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Improving Office Air Quality: Today’s Necessity

air quality

Indoor air quality in the home is something we all are aware of and take care of, but we usually do not pay much attention to the air quality in our work or office space. Most people spend around 8-9 hours a day and 5 days a week in the office and hence, considering the air quality in the office is obviously crucial too, yet often times overlooked.

Sometimes, with many employees working in a small or confined office space, dust and dirt particles can build up very swiftly. What additionally adds on to this is sometimes the dust from any nearby construction sites or office building renovations. If not taken care of, the continuous debris build-up can lead to what’s termed “sick building syndrome”, affecting the people working in the office.

So, it’s clearly necessary to take the time to investigate the reasons behind any possible substandard air quality in the office. along with addressing any issues found as soon as possible. If you are able to find out about the office air filtration system and air filters used in it, then your work becomes much easier. Hence, today, we will discuss the cause of inferior air quality and its improvement in an office space.

Learning The Reason Behind The Inferior Air Quality

Before trying to find ways to improve the air quality, the first priority is to locate the reason behind degrading air quality in the office. Just putting an air purifier or any air filter will not help unless you know which pollutants are affecting the air quality. Once you find the cause, you can get a best custom air filter made according to your need or employ an air filtration solution as per your requirement. So, here are some of the common things that cause air quality inside the office to degrade:

1. Biological Contaminants

The air filter of the filtration system left unchecked for a long time or not addressing the water leaks in the office, or non-maintenance or cleaning the office space can result in the development of bacteria or even molds. These biological contaminants can cause infection and decline the air quality. According to some studies, around 15 million Americans suffer from allergies that can get even worse if exposed to such contaminants.

2. Chemical Pollutants

Another cause of inferior air quality in the office can be chemical pollutants. It mainly includes tobacco smoke, emission of gases such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide from certain equipment, contaminants built up from chemical spills, and contaminants developed from the everyday waste of offices, such as cleaning supplies and paint.

3. Small Contaminants

Sometimes, the smallest air contaminants can have the biggest impact on your health. Usually, these include particles that cruise in from outside, such as dust, dirt, debris from a nearby construction site, pollens, smoke, and other types of small contaminants.

Tips To Improve The Air Quality In Office

Wondering what you can do to control the discussed pollutants? We have got the answer. One of the effective ways to do so is to target the sources of these contaminants. Proper airflow and ventilation in the office can also be of help. So, here are some general tips that can help you improve the indoor air quality of the office:

1. Avoid Blocking The Vents And Let Natural Air In

Every office has air vents and windows. But, sometimes, the furniture, boxes, or other things blocks their path. It restricts the circulation of air inside the office and could result in developing some health issues amongst employees. The natural air and sunlight keep the indoor air fresh and reduce the pollutants inside. So, open the doors and windows and unblock the vents to let natural air and sunlight in.

2. Install Air Purifiers

Air purifiers that come with HEPA filters are among the best options to improve indoor air quality. These purifiers even capture small contaminants and other air pollutants. But, most of the purifiers are not efficient enough to remove gases or other chemicals from the air. For that, you can make use of activated carbon filters.

3. Replacing Air Filters From Time To Time

Whether you are using a filtration system or an air purifier, replacing the air filter from time to time is really necessary. If not paid attention to, the air filter can get clogged. The dirt, dust, and debris will accumulate behind the filter, and the airflow will get completely disrupted. This can affect the health of the employees. So, as a general rule, always keep in mind to replace the air filter every 6 to 12 months.

4. Get Indoor Office Plants

Plants are not just natural air purifiers, but they also add a calming and peaceful aesthetic look to the office surroundings. Some indoor plants are helpful in absorbing harmful toxins like benzene, xylene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. Also, they enhance the oxygen level inside the office too. Some of these plants are:

  • Spider Pant,
  • Garden Mum,
  • Dracaena,
  • Aloe Vera, etc.

5. Keep A Check On Furniture And Building Materials

Certain materials emit chemicals into the air for a long time. The furniture made of pressed wood and paint usually emanates chemical toxins. The excessive use of these materials in the furniture, carpeting, cabinets, and building components of the office can negatively affect the health of the employees. So, it is better to limit their use.

6. Make Office Working Areas Smoking Free

The smoke from cigarettes has toxic substances like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and many other harmful substances. Inhaling tobacco smoke is damaging to non-smokers also and can cause asthma, lung cancer, and various other health issues. So, it is better to make your office area a smoking-free zone.

7. Regular Cleansing of HVAC Air Ducts

An HVAC system maintains the hot and cold air circulation in your office. But, if you don’t check the air ducts from time to time, it can become the reason for frequent employee sick leaves. It is because, with time, the dust and dirt particles may accumulate there, dead insects and rodents may clog it, or bacteria or mold build-up there can also be possible. This can result in the spread of contaminated air in the office, causing airborne infections. So, proper sanitization and cleaning of air ducts are vital.

