Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a serious issue that could be affecting your staff or your clients. It is characterized by the development of symptoms of illness or discomfort because of the building in which someone works or resides. It happens most often in enclosed locations with poor air quality. This is why HVAC systems are critical to your employees’ and clients’ health.
What Is Sick Building Syndrome?
Sick building syndrome is a condition in which the air quality and surroundings negatively affect its inhabitants’ health. Sick building syndrome can have symptoms such as:
- Sinus pain
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Burning nose or eyes
- Unexplained fatigue
- Brain fog
- Headache
- Aching joints or muscles
The difference between sick building syndrome and a typical cold is that the symptoms do not clear up in a few days. When exposed to a sick building for days or months, they can become chronic.
Poor ventilation and an improperly maintained HVAC system are common causes of sick building syndrome. A building’s humidity level can also aggravate these issues.
How To Prevent Sick Building Syndrome
Increase Ventilation
In an outdoor space, airflow is constant. An HVAC system that is properly maintained and sized for your building is vital to mimicking the airflow in an outdoor space. When your HVAC system is correctly installed, it allows for airflow, which minimizes and helps remove the pollutants in the air.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
HVAC maintenance may seem like the last thing you need to focus on, but it is critical to your employees’ and clients’ health and safety. When you regularly maintain your HVAC system, you ensure that it is healthy. A healthy HVAC system is free of debris and a buildup of pollutants released into the air. This helps prevent sick building syndrome.
Changing Air Filters Regularly
Checking your air filters regularly is necessary. Changing them when you see a buildup of dirt is crucial. Doing this allows your HVAC system to continue capturing the mold, germs, and debris in the air. The type of business you’re in will determine the level of filtration you require. Several different levels of filters can be placed in your HVAC system. At MHC Air Services, our trained HVAC technician can help you choose the right filter. Having the proper level of filtration installed in your HVAC system and regularly replacing it drastically reduces your chances of experiencing sick building syndrome.
Using Humidifiers or Dehumidifiers
Maintaining the proper humidity level in your building is imperative for the health of the air. If your air is too dry, germs and other debris can float through the air and be inhaled by your clients or workers. If your air is too moist, mold growth can occur. This is why striking a correct humidity balance in your building is important. Humidifiers or dehumidifiers, depending on the issues your building faces, can help your HVAC system maintain the proper environmental conditions of your building.
Choose MHC Air Services for Commercial HVAC Service in Dallas, Texas
Having the right HVAC system installed in your building and properly maintained is key to preventing sick building syndrome. With 40+ years of experience, MHC Air Services offers only the best in HVAC services. Family-owned and -operated, we offer 24/7 emergency service, and our technicians are NATE-certified. We keep our pricing competitive and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unsure how to maintain your HVAC system, we have you covered with our VIP Maintenance Program. MHC Air Services is here to protect your building from sick building syndrome.
Are you concerned your building may be experiencing sick building syndrome? Contact MHC Air Services today.