The success of your Florida business relies heavily on the productivity and happiness of your employees. Commercial heating and air conditioning (AC) play a big part in office productivity. As the Florida temperatures heat up this spring and summer, your staff will be spending more time indoors to avoid the outside heat.
The Employee Happiness Factor
Some of the ways to increase satisfaction in the workplace is to keep your employees comfortable, productive and healthy. These factors are largely influenced by the efficiency of your AC system.
Employees are equipped to do their job well when your AC unit is keeping your office cool and air clean. On the flip side, studies show that bad AC systems and practices – including poor indoor temperatures, air quality and ventilation – not only lead to unhappy employees, but “sick building syndrome” symptoms. Obviously, increased employee sick days negatively impacts performance and productivity1. That’s something your organization can’t afford to risk.
To understand if your AC is negatively impacting your business and bottom line, let’s take a look at some of the causes and effects. This article will also give you tips for what to watch out for, and how you can proactively manage the AC risks and circumvent indoor air pollution around your office.
What Causes Bad AC and Air Circulation?
Back in the 1970s, the increasing cost of energy led to a change in U.S. building practices, making office buildings more airtight and energy efficient2. Unfortunately, this policy change also led to fewer guidelines around office air conditions.
Now more than 50 years later, many business owners still don’t fully understand how their AC system, indoor air quality and circulation work together to impact their office environment and employees.
There are several factors that contribute:
- Lack of regular HVAC maintenance
- Outdated AC systems
- Leaky ducts
- Dirty air filters
- Dust and mold in AC coils
- Muggy or humid office conditions
- Inadequate air flow
- Blocked vents
- Incorrect sizing and / or placement of return air vents / grills
- Too much direct sun / not enough window shade
- Excessive heat from non-LED lights, electronics and appliances
- Minimal trees and plants outside the office building to provide shade
How Does AC Affect Employees?
In light of this complex issue, a Harvard University study sought to show the correlation between poor indoor air quality and a healthy work environment. Researchers found that by negatively adjusting the temperature, humidity levels and air ventilation, their workers developed “sick building syndrome” symptoms (eye irritation, headaches, coughing and chest tightness). Consequently, these employees experienced a lapse in productivity and decision-making.
At the end of the study, Harvard researchers estimated that if businesses better controlled and improved their HVAC system controls and air quality, they could see an increase of $6,500 per employee, per year (via better employee productivity). With that type of savings and improvement, commercial AC systems pay for themselves over the lifetime of the equipment4. In addition, for business owners with a newer HVAC system, the study serves as a reminder to properly maintain your office AC system on a regular basis.
Is Your Office AC Unit Running Properly?
It’s easy to see why quality AC systems and air circulation create safe, productive work environments. But how do you know if your AC unit is running properly and benefiting your employees?
While some signs of AC repairs or replacement are less noticeable, there are some obvious ones to look out for:
- Your AC unit won’t turn on
- The system is blowing warm air
- The thermostat does not reach the set temperature
- There’s a loud noise or vibration when your AC unit turns on or runs
- There’s a pool of water around the AC unit or drain line
- There’s ice or heavy condensation on AC coils
- The fan motor or compressor isn’t running
- You have noticed a recent increase in employee sick days / illnesses
If you notice any of these factors, contact Air At Your Door to discover if AC maintenance, repair or replacement is the right fit for your building and budget.
Looking for a Licensed AC Company to Help Your Business?
At Air At Your Door, our HVAC technicians understand what it takes to keep your office comfortable, clean and productive because we’ve worked with Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee, Polk, and Pasco County businesses for nearly 20 years. Turn to Air At Your Door to help with all of your central heating and cooling needs. Breathe easy with Air at Your Door, Florida’s trusted HVAC experts delivering cool comfort and reliable service right to your doorstep. Whether it’s your home or business, we’re here to keep the air just right, anytime you need us.
APPENDIX:
[1] Harvard Business Review: Research Shows Stale Office Air Is Making You Less Productive
[2] ASHRE: The Standards for Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
[3] Environmental Health Perspectives: A Controlled Exposure Study of Green and Conventional Office Environments
[4] The Business Journals: Fresh air improves productivity and your bottom line
