Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and comfort of occupants spending time within your building — whether they are employees, customers, or visitors. And if you’re a building owner or a maintenance director, a large part of your job is to make sure your facility provides a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.
FACS IEQ experts are in the field daily working with companies just like yours to help overcome IEQ issues. Our hope is that the following ten IEQ essentials will be a valuable checklist in determining how well you are faring right now — and improvements you may implement to do better moving forward.
1. Air Quality Testing and Monitoring
Starting with regular air quality testing sets the foundation for improving IEQ. By measuring factors such as particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and humidity levels, you’ll gain considerable information about your building’s indoor environment. Schedule tests at least yearly — or more frequently if you notice issues like odors or receive occupant complaints.
Pro tip: Keep a simple log of each air quality test. Record the date, findings, and any corrective actions taken. This helps you track patterns and prioritize improvements. It can also provide necessary information should any regulatory or litigation issues develop.
2. HVAC System Maintenance
Your HVAC system is essential to your building’s indoor environment. Regular cleaning and air filter replacement is the simplest, yet most effective way to prevent undesirable indoor environmental quality.. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for the rest of the system, including duct cleaning, coil inspections, and component checks.
Pro tip: A well-maintained HVAC system not only optimizes air circulation but also improves energy efficiency — saving you money over the long run. Make sure your maintenance team doesn’t cut corners with HVAC system maintenance.
3. Ventilation Best Practices
Effective ventilation introduces the right amount of outside air to replace stale indoor air. Keep an eye on occupancy levels, peak times, and heavily-used areas that may need increased ventilation. Ensure windows, vents, and mechanical systems are unclogged and free from obstructions to help prevent hot spots, stuffiness, and unhealthy air buildup.
Pro tip: Balancing energy use and ventilation demands can be tricky. Look into recent technological developments like demand-controlled ventilation systems that can adjust fresh air intake based on carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels and occupancy.
4. Moisture Management and Mold Prevention
Undetected and unmitigated moisture may lead to mold growth, which can in turn lead to both structural damage and potential adverse health effects for occupants. Be vigilant about leaks from roofs, pipes, or windows, and promptly address any issues that cause persistent dampness. Keep humidity within recommended levels (generally 30–60%) to discourage mold colonies from thriving.
Pro tip: Regular visual inspections go a long way. If you spot staining or suspect hidden leaks, consider using moisture meters or infrared imaging to locate problem areas. If you need help, call FACS.
5. Chemical and Material Management
Cleaning chemicals, paints, and even new furniture can introduce potentially harmful substances into the air. Consider VOC levels when purchasing products, and be sure to store cleaning solutions and solvents properly. Educate your maintenance staff about safe handling and disposal to prevent unnecessary exposure and odor issues.
Pro tip: Inventory and discard items properly if they’re no longer usable or safe. Don’t store products you won’t or cannot use. Schedule this management task and perform it regularly.
6. Regular Inspections and Maintenance Logs
A structured inspection routine can help prevent small problems from turning into major headaches. Create a checklist tailored to your building’s systems and key areas such as roofing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. Detailed logs that track each inspection help you identify patterns (e.g., recurrent leaks in the same spot) and allow quick follow-up.
Pro tip: Thorough documentation isn’t just a good habit. It can also be vital for insurance purposes and regulatory compliance. Documentation may seem a “hassle,” but it is a necessary part of building maintenance.
7. Water Quality Considerations
While air quality often receives the most maintenance attention, don’t forget about water quality. If your building includes water features, drinking fountains, kitchens, or shower facilities, test the water periodically to evaluate for contaminants, bacteria, or heavy metals. Staying proactive keeps your occupants safe and also wards off potential liability issues.
Pro tip: Flushing unused taps or faucets regularly can reduce water stagnation and the buildup of contaminants, especially in areas with limited foot traffic. Be especially vigilant when a water line that has been dormant is reactivated or when construction activities are underway at your building or facility.
8. Lighting Quality and Ergonomics
Lighting plays a huge role in occupant comfort and productivity. Poor lighting can contribute to eye strain and even detract from the work you do, particularly in areas without natural daylight. Upgrading to energy-efficient LEDs, ensuring a good balance of task and ambient lighting, and reducing glare can all significantly boost morale and well-being.
Pro tip: Strive for a mix of natural daylight and efficient artificial lighting. This not only saves on energy but also supports occupants’ circadian rhythms.
9. Occupant Awareness and Communication
No matter how well your systems run, if occupants don’t know the basics of maintaining a healthy indoor environment, problems can crop up quickly. Encourage everyone to report strange odors, unexpected temperature spikes, or visible mold. Clear communication and prompt responses help you address issues before they escalate.
Culture of care: Simple reminders — like promptly reporting spills or ventilation problems — are more than just “another maintenance task.” They show your team that you care about their health and safety.
10. Compliance with Regulations and Standards
Be especially careful to stay informed about local, state, and federal regulations, as well as industry standards and guidelines set by organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). These standards and guidelines exist to ensure the safety of occupants and to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
Stay informed: Regulations can change, and new standards for ventilation, energy efficiency, or chemical use may arise. To make sure you are current with regulations, schedule time with a FACS IEQ consultant.
Next Steps for IEQ Maintenance Basics
A solid IEQ program comprises a consistent, well-documented, and transparent program. By prioritizing systematic inspections, diligent HVAC maintenance, moisture management, and occupant awareness, you build a healthier, trustworthy and more efficient environment for your occupants. A solid IEQ program goes a long way in boosting the well-being of building occupants as well saving hefty repair bills, fines, and potential legal liability.
A healthy building is a strong foundation for any successful operation. For professional assistance or for answers to your questions about advanced IEQ strategies, call FACS at (888) 711-9998 or contact us online here.
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