IAQ Surveys Create Healthy Buildings

As a country, we have made tremendous progress in the battle against SARS-CoV-2, but even as vaccines go into the arms of millions of Americans and buildings reopen nationwide, the threat of COVID-19 variants is real. Therefore, this is not the time to relax social distancing guidelines or stop screening building visitors upon entry. It is certainly not the time to take our eyes off building HVAC systems or IAQ in general. In fact, indoor air quality surveys help building managers identify IAQ issues, minimize risk, and keep ahead of future government regulations. Most importantly, they keep building occupants safe.

IAQ Surveys

We know that the coronavirus spreads through aerosol transmission. Infected people expel tiny droplets when they cough or sneeze after which other building occupants breathe them in. They also land on hard surfaces and transfer through touch. While the risk of spread through ventilation systems is lower it still poses a threat. The bottom line is, improving HVAC systems reduces the risk of COVID-19 exposure and that requires completion of IAQ surveys. This includes assessments of HVAC systems to make sure they function properly as well as environmental testing for the presence of the virus.

Pure Air Control’s Building Sciences services specializes in building assessments to identify IAQ risks. This allows facilities managers to pinpoint potential problems and prevent them from occurring. Afterward, IAQ monitoring provides real-time, actionable information so problems get addressed fast.

Building Health Check

The first step toward a healthy building is with a Building Health Check to evaluate HVAC zones. On-site inspections combined with testing performed by the EDLab, give managers readings on moisture as well as temperature and humidity levels. It identifies the source of contaminants and provides risk assessments. These tests and the resulting analysis diagnose any issues for treatment plans to address.

HVAC Hygiene Assessment

An important component in the Building Health Check is the HVAC Hygiene Assessment which focuses on the air handling unit, evaporator coils, drain pan, blower, and ductwork. In addition, performance testing measures the effect of pressure and airflow on the coils. The results of IAQ surveys give building managers and engineers more insight into solutions for IAQ issues.

IAQ Guard

After the completion of indoor air quality surveys. The IAQ Guard system monitors building conditions 24/7. A remote team reviews readings on relative humidity and temperature but also total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), particulate matter,  and CO2s. As a result, building managers know what tools they need to address issues. It helps them lower the risk of virus transmission but also ensures IAQ meets ASHRAE, LEED, and OSHA standards.

Prescriptive IAQ

After the IAQ surveys, remediation follows. Sometimes cleaning and disinfection are enough, although repair and replacement of components or systems may be required. Building Remediation Sciences is a suite of systems designed to clean and restore HVAC systems. This includes HVAC New Life which improves IAQ while extending the lifespan of equipment as well as improving the return on investment. PURE-Steam uses high-temperature steam to disinfect the coils and AHU by pushing dirt and dust through the coil. The result is better ventilation and a lower risk of virus transmission. The PURE-Duct system also knocks out the dust and debris which builds up in ductwork. After the high-pressure air turbulence does its work, an industrial-strength vacuum removes the loose debris. Finally, the PURE-Decon destroys any remaining bacteria, mold, viruses, and pathogens.

Start Your IAQ Survey Today

We cannot relax our mitigation efforts and we cannot treat potential IAQ issues, like the threat of COVID-19, without a diagnosis. Find out how Pure Air Control Services helps schools, hospitals, gyms, spas, and churches improve IAQ and prevent virus transmission in their buildings. Call us at 1-800-422-7873 or email us here.