April 2025
When outdoor air quality is poor, what can managers do to maintain better indoor air quality?
If your first thought is to close the building’s makeup air equipment to maintain superior air quality inside the building, think again. Shutting down equipment to prevent fresh air from entering the building has adverse consequences and should be avoided.
Air makeup equipment is designed to ensure adequate ventilation within the building. It supplies fresh air to pressurize hallways and common areas which prevents odours from entering units and common spaces, producing a healthier and more comfortable environment.
The most immediate solution to maintain good air quality and avoid the negative consequences is to upgrade air filters and adjust ventilation rates. More airborne particles, including those which are harmful, get caught in the filters. MERV rated filters help improve indoor air quality even when outside air quality is poor. More frequent filter changes also help to improve indoor air quality.
Your building’s ventilation rate can be adjusted to reduce the intake of temporarily poor-quality outdoor air while continuing to provide sufficient fresh air to meet minimum requirements.
Finally, keep your air management equipment clean. Accumulation of dirt, debris or pollutants in filters, coils or ductwork will restrict airflow, reduce system efficiency and allow pollutants into the building.
