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Did you know that Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors? A significant chunk of this is at work, where the quality of air can directly affect your health, comfort, and productivity. 

Studies show that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) not only harms employees but also impacts businesses through lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher medical costs. And with employees more aware of air quality since the pandemic, businesses that prioritize IAQ stand out.

At COIT, we specialize in helping businesses create healthier, safer environments. In this article, we’ll explore why IAQ matters, how it impacts your business, and what practical steps you can take to improve it.

The Impact of Poor IAQ on Your Business

Health Risks from Pollutants

Office air can contain pollutants like bacteria, viruses, mold, dust mites, and chemical fumes from cleaning supplies or office equipment. These pollutants can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, affecting employee well-being.

For example, mold spores thrive in damp HVAC systems, spreading through the air and causing health problems for occupants. Beyond physical health, poor IAQ can even harm mental focus and cognitive performance.

Productivity Loss and Sick Building Syndrome

Studies link poor IAQ to reduced employee performance. Harvard research found that poor air quality decreases cognitive performance by 50% and increases sick days due to "sick building syndrome" (SBS). Symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and eye irritation are common in poorly ventilated offices, leaving employees less productive and more likely to call in sick.

Employee Satisfaction and Retention

Employees notice when their workplace prioritizes health. Offices with clean, fresh air foster greater employee satisfaction. A Harvard study showed that improved IAQ boosts cognitive performance by 61% and productivity by 10%. When workers feel cared for, they stay longer and perform better, saving businesses money on hiring and training new staff.

Financial Costs of Poor IAQ

Beyond health and productivity, poor IAQ can cost businesses money in energy bills and equipment wear. Dust and debris in HVAC systems force them to work harder, increasing energy use by up to 15%. Poor IAQ can also damage electronics, furniture, and other assets, increasing repair and replacement costs.

How to Improve IAQ in Your Office

Improving IAQ starts with understanding the pollutants in your office and taking actionable steps to address them. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Ventilation: Let the Fresh Air In

Proper ventilation is the foundation of good IAQ. Offices should have enough airflow to dilute indoor pollutants and bring in fresh air.

• Make sure air vents are clear. Avoid blocking vents with furniture or equipment.
• Use natural ventilation. Open windows whenever possible to bring in fresh air.
• Install zoned ventilation systems. These systems allow different parts of your building to get the airflow they need.

2. Regular HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system is central to maintaining air quality. Without regular maintenance, it can circulate dust, mold, and bacteria throughout the office.

At COIT, we recommend:

• Routine inspections. Check for leaks, debris, or damaged parts.
• Professional cleaning. Our certified technicians clean HVAC ducts, plenum, and cooling coils using state-of-the-art HEPA-Aire™ vacuums to remove contaminants.
• Filter replacements. Upgrade to high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or filters with a high MERV rating to trap more pollutants.

Not only does cleaning improve IAQ, but it also boosts energy efficiency, saving businesses money.

3. Add Air Purifiers

Air purifiers with HEPA filters capture allergens, smoke, and other harmful particles. For large offices, consider centralized purification systems. Portable units can also help in meeting rooms or high-traffic areas.

4. Monitor IAQ with Smart Tools

IAQ monitoring devices provide real-time data on pollutants like carbon dioxide, humidity, and particulate matter. Smart tools like CO2 monitors or devices that measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) help you pinpoint problem areas and take action.

5. Incorporate Green Plants

Certain plants like peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants can naturally filter toxins from the air. While they’re not a complete solution, they complement other IAQ strategies and add a touch of nature to the workspace.

6. Manage Humidity

Maintaining indoor humidity between 30–50% helps prevent mold growth and keeps the air comfortable. Dehumidifiers or humidifiers can help you achieve the right balance.

7. Reduce Chemical Pollutants

Switch to low-VOC cleaning products, paints, and office supplies. Implement no-smoking policies and consider limiting the use of strong cleaning agents during office hours.

Quick Tips for Immediate IAQ Improvements

For busy offices, small changes can make a big difference. Start with these tips:

1. Keep windows and vents unblocked.
2. Replace HVAC filters every three months.
3. Add air purifiers to high-traffic areas.
4. Maintain proper humidity with dehumidifiers or humidifiers.
5. Use green cleaning products to reduce chemical exposure.

Professional Commercial Air Duct Cleaning

Ready to Breathe Easier?

Don’t let poor indoor air quality hold your business back. Whether it’s cleaner air, healthier employees, or a more energy-efficient building, COIT is here to help.

COIT’s commercial air duct cleaning technicians are thoroughly trained to meet the high industry standards of the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA), and use state-of-the-art HEPA-AireTM vacuum and Aire-SweepTM compressor systems to transfer harmful air duct pollutants into a contained filtration system. COIT’s air duct pros also use advanced air whips and brushes to thoroughly clean ductwork, plenum, cooling coils, and air handlers — and back results with the industry's strongest 100%-satisfaction guarantee.

Let’s talk about how we can improve your IAQ today. Contact us for a free consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more productive workplace.

By taking these steps, you can protect your employees, enhance productivity, and create an office environment where everyone thrives. Breathe easy—COIT has you covered.

Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!