As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, the focus on indoor air quality (IAQ) becomes crucial for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. For janitorial staff, building engineers, HVAC contractors and consultants, preparing indoor spaces for the fall and winter seasons goes beyond cleaning surfaces and maintaining HVAC systems. Especially considering the unpredictable nature of flu seasons and ongoing concerns surrounding respiratory illnesses, preparation should involve a comprehensive approach to managing the air we breathe. 

The Importance of Air Quality in Seasonal Transitions 

Indoor air quality should be front of mind as we approach the colder months when windows are closed and airflow is minimized as people stay indoors. According to The Center for Disease Control (CDC), flu cases in the United States typically rise in October, peak between December and February, and decline by April. However, recent flu seasons have deviated from these patterns, making it essential to proactively manage IAQ to prevent the spread of airborne illnesses year-round. In addition, a 2024 CDC outlook predicts that the upcoming fall and winter respiratory disease season will have similar levels of hospitalizations as last year, highlighting the critical nature of maintaining clean air if we want to mitigate health risks. 

Air pollutants and particulate matter provide surfaces for viral particles to attach and travel greater distances, increasing the likelihood of viral infections. It is critical to eliminate these contaminants from indoor air to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. 

Why Cold and Flu Spread is Worse in Colder Months 

Cold weather is associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections like the common cold, flu, and pneumonia. Cold, dry air can weaken the body’s immune response, making individuals more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. The spread of cold and flu viruses is particularly bad in colder months due to several factors: 

1. Close Indoor Contact: People spend more time indoors during the fall and winter, leading to closer contact with others. This increased proximity facilitates the spread of viruses. 

2. Dry Indoor Air: Heating systems tend to dry out the air indoors, which can dry out the mucous membranes in our respiratory tract. This makes it easier for viruses to infect and spread. 

3. Stable Conditions for Viruses: Colder and less humid air conditions can stabilize virus particles, allowing them to remain airborne longer and increase the chances of transmission. And for those struggling with existing respiratory conditions, cold air can exacerbate asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis. Cold air can cause airway constriction and irritation, making it harder to breathe, especially for people with these conditions. 

Given these factors, maintaining high indoor air quality becomes essential to reducing the spread of cold and flu viruses. Proper ventilation and air purification can significantly lower the concentration of airborne viruses, leading to healthier indoor environments. 

Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality for Fall/Winter 

Comprehensive Cleaning Beyond Surfaces: 

Traditional workplace cleaning focuses on visible dirt and germs on surfaces, but indoor air quality plays an equally important role in creating a healthy environment. During fall and winter, when windows are closed, and heating systems are in use, airborne pollutants can accumulate. Facility managers should incorporate IAQ measures into their cleaning protocols, including regular maintenance of air filtration systems and ensuring ventilation systems are functioning optimally. 

Implementing Advanced Air Purification Systems: 

Given the advances in filtration technology in recent years, it’s important to look for an innovative solution for improving indoor air quality and reducing the spread of airborne viruses. Look for systems that are designed to work alongside existing HVAC systems and utilize H13 True HEPA filtration, which is twice as effective as MERV 13 standard filters. When selecting these systems also be aware if the units have been tested to prove their ability to capture H1N1, Rhinovirus, and SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.  

Monitoring and Managing IAQ: 

When it comes to managing IAQ, the ability to monitor air quality in real-time is invaluable. Sensor-driven technology like Fellowes’ EnviroSmart+™, available exclusively in Array units, continuously monitors the environment and adjusts the purification rate based on occupancy and air quality changes. This real-time ability to ramp up or down fan speeds as needed ensures the system is maintaining optimal air cleanliness as needed and reducing energy costs when cleaning is unnecessary. 

Data sharing dashboards like Fellowes’ Viewpoint dashboard provides facilities managers with data on air quality from particulate matter to CO2 levels, including alerts about changing contaminant levels. This proactive approach ensures that IAQ remains high throughout the building, providing peace of mind for staff and occupants.  

Additionally, Array Signal, the unique stand-alone monitors, offer real-time data for schools and other environments that must monitor for IAQ, CO2 levels, and more. 

The Role of Building Engineers and Janitorial Staff 

As the frontline defenders of building cleanliness and operational efficiencies, building engineers and janitorial staff play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal IAQ. Ensuring that air purifiers and HVAC systems are maintained and functional is crucial. This includes replacing filters as needed. Building engineers and janitorial staff should look for smart systems that can notify them when filters need to be changed and provide other key air quality metrics, helping them identify exactly where an issue arises and respond to any issues promptly, mitigating potential air quality hazards that can lead to illness.  

Clear communication between building staff and building occupants about the importance of IAQ and the steps being taken to maintain it can help reduce concerns and encourage cooperation in maintaining a healthy environment. Tools like Fellowes’ Lookout display enables indoor air quality visibility to building occupants, thereby taking the load of education off janitorial and building maintenance staff’s shoulders. Array also offers the Community Dashboard, providing cloud-based access to certain metrics for community viewing of IAQ status.     

Fellowes Array Viewpoint Plus Exclusive Community Dashboard provides transparency into real-time IAQ for occupants. 

The Many Benefits of Good IAQ 

1. Enhanced Health and Well-being: 

Clean indoor air reduces the spread of airborne illnesses, such as COVID, the flu, and the common cold, which are more prevalent during the fall and winter. Clean air also reduces the presence of allergens, benefiting those with respiratory conditions like asthma. 

2. Improved Productivity: 

A clean and healthy environment can significantly impact productivity. According to a Fellowes survey, 89% of respondents stated that clean indoor air helps them perform their best at work. In fact, according to Harvard Business Review, doubling ventilation rates can increase productivity yielding an additional $6,500 per employee, per year. Furthermore, improved air quality can lead to fewer sick days, saving companies an average of $1,685 per sick day per employee. 

3. Cost Savings: 

By using efficient air purification systems, facilities can reduce the strain on existing HVAC systems, leading to lower energy costs. Look for air purification systems with advanced sensor capabilities, such as EnviroSmart+™, that can make automatic adjustments based on real-time IAQ data. This adjustment capability further optimizes energy usage by allowing the system to adapt to the evolving needs of its environment and not continuously run when it’s not necessary.  

4. Meeting ESG Goals: 

Proper IAQ management contributes to an organization’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. High IAQ standards improve worker health and safety (social), reduce energy consumption and waste (environmental), and align with emerging health regulations (governance). 

Preparing for a Safe and Healthy Winter 

As the fall and winter seasons approach, prioritizing IAQ is essential for creating a safe and comfortable indoor environment. Janitorial and building operations staff, along with HVAC contractors, are at the forefront of this effort. By adopting advanced air purification systems, monitoring air quality, and maintaining open communication with building occupants, these professionals can ensure that indoor spaces remain healthy and productive throughout the colder months. 

For more information on how Fellowes’ Array system can help you prepare your indoor spaces for fall and winter, visit Fellowes Array Networked Air Purifiers. Let’s work together to keep our indoor environments safe, healthy, and welcoming all year round.