Every business owner wants a happy, healthy workforce. But did you know employee health could begin with the air quality in your office building or storefront? A faulty commercial HVAC system, or a system that’s too small to condition the required square footage, could contribute to air quality problems that make people sick. If you experience a high rate of absence or notice an unusual amount of respiratory illnesses among your employees throughout the year, it may be your commercial HVAC system that’s to blame.
Symptoms of Illness Caused by Poor Air Quality
Many common symptoms of illness may circle back to a faulty HVAC system, including:
- Headaches
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
Poor air quality can aggravate pre-existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, as well. If you’re someone who regularly suffers from allergies, a commercial HVAC system that’s not filtering out allergens as it should may worsen them. If you suspect your commercial HVAC system may make your employees or other building occupants sick, call your local HVAC service provider right away.
How a Faulty HVAC System May Contribute to Poor Air Quality
An HVAC system contains many parts, including the unit itself, coils, ducts, evaporators, vents, and heat exchangers. These components must be serviced regularly to keep water from pooling and dangerous mold from forming. Additionally, your HVAC technician must change your filters periodically to keep them from becoming clogged and useless. Otherwise, not only is the unit more likely to break down, but it’s less likely to filter out contaminants as it should. It may also fail to keep rooms at a comfortable temperature. Rooms may become too damp or too dry, which also directly affects how your employees feel at the end of the day.
How to Maintain Your Commercial HVAC System
Unless you’re a professional HVAC technician yourself, it’s vital to rely on properly trained and licensed individuals for HVAC maintenance. Your commercial HVAC system is an expensive piece of equipment with multiple peripherals, and it’s responsible for much more than just keeping spaces comfortably warm or cool. Everyone who occupies your building relies on it for proper air circulation and conditioning. As a result, have your HVAC system inspected at least once a year. You also must be aware of changes to local building codes and regulations regarding your commercial HVAC system. These may require you to upgrade or replace aging units over time. The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is a good place to learn more about code and regulations. However, your HVAC technician should be able to advise you accordingly.
How to Know When It’s Time to Call Your HVAC Service Technician
If you’re unsure when your HVAC system was last serviced, or if it’s been more than a year since your last maintenance call, it’s time to contact your local technician to schedule an inspection. Similarly, if your employees or other building occupants are experiencing mysterious illnesses that could be caused by poor air quality, contact us right away to schedule a service call for your commercial HVAC system.
