Air Quality and HVAC

When people hear about air pollution, we generally think about outdoor air. Did you know that, according to the EPA, studies have shown that indoor pollutant levels can be two to five times higher - and occasionally one hundred times higher - than outside air? Considering that the average American spends about 90% of their time inside, indoor air quality (IAQ) can have a direct impact on short- and long-term health, comfort, and performance of a building’s occupants.

Air Quality issues are caused by a variety of sources. These include improperly operated and maintained HVAC systems, overcrowding, tobacco smoke, microbiological contamination, outside air pollutants, and emissions from office materials and mechanical equipment. Physical effects can be mild (eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, nausea) to severe (asthma, respiratory illness, heart disease, even cancer).

Contaminant source control and proper HVAC system maintenance are the most effective strategies toward improving indoor air quality. Ductwork and air handlers should be kept clean, and filters should be changed regularly to reduce floating particulates. Determine the appropriate MERV rating for your filters based on the application and particle size of contaminants present. MERV ratings range from 1 (low-quality residential filters) to 20 (assigned to HEPA and ULPA filters capable of capturing the smallest particulates). Electronic air cleaners and specialty air filtration systems can also be effective in controlling specific environmental concerns.

HVAC systems should be properly balanced, and 15-20% of the air flow should be fresh air. Consider retro-commissioning and upgrading filters and filtration to see how you can achieve a cleaner, healthier indoor environment. Keep humidifiers clean and use fresh, clean water to prevent bacteria and fungal growth. Humidity levels should be maintained between 35-50%.

About MSC - The Go To Guys

We are a service sub-specialist in the technical intricacies of HVAC, process cooling, and building automation systems in commercial, industrial, and institutional environments. MSC is recognized as the leading industry expert in solving elusive problems and attaining peak performance from clients’ mechanical equipment and overall systems.

Located in northern New Jersey, MSC is the only specialized contractor of our kind in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. We are MSCA STAR-qualified, NEBB-certified, fully-licensed in electrical, plumbing and HVAC, and our engineers and technicians are the most knowledgeable in our field.

Mechanical Service Corp.
41 South Jefferson Road
Whippany, NJ 07981
732-884-5000
http://www.mscnj.com