Enhancing Indoor Air Quality

by Jason Cramp | December 10, 2024 10:00 am

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The significance of indoor air quality (IAQ) has become increasingly evident because most of our lives take place indoors. People spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that indoor air pollution can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. In some cases, it can be up to 100 times more polluted depending on the activities and materials used indoors.[2] This poses a serious health risk, as studies show poor IAQ is linked to respiratory problems, exacerbated asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and other long-term health issues.[3]
Poor IAQ has also been shown to reduce cognitive performance, increase absenteeism, and lower productivity. For example, studies indicate that poor air quality can lead to a 21 percent decline in decision-making abilities, while improved IAQ can increase productivity by up to 11 percent.[4] Additionally, a 2024 survey by Fellowes found that 94 percent of respondents agreed that clean air is essential to optimal employee performance.

Challenges of IAQ

Many modern buildings focus on addressing the building envelope’s performance because it directly affects the building’s energy efficiency. However, this can lead to lower natural ventilation and, subsequently, the buildup of indoor pollutants. Pollutants like VOCs, formaldehyde, PM2.5, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from construction materials, furniture, and even cleaning supplies can accumulate over time.

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Implementing the right air purification and ventilation strategies is essential to address these issues without compromising the building’s design aesthetic or energy goals. Striking a balance between effective filtration, energy conservation, and visual appeal is essential.
When selecting IAQ systems for new or retrofitted spaces, several key factors must be considered to ensure both functional and aesthetic success:

Ventilation and airflow requirements

Proper ventilation is the foundation of good air quality. While HVAC systems can increase ventilation rates to try and reduce airborne transmission of indoor respiratory pathogens, ventilation without adequate filtration is often not enough. This is especially true when outdoor air quality is poor due to wildfires, pollution, or allergens, making increased ventilation counterproductive to improving air quality as most standard HVAC systems generally do not consider poor outdoor air quality. Additionally, peak cold and flu season occurs during the fall and winter months when HVAC systems are bringing in less outside air, resulting in lower ventilation levels. This need for adequate filtration to accompany the ventilation provided by HVAC systems further underscores the opening for HVAC contractors to offer localized air quality solutions.

High-efficiency filtration

Filtration is another core component of IAQ systems, and advanced filtration technologies like H13 True HEPA filters are among the best at capturing airborne particles. H13 True HEPA filters can remove at least 99.95 percent of particles as small as 0.1 microns, including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and even some viruses. While HVAC systems are designed to handle air quality at a building-wide scale, incorporating localized air purifiers with H13 True HEPA filtration and activated carbon provides several advantages. Strategic placement of localized air purifiers reduces the overall burden on the central HVAC system. Localized air purifiers provide more focused filtration in areas that need it most, such as conference rooms, classrooms, or areas with sensitive occupants, to ensure buildings deliver a consistent level of air quality. Also, the addition of air purifiers ensures the entire building benefits from enhanced protection against fine particulate matter, improving the overall occupant health and comfort. [6]

Design flexibility

Look for IAQ systems that feature a modular and flexible design. Architects need the ability to select systems that can fit seamlessly into any structure without the need for intrusive ductwork connections or complex installations. Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted units, for example, can offer high filtration efficiency while maintaining the original look of the space.

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Energy efficiency

With energy consumption being a major concern, selecting IAQ systems that enhance air quality without increasing energy costs is essential. Choosing a system that will work in tandem with existing HVAC setups can reduce the strain on the ventilation system, preventing increased HVAC energy usage and wear on HVAC parts. IAQ solutions with advanced sense-and-react technology can monitor air quality factors, including occupancy and particulate levels, and adjust fan settings accordingly, mitigating energy overconsumption and ensuring the building maintains high levels of IAQ while keeping operational costs low[8].

Maintenance and lifespan

The longevity and maintenance requirements of an IAQ system are sometimes overlooked but are crucial for long-term effectiveness. When selecting a solution, it’s important to consider how easy it is to maintain, the availability of parts, and whether routine servicing will disrupt building operations. Choosing a system that also offers remote monitoring and smart controls can simplify maintenance and ensure consistent performance over time.

Monitoring and IAQ data

When it comes to managing IAQ, choosing a system that allows users to monitor air quality in real-time is invaluable. Data-sharing dashboards should provide facilities managers with real-time data on different air quality levels, from particulate matter to CO2 levels. It should also include notifications and trend reports, enabling facilities managers and building engineers to monitor and manage IAQ more effectively. External reporting systems provide key air quality metrics to building occupants, ensuring peace of mind about the cleanliness of the air they are breathing. Additionally, schools and other environments with requirements to monitor for IAQ, CO2 levels, and more, can take advantage of the reporting capabilities of intelligent IAQ systems. Continuous monitoring can provide early warnings of unexpected pollution spikes, and transparency around IAQ data can help build trust with occupants.
Improving IAQ is both a challenge and an opportunity to create healthier, more efficient spaces. Architects and engineers can ensure their designs meet the modern demands of occupant health and sustainability by focusing on high-efficiency filtration, modular systems, and energy-conscious solutions. With the right planning and system integration, buildings can achieve both aesthetic harmony and optimal indoor air quality, creating environments where form and function coexist seamlessly.

Jason Jones is the director of sales and marketing for Fellowes Air Quality Management, a fourth-generation family-owned company providing trusted workplace solutions. Fellowes is celebrating more than 100 years under the private ownership and executive leadership of the Fellowes family.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/enhancing-indoor-air-quality/

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