Maintaining proper airflow at all times is no easy task, and if your HVAC system isn’t up to standard, then you could be making the situation worse. Part of this problem comes down to the quality of air that is being filtered through your HVAC unit.
Typically, your building’s automation controls should be able to detect any drastic variations in air quality. Also, you might even notice a difference yourself, thanks to an increase in pollutants in the building. Tracing this problem back its source usually leads you to the HVAC coils inside the unit.
Because coils bear the brunt of heating and cooling work, their performance needs to be top notch and remain so consistently. Even a small issue such as a pinhole leak that is barely visible can have a lasting impact on the overall output of the HVAC unit. As a result, damage and buildup can occur inside of the unit, which may even lead to long-term illnesses.
What’s at stake
If your company is in a commercial or industrial line of work that requires a close monitoring of air quality, then it’s crucial all precautions are taken to ensure that HVAC coils operate efficiently. Over time, metals will naturally break down when exposed to high levels of heat, pressure, water and outside contaminants without proper maintenance and cleanings. If an HVAC coil becomes damaged, then the products you’re manufacturing or the chemicals you’re working with can become contaminated quickly.
When this occurs, a small problem like cratering or excess water collection can result in mold and other pathogens growing inside of an HVAC system. These organisms will then be forced into the workspace that was originally supposed to be completely controlled, such as a cleanroom or refinery.
With strict government and industry standards at play, a misstep such as this can cause chemical reactions and even bring fines upon your company. Every second that your business suffers from poor HVAC performance, you’re losing out to competitors in the marketplace – not to mention, it can cost millions to replace an entire HVAC system if the damage is irreparable.
What to change
If a coil inspection reveals that your air quality problems are coming from the coils themselves, then you’ll need to shut the whole system down for some time. Depending on the condition of the HVAC coils, a thorough cleaning may do away with all the problems of buildup. However, if there are holes or extensive corrosion present, then it’s necessary to replace the coils entirely.
But simply opting for HVAC replacement coils won’t be as beneficial if similar issues occur in the future. Rather, your new coils should be protected from corrosive elements at all costs, so that the coils last longer and can ward off the same trouble that reduced air quality in the first place.
With HVAC coil coating services, a layer of polyurethane is applied. This mechanism creates a tight seal around the coil and prevents rust from settling in. Further, coils are made to be stronger and more durable, which will immediately impact the the quality of air your HVAC unit produces.
Businesses are more commonly making indoor air quality a primary focus of their sustainability goals. A report from BCC Research indicated the IAQ market in the U.S. will experience a 7 percent annual growth rate for the next five years, meaning the demand for better HVAC materials and products is growing.
How To Keep Your Team Healthy During Cold & Flu Season
Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
In a business setting, humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent are optimum for preventing colds and flu. When the humidity is this high, nasal passageways will remain moist, assisting the body’s natural defenses against colds and the flu.
You might need to modify the office’s humidity to maintain the ideal level once winter arrives and the inside air is noticeably drier.
Purify The Indoor Air
One of the most crucial things you can do is to make sure that the air is purified because airborne particles are how colds, flu, RSV, and Covid-19 are spread. In as little as three minutes, purification technology can significantly enhance the air quality and lower pathogen levels.
Improve Ventilation
The amount of outdoor air that passes through a structure is referred to as ventilation. Numerous studies have demonstrated that increasing a building’s ventilation will lessen the risk of spreading the cold and flu viruses inside of it.
Open windows and doors sometimes to let fresh air from outside enter the building whenever possible. Winter temperatures could prevent you from doing this for very long, but even a few minutes a day can make a difference.
Naturally, it’s necessary to use caution if the outside air quality in your neighborhood is poor. On occasion, dirty air that enters a structure can become dangerous. First, check the local air quality index.