Clean My Furnace

While there is no simple cure-all in finding a solution to Sick Building Syndrome, perhaps the most important step might be recognizing that it is indeed a problem. Company executives and building owners are often in denial and refuse to aknowledge it as a problem, often for financial reasons.

A good second step might consist of a combination of education and communication in regards to an air quality management program. When everyone from building owners, company executives, maintenance personnel and the rest of the staff fully understand the importance of indoor air quality a solution is more likely to be found.
In addition to recognizing the problem and getting everyone involved, combinations of the following measures may also prove helpful:

Filtration and good ventilation:

One cost-effective means of reducing indoor pollutant levels, is increasing ventilation rates and air distribution . Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems must be designed to meet ventilation standards in local building codes. The system should also be operated and maintained to ensure that the design ventilation rates are attained. The HVAC system should be operated to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62-1989. The HVAC equipment should also be maintained according to the manufaturers reccommendations. If there are strong pollutant sources, air may need to be vented directly to the outside. This method is especially recommended to remove pollutants that accumulate in specific areas such as restrooms, copy rooms, and printing facilities.

Clean-up of known pollutants:

When practical, the most effective approach to solving a known source of an indoor air quality problem is in the removal or modification of the pollutant source. Steps to achieve this might include:

• Routine maintenance of HVAC systems
• Replacing water-stained ceiling tiles and carpets
• Banning smoking or providing a separately ventilated room
• Venting contaminant source emissions to the outdoors
• Using and storing paints, solvents, pesticides, and adhesives in closed containers in well-ventilated areas
• Using those pollutant sources in periods of low or no occupancy
• Allowing time for building materials in new or remodeled areas to off-gas pollutants before occupancy.

Indoor air cleaning:

Air cleaning has some limitations, but it can be a useful addition to source control and ventilation. Air filters are only effective at removing some, not all, of the pollution. Air duct cleaning and a thorough cleaning of all the HVAC components with in the ductwork has also proven helpful. Application of a mild sanitizer should also be considered during the cleaning process.

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