Tips for Improving Airflow in Office Buildings

According to the EPA, the air in indoor spaces is two to five times more polluted than the air outdoors. Fresh air may not always be accessible in office buildings, which means good airflow is paramount in maintaining good indoor air quality. In today’s post, HVAC company Stone Heating and Air shares tips on how to improve airflow in your office building.

Change the air filters regularly. The HVAC system in an office building or similar environment will need new air filters every three months; otherwise, dust and other indoor air pollutants will cause clogging, which impedes airflow. Some of these particles may also recirculate in the air ducts. In addition to affecting indoor air quality, reduced airflow also increases the workload on your HVAC system, which can affect its performance, shorten its service life and increase its energy consumption. Most types of air filters are user-replaceable, which means you don’t have to schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician if your office HVAC system needs new air filters.

Avoid blocking the vents. The air vents in your office need enough clearance for proper airflow. When creating or updating your office floor plan, make sure to note the location of the HVAC vents and avoid placing furniture on top or in front of them. Some employees may close or block HVAC vents and registers if they happen to be in areas where there are cold or hot spots. Inconsistent temperatures are generally caused by improper thermostat settings (which are typically due to incorrectly-placed sensors or someone fiddling with the settings), issues with the ductwork or a problem with the HVAC system itself. Schedule an inspection with your HVAC technician to determine the best way to maintain airflow while avoiding hot and cold spots.

Keep the air ducts clean. Air ducts need to be cleaned every five years or so, as particles can sometimes get past air filters and accumulate in the ductwork. Schedule an appointment with your HVAC contractor if you haven’t had the air ducts cleaned in the last five years. Leaks in the ductwork can also be addressed during cleaning if your HVAC contractor offers a duct sealing service.

Ultimately, sticking to a regular HVAC maintenance routine and keeping the air ducts and vents clear can help maintain good airflow in your office building. If you need a commercial HVAC contractor that you can count on, call Stone Heating and Air at (541) 855-5521. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.