivity, save energy, and money.
As an Operations Manager, Principal, Superintendent, or any workgroup leader, every effort made to improve indoor air quality can lead to a positive impact on everyone who occupies the building.
Contact Safe Air today to learn more about how you can improve the indoor air quality in your facility.
