Does My Commercial HVAC Impact My Employees in Oak Ridge, TN?

The commercial HVAC system in your workplace has a significant impact on your employees’ health, comfort and productivity. A well-maintained heating and cooling system in Oak Ridge, TN, can help reduce absenteeism and boost employee morale. Here is a look at some of the ways that a commercial HVAC system can impact your employees.

Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the quality of the air inside a building or other enclosed space. Your HVAC system directly affects the air quality in your workplace. If it’s not properly maintained, it can circulate dust, pollen and other contaminants.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that these contaminants can cause health problems that include respiratory infections. For instance, employees with allergies may experience sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. Such symptoms will not allow the workers to concentrate and can lead to decreased productivity.

In addition to health issues, poor air quality can lead to increased absenteeism, decreased job satisfaction and higher healthcare costs. Therefore, employers who want to improve employee productivity should take steps to improve air quality in the workplace.

Temperature

The temperature in your workplace is also important for employee comfort and productivity. A comfortable temperature range is generally between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too hot or too cold, employees can become uncomfortable, which can lead to decreased productivity.

When the temperature is too hot, employees may feel tired, irritable and unable to concentrate. They may also be more likely to make mistakes.

Age of the HVAC System

The age of your commercial HVAC system can also have a significant impact on your employees. Older systems are more likely to be less efficient, meaning they will use more energy to heat or cool your workplace. This can lead to higher energy bills for your business and make your workplace less comfortable for employees.

If you have an older commercial HVAC system, it’s important to maintain it. This will help ensure that it’s operating efficiently and not using excess energy.

Noise

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.1 billion people worldwide expose themselves to harmful levels of noise at work. Americans spend the vast majority of their time indoors, exposing them to noise from different sources.

The noise level in your workplace is often affected by your HVAC system. If the system is noisy, it can be distracting and make it difficult for employees to concentrate. This can make them less productive and more stressed.

Noise can indeed be stressful, which can lead to headaches, fatigue and difficulty sleeping. All these problems can impact employee morale and overall well-being.

Remember, employees who inhale contaminated air are more likely to experience cold and flu symptoms. As a result, employees feel tired, irritable and unproductive.

How to Improve HVAC Impact on Your Employees

Now that you know that a commercial HVAC system can impact the performance of workers, here are a few things that you can do:

• Maintain your HVAC system regularly. This includes letting a qualified technician perform routine maintenance and regularly checking the system for debris.
• Keep the air quality in your workplace clean by using a high-quality air filter and regularly cleaning or replacing it. You may also want to consider installing an air purifier in your work environment.
• Set the temperature to a comfortable level. This will vary depending on the climate and the personal preferences of your employees. However, a good rule of thumb is to keep the temperature around 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Reduce the noise level of your system. This may involve replacing loose components before worsening or breaking.

We’re experts in all types of HVAC maintenance. Reach out to our team at Cook’s Comfort Systems, Inc. for all your commercial HVAC needs in Oak Ridge, TN.

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