How Seasonal Changes Impact Indoor Air Quality

Factors that can lead to poor seasonal changes indoor air quality include -

• Poorly Installed and Maintained Ventilation Systems
• Compromised Outdoor Air Quality, Such as Pollen, Mould and Dust
• Excessive Air Moisture and High Levels of Humidity
• Rapid Temperature Changes
• How to Manage Seasonal Changes Indoor Air Quality

When it comes to seasonal changes in indoor air quality, it may seem as if there is not much to be done in order to control these fluctuating seasonal factors. However, there are plenty of ways to adapt to seasonal changes in order to minimise the impact this could have on indoor air quality. Here are a few ideas from the experts at Air Quality Plan to help your business manage these changes effectively from season to season.

Spring

Spring marks the end of winter and has positive connotations of freshness and all things spring cleaning. However, spring can also be a time when there are increased levels of air pollutants, such as dust, mould spores and pollen, all of which can create a negative impact on indoor air quality and pose a particular risk to those who suffer from allergies. Even though the temperature may feel warmer and lead to less coughs and colds, this time of year can still be miserable for those who are allergic to these natural pollutants. Tips to improve indoor air quality during the spring include ensuring your ventilation systems are robust enough to not let in dust or pollen, as well as cleaning ventilation systems regularly to prevent any buildup that could compromise their efficiency.

Summer

During the hottest months of the year, the levels of natural pollutants that are rife in the air during the spring fall dramatically. However, your indoor air quality may still be compromised by rising humidity levels, which can lead to a buildup of toxic pollutants, especially from traffic fumes and construction works, which can create a bubble of poor air quality. This can lead to ozone layer damage, as well as irritation for asthma suffers and those affected by other respiratory conditions. Tips to improve indoor air quality during the summer include making sure that all air conditioning units are cleaned regularly in order to prevent mould buildup, along with regular cleaning of all ventilation systems too. It is also important for employers and business owners to be aware that air conditioning units fundamentally change the humidity levels in the air, which can cause irritation for on-site visitors and staff, who may be entering from a high humidity level into a much lower one. An improperly operated or installed ventilation system will not mix the correct amount of fresh and recycled air, so it is always important to have a professional company to test the air quality in your setting. Air Quality Plan can carry out thorough air quality testing to ensure that your staff and visitors are not put at unnecessary risk.

Autumn

As the weather begins to cool down in autumn, mould levels actually are at their highest, with decaying leaves falling from trees and harvested fields in more rural areas causing excess mould and pollen in the air. During this time, it can be difficult to maintain consistent good indoor air quality, as ventilation systems can struggle to deal with these fluctuations in air pollutants as well as changing temperatures. Tips to improve indoor air quality during autumn include making sure that all areas prone to moisture, such as communal toilets and breakrooms, are adequately ventilated. It is also important to ensure that there are no leaks anywhere in the premises, as untreated leaks can cause a spike in unwanted mould growth, which can lead to poor indoor air quality as a result.

Winter

Although pollen and dust may be at their lowest during the wintertime, this season can still cause plenty of indoor air quality issues too thanks to the fall in temperatures and the need to use indoor heating systems. With humidity levels at their seasonal lowest, this can lead to a dryness in the air which can then cause irritation to mucous membranes, resulting in itchy eyes and also the spread of respiratory infections. As there are usually also more people working indoors during the winter, this can also lead to a rise of germs entering the ventilation systems too. Tips to improve indoor air quality during the winter include regularly monitoring the humidity levels on the premises to ensure the air does not dry out completely. It is also important to clean and disinfect all ventilation systems too, in order to prevent the unwanted spread of germs and air pathogens.

Air Quality Plan and their dedicated team can provide full indoor air quality testing and are always on hand to offer help and advice as to how to maintain good indoor air quality for your business all year round. Get in touch today!