Improper ventilation in a building can lead to many problems, problems that won’t be alleviated by merely opening a window.
If a domestic or commercial ventilation system is not working correctly, the number of indoor air contaminants can be much higher. It could also lead to improper or uneven air distribution or insufficient exhaust ventilation.
This is why it pays dividends to ensure you have a domestic or commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system that’s continuously in good working order. HVAC systems that are correctly installed, balanced and maintained can mean that you enjoy sufficient and healthy air quality for more sustained periods. It’s a big help if all the correct procedures are followed, as it’s when these steps are ignored where indoor air quality can become problematic.
Common Examples of Ventilation Problems
Intermittent airflow
There may be increased indoor air contamination levels if you have an HVAC system design operating at a reduced or intermittent capacity. For example, at certain points throughout the day, if your system is not ventilating at the minimum levels, it may be a sign that you need to examine the system.
Air distribution
Failing to maintain the correct temperature, humidity, and air movement in a building may result in your mechanical ventilation system emitting air that’s too hot or cold. Air movement may also be restricted depending on what takes up your building space; for example, partitioning or furniture can impact air distribution.
Placement of supply vents
Air supply vents installed too close to exhaust vents can pull contaminated air from outside into the building. Similarly, suppose a supply vent is located outside of a building, and it’s near heavy traffic areas or car parks. In that case, contaminated air can find its way through a ventilation system.
Periods of operation
Whenever an HVAC unit is switched off, contaminants can build up inside the system. If the system remains off when there is nobody in the building, the system’s levels of pollutants can accumulate. This is why it’s handy to turn on the ventilation system before people arrive in the building, and shut down after leaving.
Consequences of Poor Ventilation
The last thing commercial building owners or property managers want to deal with is repeated patterns of employees getting sick. Granted, right now that seems unlikely with many companies operating remotely, but pre-coronavirus, it’s surprising how many reports of sickness stem from poor ventilation in a building.
It’s relatively common for employees to report health issues and discomfort that ultimately result from poor indoor air quality. These issues often go unnoticed until the coughs, sneezes and itching increases amongst people in the room, among other symptoms. It’s a problem with the heating and ventilation system in many cases.
Here are some signs that you may need to examine your air ventilation system:
Growing complaints of fatigue
People reporting increased tiredness levels may point to a prevalent ventilation issue in the building. Poor air quality results from improper ventilation and a building with low indoor air quality exposes its occupants to contaminants. When exposed to these contaminants for an extended period of time, they can impact lungs and oxygen circulation, hence the fatigue.
Headaches or nausea
Sometimes people report constant headaches whenever they are in buildings, stemming from several factors. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can circulate in the building in some cases. Subsequently, people inhale these compounds, leading to headaches, dizziness or nausea.
Reports of funny smells
Musty odours and smells of damp around the building can result from poor ventilation. You should check the HVAC system to ensure that it’s distributing clean air correctly and that waste air is leaving the building properly.
How to Solve Ventilation Problems
The most effective way to reduce these issues is to ensure your system is given the correct, regular maintenance it needs. Spotting ventilation issues is not always straightforward, but having regular check-ups by accredited professionals like Accurate Mechanical Services will mean that they are.
Accurate Mechanical Services identify problems, address them promptly and resolve them as quickly and efficiently as possible. We offer PPM (Planned Preventative Maintenance) plans for our commercial clients to regularly monitor, check, maintain, repair and service equipment. We want to make sure you have high-quality indoor air at all times.
Contact us for a free site survey and bespoke quote today.