6 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Atlanta Offices This Winter
As cooler weather approaches, indoor air quality (IAQ) becomes a top priority for Atlanta property managers, landlords, and facility operators. Poor IAQ in commercial spaces can lead to higher absenteeism, reduced productivity, and even tenant complaints. At Estes Commercial, we help businesses maintain healthier, more efficient environments with proven air quality and HVAC solutions.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Businesses
According to the EPA, poor air quality can reduce productivity by up to 10% in commercial buildings. During winter, recirculated air, low humidity, and increased viral transmission make IAQ especially critical in offices and shared facilities.
Clean, well-ventilated air promotes employee well-being, protects sensitive equipment, and helps building owners meet health and energy efficiency goals.
1. Improve Ventilation and Airflow
Proper ventilation is the foundation of a healthy building. Upgrading your office's ventilation system ensures a consistent flow of fresh outdoor air while reducing contaminants from recycled air.
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and make-up air units are effective in multi-level buildings and large commercial spaces. These systems balance air pressure and deliver ventilation without energy loss, improving both IAQ and operational efficiency.
2. Schedule Preventive HVAC Maintenance
Preventive maintenance not only extends equipment life it's also one of the easiest ways to maintain clean indoor air. During a commercial HVAC maintenance visit, our technicians inspect ductwork, filters, coils, and vents for dust, mold, and leaks that could compromise air quality.
Schedule HVAC maintenance at least twice a year in fall and spring to prepare for seasonal heating and cooling loads. Preventive care helps avoid downtime, protect tenants, and ensure compliance with ASHRAE and OSHA guidelines.
3. Balance Indoor Humidity Levels
Winter air is typically dry, and low humidity can lead to static electricity, dry skin, and increased virus transmission. Building humidification systems help maintain relative humidity between 30% and 50%, creating a healthier environment for occupants and reducing energy use.
Estes Commercial offers humidification and dehumidification systems tailored to commercial HVAC designs for consistent, balanced comfort.
4. Install Whole-Building Air Purification Systems
Air purifiers equipped with UV-C light or HEPA filtration can remove up to 99% of airborne particulates, including viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Commercial UV air purifiers integrate with HVAC duct systems to continuously treat circulated air across the building.
These systems are ideal for office towers, medical facilities, and educational buildings where air turnover rates are high and occupant health is critical.
5. Use Air Sensing Devices and Building Automation
Smart sensors monitor CO₂ levels, VOCs, and occupancy rates, automatically adjusting ventilation and filtration as needed. Building automation systems (BAS) equipped with air quality sensors help managers maintain optimal IAQ while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
These systems provide real-time data for proactive maintenance and compliance with indoor air quality standards.
6. Promote Healthy Workplace Policies
While HVAC solutions play a key role, workplace culture also impacts IAQ. Encourage employees to stay home when sick, clean common areas regularly, and ensure janitorial teams use low-VOC cleaning products to minimize chemical pollutants.
Commercial Indoor Air Quality FAQs - People Also Ask
How often should office HVAC filters be replaced?
Commercial HVAC filters should typically be changed every 1-3 months, depending on system design, building use, and occupant density.
What's the best way to monitor air quality in large buildings?
Air quality sensors connected to a building automation system allow real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and contaminant levels across multiple zones.
Can air purifiers help reduce employee absenteeism?
Yes. Cleaner air reduces airborne transmission of viruses and allergens, improving employee comfort and reducing sick days.
Do commercial buildings in Atlanta need dehumidifiers in winter?
Most Atlanta offices struggle with low humidity during heating season. A centralized humidifier or combined HVAC humidity control system can restore balanced moisture levels.
Partner with Estes Commercial for Better Air Quality in Your Building
For over 75 years, Estes Commercial has partnered with Atlanta businesses, property managers, and landlords to deliver reliable HVAC and indoor air quality solutions that improve health, comfort, and energy efficiency.
Our certified technicians specialize in HVAC installation, preventive maintenance, air purification, and building automation systems.
Contact us today at 404-366-9620 or schedule a consultation for your Metro Atlanta office, school, or commercial property.
Serving Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Johns Creek, Marietta, and surrounding areas.
