Indoor air quality: The reseller opportunity

Improving the quality of air in office buildings is an opportunity to help your customers

Back in the day, when we thought about the air inside a building, our minds usually went straight to the temperature – hot or cold, right? But guess what? Things have evolved, and we’re now realizing that air quality is a big deal, and it affects not only how we feel but how we perform too.

From stuff like pollen to the not-so-great stuff like pollution, the air inside a building can affect anyone. It can make you sneeze, give you allergies, or even make your asthma act up. Poor indoor air quality isn’t just a personal problem; it’s a workplace issue. It can have an impact on attendance, safety, and overall comfort. And let’s not forget about productivity – poor air quality can seriously drag it down.

The problem of the modern office

These days, buildings are built to be super energy-efficient, which is great for bills but not so great for fresh air. That means we need to find new ways to make office air healthier and more pleasant to work in.

Take volatile organic compounds, for instance – they can come from everyday things like carpets, furniture, or that fresh coat of paint. And then there’s carbon monoxide, which can sneak out of heating systems and appliances. Even we humans contribute to indoor air pollution by exhaling carbon dioxide. And let’s not forget about viruses like COVID-19, the seasonal flu, and others.

Believe it or not, humidity plays a big role in air quality too. When it’s too dry, it can make skin and eyes itchy, and sinuses all dried up. On the flip side, too much humidity can worsen allergies and asthma and create a cozy environment for mold and bacteria to thrive. Bathrooms, kitchens, and showers are prime spots for humidity-related issues.

Buildings are like living creatures – they change all the time based on who’s inside, what season it is, and how the building systems are running. That means indoor air quality is a bit of a chameleon, shifting with the weather, the number of people, and what time of day it is.

The reseller opportunity

Tackling indoor air quality is something that is getting onto the radar of many business owners and operators in the UK. This presents an opportunity for dealers to step in and offer some of the most effective products out there to improve the office environment. For example:

• Air purifiers: High-quality air purifiers with HEPA filters can effectively remove particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and airborne pollutants from the air. Some air purifiers also feature activated carbon filters to absorb odors and chemicals.
• Humidifiers and dehumidifiers: Maintaining optimal humidity levels is crucial. Humidifiers can add moisture to dry indoor air, preventing issues like dry skin and irritated eyes. Dehumidifiers, on the other hand, help reduce excess moisture that can lead to mold growth and respiratory problems.
• CO2 monitors: Carbon dioxide (CO2) monitors can track indoor CO2 levels and provide alerts when ventilation is needed. Elevated CO2 levels can indicate poor ventilation and may lead to discomfort and reduced cognitive function.
• Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensors: VOC sensors can detect harmful chemicals emitted from various office products like furniture, paints, and cleaning supplies. These sensors provide real-time data on air quality and can trigger ventilation adjustments.
• Smart thermostats: Some smart thermostats include IAQ monitoring features. They can measure humidity and CO2 levels and adjust heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) settings accordingly to maintain optimal air quality.
• Plants: Indoor plants not only enhance office aesthetics but also help filter the air by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Common air-purifying plants include snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants.

The message

When we improve air quality, we’re not just making our space healthier; we’re also helping the environment. By controlling ventilation based on carbon dioxide levels, we can save energy and keep things comfy. Think about it – over-ventilated spaces waste energy, while cramped spots with poor ventilation can make you sick and mess with your productivity.

In a nutshell, improving air quality is a win-win. Employees get to work in a healthier, happier space, and businesses get more bang for their buck. So, let’s all take a deep breath and make the air inside work for us!