When it comes to air quality maintenance in office buildings, ensuring both the well-being and the maximum productivity of the occupants is very important. Compared to residences, office buildings require HVAC systems and maintenance that are larger and more complicated since they have more occupants, which creates more distinction in usage. Depending on the number of occupants, large-scale maintenance and ventilation may be required.
Energy efficiency is also a matter of concern which needs to be approached in a manner that is appropriate within an office setting. Let’s take a look at some effective strategies for improving air quality in office buildings with a focus on HVAC system upgrades with all of the aforementioned points taken into consideration.
7 Commercial HVAC Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings
1) Air purifying furniture:
Installing air-purifying furniture is an easy way of perpetuating air purification. Air-purifying furniture are basically furniture or appliances that come with air-purifying functionalities. Scent dispensers, air-purifying lighting, grassy coffee tables, air purifiers shaped like vases, wooden air purifiers, partitions with air purifiers, etc. are all air-purifying systems that can function as furniture as well.
Since most of these don’t take up a lot of space and serve dual purposes, setting up multiple of these air purifying appliances is a great way to make sure the air in your office building is continuously being filtered.
2) Artificial intelligence incorporation:
AI (Artificial Intelligence) integration into air purifying technology can make improving air quality in office buildings much easier as artificially intelligent devices or appliances are capable of predicting necessary patterns through data analytics as well as monitoring and sensing on a more advanced level which enables them to notify occupants in case there’s any kind of health risk factor that needs attention.
AI-fused systems can also make real-time adjustments by keeping track of occupancy patterns, outdoor pollution, etc. in order to ensure optimal air quality, which is not something that can be achieved with traditional technologies.
3) Zonal HVAC system installation:
In an office setting, installing a zonal HVAC system would prove to be more effective since it can be controlled and maintained zone-wise, therefore providing customized comfort to a large number of occupants due to being controlled selectively, which is also why they’re more energy efficient because they will only be used in specific zones at selected times. Other than that, zonal HVAC systems’ control and monitoring style can be upgraded by incorporating automation systems which can result in optimized performance.
Since zonal HVAC systems tend to be flexible, they can ensure proper use of existing ductwork. Therefore, installing one can help offices with a bit of space shortage by accommodating enough space and placing vents strategically.
4) Biophilic initiatives:
Executing initiatives that focus on decreasing environmental impact can help improve air quality in office buildings by reducing pollution and increasing healthy components in the air. This can prove to be a very effective way of ensuring good air quality long term. Activating carbon filters, increasing natural ventilation systems, and biophilic furniture, such as furniture with wood accents or earthy tones are all great ways to make office buildings more environmentally conscious.
Active engagement with waste reduction and recycling, using more renewable energy sources, low-VOC paint, furniture and appliances, etc. Placing plants indoors as well as aiming for greener rooftops and terraces can also be included in such initiatives
5) Photocatalytic air purifiers:
Implementing photocatalytic air purifiers is a good, eco-friendly way to guarantee better air quality in office spaces. Photocatalytic air purifying technology is a prospective innovation that utilizes chemical reactions to purify air.
Basically, catalysts are materials that are responsible for changing the rate of change of a chemical reaction, so photocatalysts are the same thing except they require exposure to sunlight. Photocatalytic air purifiers are basically created by imitating this process.
The main mechanism behind photocatalytic air purifiers involves a photocatalyst being activated when exposed to Ultraviolet rays. Due to the nature of the resultant reaction caused by the photocatalyst’s interaction with UV rays, various types of contaminants and harmful compounds present in the air get broken down into basic elements or harmless compounds that don’t have any effect on the environment.
6) Smart HVAC systems:
HVAC systems that primarily use IoT, sensors, and data analysis to function are defined as smart HVAC systems. Smart HVAC systems can remotely monitor the air within a settlement on an advanced level by utilizing real-time data, which is why they can send updates and alert occupants whenever there’s any sort of health risk that needs to be taken care of immediately. Therefore, smart HVAC systems are an optimal option that can help with maintaining consistently purified airflow.
Purified airflow is an absolute necessity regardless of the type of space being discussed. Even more so when it comes to office spaces because other than the welfare of the occupants, enhanced productivity also needs to be ensured. Here at Texas Central Air, we make sure to take care of all things HVAC to give you the best experience. Call Texas Central Air to have your HVAC organized and fixed by the best professionals!