Author: Brett Knox
November 16, 2023 - 4 MIN. READ
Air conditioning system (HVAC) air quality is a crucial contractor consideration. It involves managing air quality, particularly during allergy season from (March through May). These systems use the latest technologies to reduce allergens and pollutants. Here, you will learn more about indoor air quality (IAQ) and how HVAC air quality systems work.
Executive Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic cast a glaring spotlight on the significance of indoor air quality. People have become acutely aware of the potential risks associated with airborne contaminants, particularly in multifamily and commercial buildings. This heightened awareness has generated a growing demand for enhanced air quality, leading to increased interest in high-quality heating, ventilation, and HVAC systems.
To provide the best assistance to your clients, it is crucial to position yourself as a knowledgeable HVAC systems contractor with a strong focus on enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ). Central to this is a comprehensive understanding of the array of products available in the market. Equally vital is the ability to pinpoint reliable sources for these products. By mastering these aspects, you can truly serve your clients by delivering solutions that optimize the air quality in their spaces.
The Air That You Breathe
Air quality often goes unnoticed until it deteriorates, as humans naturally breathe without conscious effort. Regrettably, we may not always recognize that certain health issues are connected to the quality of the air we inhale. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that air quality has a profound influence, both directly and indirectly, on our general well-being.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that IAQ is important for young and older adults. IAQ also impacts people with asthma, lung conditions, or heart conditions. Poor IAQ is also associated with other health problems, including:
- Scratchy throat
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Moderate to severe allergic reactions
- Scratchy skin
- Respiratory illnesses
- Cancer
A variety of pollutants and compounds can cause these health problems, including:
Organic pollutants:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
- Mold
- Mildew
Man-made pollutants:
- Second-hand smoke
- Household cleaner compounds
- Radon
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Lead particles
- Asbestos particles
Understanding the Air
Contractors offering Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) services must distinguish between IAQ and allergies. IAQ pertains to the air quality within a building and its impact on occupants' health and well-being, focusing on managing air quality. Allergies, on the other hand, involve an immune response to specific airborne substances, which can originate from various sources such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
It is vital to educate your clients about the sources of IAQ issues. Begin by covering the fundamentals of IAQ, emphasizing that it concerns the air inside their buildings. Discuss the significance of IAQ by identifying its potential sources of problems and highlight how poor IAQ can lead to respiratory issues, potentially resulting in lingering or exacerbated health concerns over time.
HVAC contractors should also stress the importance of proper ventilation. Adequate ventilation helps eliminate indoor air pollutants and introduces fresh outdoor air. Provide practical solutions to address these concerns, especially for those who spend significant amounts of time indoors. Clean, allergen-free air can significantly enhance the quality of life and help prevent the onset of certain diseases. This is particularly crucial for individuals with respiratory conditions, families with young children or elderly members, commercial clients like hospitals, and locations with known air quality challenges.
Managing IAQ and allergens is best achieved through HVAC air quality systems that filter the air and regulate humidity levels. Air filters are designed to capture airborne particles responsible for allergies and respiratory problems, while humidity control prevents mold growth and limits allergen proliferation.
The significance of IAQ extends to commercial clients like clinics and hospitals, where indoor air quality directly impacts patient health. Managing IAQ in healthcare facilities involves measures to control the spread of infectious diseases, reduce airborne pathogens, and maintain optimal humidity levels. Contractors play a critical role in ensuring that healthcare environments provide both patients and staff with a healthy and safe atmosphere.
Educational institutions are another category of buildings where poor indoor air quality can have profound effects. Subpar IAQ can negatively impact student performance, contribute to various health issues, result in increased absenteeism, and impair memory, attention, and decision-making skills. A 2020 study underscores that high levels of air pollution in schools can lead to lower test scores and learning difficulties among students.
For educational institutions, you can offer valuable guidance on best practices for maintaining healthy indoor air quality by providing IAQ services, including the installation and maintenance of HVAC systems.
HVAC Air Quality
You can offer the best IAQ services by using new products that improve IAQ and reduce airborne allergens. One of the most effective ways of managing indoor air quality is using high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. Because of their high efficiency, HEPA filters can capture a high percentage of dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses in indoor air.
You can purchase HEPA filters from various manufacturers, but the supply chain can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with the system products. This unfamiliarity is especially problematic because you must replace filters regularly to maintain their effectiveness. You may also face product quality issues, compatibility issues, and limited availability of products.
In addition, in-duct air purifiers, UV air treatment systems, and Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) systems are the most advanced solutions that dramatically reduce airborne contaminants.
Win More IAQ Projects and Make More Money
If you plan to focus more on selling IAQ solutions, win more jobs and increase your profits by lowering the prices you pay for IAQ and HVAC equipment, materials, and supplies.
How? Join a purchasing program like Raiven. Companies like Raiven combine the buying power of all their members and negotiate deep discounts, service terms, and supply chain priorities so you pay less for IAQ equipment and for your everyday purchases, and you do not have to squabble with suppliers.
Gain access to pre-negotiated discounts of 7%-30% from industry-leading manufacturers and distributors like Alpscontrols, Baker Distributing, Carrier, Ferguson, Grainger, Graybar, Home Depot, Koch Filter, Schneider Electric, Sunbelt Rentals, and more. This extensive network of suppliers can help you reduce out-of-stock situations and save money.
Raiven is dedicated to serving HVAC contractors, offering the most competitive prices on equipment, parts, and maintenance supplies, along with a streamlined purchasing platform for swift and efficient purchasing. Other key benefits:
- Stay informed with supply chain alerts that notify you of price fluctuations and changes in product availability for the supplies that matter most to your operations.
- Simplify your purchasing process by accessing all your preferred suppliers in one private marketplace, providing you with easy access to your negotiated discounts. Say goodbye to the hassle of navigating multiple websites to compare prices.
- Utilize our AI-powered purchasing tools, which automatically locate the lowest prices, ensuring cost savings even when your employees shop outside of your preferred supplier network.
Raiven is your all-in-one solution to save both time and money. Explore what Raiven can offer you by visiting the Raiven platform and discovering the benefits for your business.
