8 Ways to Improve Airflow and Ventilation in Offices

Standing in the copier room dying for a breath of fresh air with a snoot full of ozone from the hot toner. Sitting at a desk, hiding behind a computer screen as a coworker across the way lets out sneeze after contagious sneeze.

Businesses with stuffy air need to improve ventilation ASAP. Uncomfortable and or sick employees are less happy and less productive than healthy employees. Following the below steps can lead to a healthier office environment.

1. Let Vents Breathe

As employees grow tired of feeling uncomfortable in stuffy environments with uneven cooling and heating, they may use objects to block vents. This reduces ventilation and makes heat pumps work harder – just like someone breathing through his mouth due to a stuffy nose. Check that vents are clear of furniture and other objects.

2. Let Condenser Units Breathe

Clear away leaves, rubbish, cardboard and any other objects obstructing the airflow of outdoor condenser units. This keeps heat pumps from working extra hard and overheating.

3. Change Air Filters

A clean air filter allows a heat pump to run smoothly. In order to avoid clogging, change air filters as often as the manufacturer recommends. This saves energy and helps prevent costly breakdowns due to overheating.

4. Clean Condenser Coils

This is a problem especially for buildings equipped with outside condenser units in cities where pollution is higher. In the warm and hot months, condenser coils transfer heat from the inside of buildings to the outdoors. Condenser coils are prone to dirt and grime buildup which impedes their functioning. Keeping them clean reduces energy usage and increases a heat pump’s longevity.

5. Clean Fans

Heat pumps rely on fans to move warm and cool air throughout homes and buildings. Keeping the fans clean ensures they keep the air moving so that the office environment remains comfortable.

6. Check Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant leaks impede a heat pump’s functioning. When the office space feels stuffy and or too warm or too cold, check the refrigerant tank. If the refrigerant level is low, there may be a leak. In this case, calling an HVAC technician is advisable.

7. Check the Thermostats

Sometimes thermostats simply need new batteries. Sometimes they are faulty or need adjusting. When the problem is bigger than dead batteries, an HVAC technician can help.

8. Check Heat Pump Capacity

Contractors who lack expertise tend to install heat pumps that are too big for the designated space. Oversized units tend to short cycle (turn on and off several times per day), resulting in inconsistent heating and cooling.