Tips to Improve IAQ in Your Commercial Facility this Summer

The temperatures just starting hitting the 90-degree mark in Lancaster County, and many business owners are cranking up their Air Conditioning (AC) systems. While turning on the AC keeps your business cool, it turns your facility into a closed loop. Without proper ventilation, airborne pollutants, moisture, and odors become trapped, rapidly deteriorating indoor air quality (IAQ).

As such, Angie has two tips so business owners can improve the IAQ in their facilities during the summer months.

Taming the Trash

High summer temperatures and humidity act like an accelerator for bacteria. As a result, garbage decomposes at a much faster rate than usual, especially if food is involved. This results in the release of unpleasant odors, airborne mold spores, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). In order to prevent these issues from occurring, you can try these tricks:

• Dispose of Food in One Can: Have all employees place their discarded food or any leftovers in one garbage can; Angie suggests a trashcan in the kitchen or breakroom. This will limit the odors to one area of your facility.
• Regularly Empty the Can: Create a sign-up sheet and have different people empty the kitchen or breakroom trash can daily. By emptying the trash more frequently, you will eliminate bacteria before it can colonize.
• Baking Soda and Charcoal: Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the trash bin to neutralize acidic odors. Alternatively, place an activated charcoal odor-absorber inside the base of the trashcan.
• Disinfect Regularly: Cleaning the actual trash bin weekly with an eco-friendly disinfectant or a simple water-and-vinegar solution will kill lingering bacteria.

Controlling Indoor Humidity

High humidity does more than make a room feel sticky; it creates a prime breeding ground for dust mites and mold. Ideally, indoor humidity should be kept between 30% and 50%. Anything above 55% is an invitation for mold growth. Here are some tips to eliminate humidity in your workplace:

• Run Exhaust Fans: Encourage employees to use the exhaust fans in the bathroom. This practice helps to fully clear moisture.
• Deploy a Dehumidifier: In naturally damp areas, a standalone dehumidifier is essential. Ensure it drains properly or is emptied daily.
• Set the AC Fan to “Auto”: If the thermostat fan is set to “on,” it blows continuously. When the cooling cycle ends, the fan blows air over the wet AC coils, sending all that evaporated moisture right back into your facility. Setting the fan to “auto” prevents this.
• Check the AC Filter: A clogged HVAC filter restricts airflow, making it harder for the air conditioner to effectively remove moisture from the air. Switch to a fresh filter at the start of summer.
• Keep the Windows Closed: If the outdoor humidity is high, keep windows closed, even if it cools down during the day. Bringing in muggy air just traps moisture inside your drywall and furniture, forcing your AC to work twice as hard.

By properly managing the trash and humidity in your workplace, you can ensure your business has good IAQ. For more commercial cleaning tips and information about how Angie can help your business look its best this summer, visit: AngiesCustomCleaning.com.