Carey's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Today’s shoppers and employees are increasingly concerned about indoor air quality and its effect on their health.  So here are nine steps you can take to prevent your office building or shopping center from ever becoming known as a “sick building” –

1. Check ventilation to assure at least 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of outside air per occupant … at least 20 cfm in active office spaces and 60 cfm in smoking lounges. 
2. Check air balancing to assure that fresh air is distributed uniformly throughout your workspace or shopping area.
3. Be sure that Air Intake Vents are located away from sources of outside air pollution such as motor vehicle exhausts, plumbing vents, garages or smoking areas.
4. Require trucks at the loading dock to shut off their engines.
5. Check for and remove sources of indoor air pollution such as unvented space heaters, wood or gas stoves, fireplaces, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, pesticides, and cleaning agents. 
6. Be sure that adequate local exhaust ventilation is in place to remove pollutants that accumulate in restrooms, copy rooms, and printing facilities.
7. Check ducts, humidifiers, drain pans, ceiling tiles, carpeting, and insulation for stagnant water that may have accumulated. 
8. Periodically clean and replace filters throughout the HVAC system. 
9. Inspect and clean ductwork. Remove any mold or dirt.

These steps will help everyone stay well … and will help you become known as an employer, retailer, or landlord that cares about the people in your buildings.  And remember that Carey’s Heating and Air Conditioning is always available to help.