How To Improve Indoor Air Quality With A Proper Ventilation System
While it might not seem it, the air quality indoors in most UK buildings isn't always the best. However, good-quality indoor air is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable environment, especially in the damp climate experienced by the UK.
Whether you are looking for your commercial building or your home, there are a number of steps that you can take to ensure effective ventilation throughout your building.
As leading experts in ventilation technology across Dorset and Hampshire, we share a few tips that should help you improve your air quality.
Install Extractor Fans
Moisture is a common factor in buildings that will cause poor air quality. Removing as much moisture as possible will help you improve the air quality. Install extractor fans in areas where there is likely to be a build-up of moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. These fans will remove excess humidity and pollutants that are generated when cooking or bathing.
Whole-building Ventilation Systems
Ensure that the building as a whole benefits from ventilation and fresh air by installing whole-building ventilation systems such as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) or positive input ventilation (PIV).
Each of these systems performs slightly differently, but both will pull fresh air from the outside into your indoor space. MVHR systems are particularly effective as they remove stale air from the inside while simultaneously bringing in fresh air from the outside and recovering heat in the process. Meanwhile, a PIV system works by supplying fresh, filtered air into the property, which displaces stale air and helps control humidity levels.
Maintain Ventilation Equipment
Once you have installed a proper ventilation system in your building, you must maintain it. Regularly cleaning the equipment will ensure optimal performance consistently.
When cleaning the system, replace the filters within the units as this will prevent the build-up of pollen, dust and other pollutants that reduce the air quality in a building.
While you are able to perform a certain level of maintenance, we recommend that you employ an expert to complete an annual service on your system, as they will complete thorough inspections and checks of the system. This will mean that any potential issues will be found and fixed before they cause any problems.
Natural Ventilation
Where possible, it is always a good idea to make use of windows and increase natural ventilation. Allow the breeze to circulate fresh air throughout your building and move stale air around with the fresh air.
You can enhance airflow in a building through cross-ventilation, where you open windows that are opposite each other. Of course, it is important to be careful when doing this, as sometimes it can cause doors to slam shut. So, should you wish to do this, make sure you have measures in place to stop any doors banging closed.
Control Indoor Pollutants
Help your ventilation system by reducing indoor pollutants that you are bringing into the building.
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products to minimise the chemicals being added to the air.
Don't smoke or vape indoors either, and where possible, move away from open windows and doors to prevent the smoke from entering the building.
Additionally, consider placing indoor plants known for their air-purifying properties, such as peace lilies or spider plants.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Mould and mildew will contribute negatively to the air quality of a space. Take preventative measures to reduce the chance of mould growing in corners and around the property.
Monitoring the humidity levels and trying to keep them between 30% and 50% should be enough to prevent mould growth. If this is difficult, you can use dehumidifiers to remove water and humidity from the space.
Consider Air Purifiers
If you are in an area with high pollution levels or have individuals with respiratory issues regularly spending time in your building, consider using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters to remove particulate matter and allergens from the air.
These will clean the air circulating the building, removing pollution so that the air is clean.
Get Professional Insights
Thinking about improving your air quality with a proper ventilation system? At Meridian Cooling, we have over 30 years of experience in the HVAC industry.
Over this time, we have gained knowledge and experience in providing a range of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in commercial and domestic buildings.
Our teams are fully qualified and will install systems that meet your exact requirements and fit your space.
We will also provide a maintenance service, meaning that you can be confident your system will work for years to come as it will be looked after by the same specialist who installed it.
Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your needs and discover how we can help. Call us on 01202 658254 or complete our online enquiry form.