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Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

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How to Reduce Your Home’s Humidity

How to Control Indoor Humidity LevelsThe first day of summer is upon us and that means higher humidity levels not only outside, but inside as well. As humidity increases in your home, you’ll notice your skin may feel clammy, you’ll see foggy windows or smell a musty odor. After lingering for some time, high humidity indoors will cause mold, rotting wood and damp spots throughout the home. Even if there are no signs of your home’s atmosphere is too moist, it’s extremely important to measure and control your homes indoor humidity levels. Not only will it help reduce your heating and cooling bills, but did you know that studies have shown that how happy you feel is directly related to humidity levels? You can save money and feel better both mentally and physically. It’s a win/win!

How to Reduce Home Humidity Levels

Most important: Ventilation. This is especially important in the areas of your home that create the most moisture like the bathrooms and kitchen. Washing and drying machines, showering and cooking all affect the amount of moisture in the air, especially in bathrooms when people take long hot showers. If any of these rooms have vent fans installed, make sure you use turn them on and possibly leave them on longer than usual. If they don’t, and you find that your bathrooms are especially humid, you may want to consider having vent fans installed by an electrician.

If your home does not have a ventilation system or exhaust fans, cracking the window for a little while will help dry the air out, especially in bathrooms. Shockingly, it only takes four to six pints of water to raise humidity levels inside of a 1,000-square foot radius from 15% to 60% in a short amount of time. The amount of people in your home can affect the humidity in the air as well. A 1/4 cup of water is produced from one person’s breathing over an hour period of time. Open your windows and let the air flow dry your indoor air out.

Other tips to decrease humidity levels:

  • Make sure that your exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry rooms all vent to the outside.
  • Use fans to increase ventilation and air movement
  • Take shorter, colder showers
  • Run your air conditioning and keep drain lines and drip pans clean and unobstructed
  • Keep houseplants outside or all in one room as they release moisture vapor into the air
  • Do not over water your indoor houseplants

If maintaining the humidity levels in your home has become an issue or if you are living in a poorly ventilated building, you may want to consider using a dehumidifier. These are usually placed in basements or in bathrooms without windows or in rooms of a home that need the most moisture removal.

Types of Dehumidifiers

There are many dehumidifiers on the market – from whole-house systems to small, portable devices. No matter the size, they utilize one of three technologies: Desiccant, Mechanical/Refrigerant or Peltier.

Desiccant dehumidifiers work by employing desiccants to remove humidity. Desiccants are substances that naturally absorb moisture, like those little packets of silica gel you find in your electronics boxes or vitamin bottles. This type of dehumidifier is best for moderate humidity and lower temperatures. Since no water is produced by this dehumidifier, it can withstand freezing conditions.

Mechanical/Refrigerant dehumidifiers basically work just like your refrigerator or air conditioning system. As air passes by a cooled metal plate, the airborne moisture is condensed and drips into a water tank. This type of dehumidifiers can increase air temperatures slightly and are best suited for moderate-high humidity levels and moderate-warm temperatures.

Peltier dehumidifiers are quiet and efficient, however, they are somewhat less energy efficient than the mechanical/ refrigerant dehumidifier described above. They are typically used in smaller areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and also RVs and also trap the airborne moister which drips into a reservoir. An indicator light illuminates when the water reservoir needs to be emptied.

Proper Humidity Levels Are Essential!

According to the EPA, some of the biggest threats to indoor air quality stem from moisture issues. If humidity levels in the home are not properly maintained, a plethora of hazards become abundant. From dust mites to allergens, pathogens and noxious chemicals are all more abundant in humid conditions. Lowering the moisture content in the air can reduce allergens, wheezing from asthma and chronic coughs or shortness of breath. The ideal humidity levels for your home are <60% in the summer and between 25%-40% in the winter. In bedrooms, 50% relative humidity reduces dust mites and allergens if kept there year round. Maintain proper humidity levels in your home is essential – saving you money and keeping your family healthy and happy.

US Home Filter Is Here For You

Family owned and operated for four generations now, we know all about the importance of home humidity control and have a variety of humidifier filters! Over the years our experienced staff has help thousands of customers by answering the same questions that you may have.

At US Home Filter, we appreciate each and every one of our customers. We are here to help you choose the best solutions for your individual needs. Whether you need help with one of our standard stock size air filters, a Whole House Air Cleaner replacement filter, Grille filters, or if you are overwhelmed by choosing the right custom size air filter, we will be happy to personally work with you to help ensure you order exactly what you need and clear up any misconceptions! For personal assistance or questions about your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to help you in selecting the perfect filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.