March 2021 marks one year since we began to feel the larger effects of the pandemic throughout the country. Since that time, businesses have proven more flexible than ever before and significantly changed their daily processes in an effort to keep employees and customers safe and healthy.
Now that vaccines are becoming more widely available to the general public, a full-scale reopening of the economy is on the horizon. But before you can welcome your building occupants back (at a safe social distance, of course), your HVAC system and other building controls will need a little TLC to make sure your indoor air quality is up to snuff. Are you prepared?
Some practical measures building owners and operators can take to prepare for reopening or increased occupancy include:
- A thorough check of all critical building systems. If you’ve been closed for some time, it’s likely that most of your technical systems have seen very little use. Be sure to professionally check all ventilation, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fire life safety systems and make sure they’re in proper working order.
- Check filters, plus control moisture and humidity. According to ASHRAE, filters with a MERV 13 rating or higher are your best bet against harmful contaminants like viruses, mold, pollen and more. If your system can handle the upgrade, it’s worth it for improved IAQ. Additionally, be sure to check moisture and humidity levels in your building. Moisture issues can lead to mold and fungus growth, which can negatively impact the health and wellbeing of building occupants.
- Implement a solid communication plan. This step is two-fold: You’ll want to touch base with your service provider as building occupancy evolves to make sure you’re following all of today’s codes and standards, but you’ll also want to be transparent with employees and clients regarding measures you’ve taken for their health and safety.
No matter the season, indoor air quality is important. Be sure to check with your HVAC service team to explore the options available that can help keep your building occupants healthy year-round.
