The contemporary workplace has evolved rapidly however, the factor that is not going to decrease is the necessity of clean and healthy indoor air. The majority of the workers spend 8-10 hours a day in the office complexes, where the air is continuously circulated with the help of the HVAC system. Unless they are filtered, such air may carry dust, allergens, bacteria, viruses, and odor, as well as chemical particles that might impact health and performance at work.
That is why, the number of companies today investing in sophisticated air purification technologies is increasing. The electronic air cleaner has emerged as one of the surest and most effective solutions to the clean indoor air in the offices. It does not only enhance the general environment but also helps employees to be healthy and be productive.
This blog will discuss why an electronic air cleaner should be installed in every office, how it works, and the actual advantages it offers in workplaces.
The Importance of Indoor Air Quality in the Office
The indoor air quality (IAQ) is commonly significantly poorer in comparison with the outdoor one. The concentration of pollutants rises fast in closed office spaces since the offices have limited natural ventilation. Examples of common office pollutants are:
- Dust and suspended particles
- Mold spores
- Brought in by clothing
- Pet dander
- Bacteria and viruses
- VOCs of printers, paints, carpets, cleaning materials
- Smells in bathrooms, cafes and workstations
The consequences of poor IAQ include headaches, coughing, fatigue, allergies, watery eyes, sinus issues and infections, which all affect the comfort and concentration of the employees.
A study carried on the workplace has revealed that poor air quality may decrease the productivity of employees by as much as 10 percent and their sick leaves. At this point, air cleaners would be necessary.
What Is an Electronic Air Cleaner and How Does It Work?
An electronic air cleaner is a highly advanced filtration device which is fitted within the HVAC system. The EAC does not just trap the particles like in the case of simple filters but actively removes pollutants in the air using the power of an electrostatic charge.
How it works:
- HVAC system air enters the unit.
- Larger dust is trapped in the pre-filter.
- At the subsequent step, microscopic pollen, smoke, mold spores, and even some bacteria are trapped in the electrically charged plates.
- Clean air is discharged into the office.
The multi-stage filtration enables EACs to filter much smaller particles compared to regular filters and thus they are very efficient in the offices.
Solutions such as the Honeywell electronic air cleaner, which has high filtration efficiency and can be used with commercial HVAC systems, are also popular in many of the modern offices.
Best Reasons to Install an Electronic Air Cleaner in Offices
Components of a Cleaner, Healthier Air to All Employees
The greatest benefit of an EAC is that it eliminates small pollutants that traditional filters are unable to get. These include:
- PM2.5 particles
- Smoke and fumes
- Allergens
- Viruses and bacteria
- Chemical vapors
- Carpet, upholstry and foot traffic office dust
The cleaner air brings about reduced respiratory problems and enable the workers to breathe easily during the working hours.
Minimizes the Transmission of Diseases
There are high footfalls and air circulation within office spaces. Airborne particles that come with coughing, sneezing, and even speaking can be spread easily when one of the people is sick.
An EAC will bring about the concentration of such airborne germs and will reduce the opportunities of:
- Flu
- Cold
- Seasonal infections
- Viral transmission
This translates to the reduction of sick leaves and healthier workforce.
Enhances Productivity and Concentration
Worried brain = better air. Clean air refreshes the body of oxygen and makes the body less fatigued and eclipsed. Research indicates that better IAQ can:
- Increase focus
- Improve concentration
- Assist in making decisions more quickly
- Reduce afternoon tiredness
The employees become more relaxed and energetic, which leads to the improvement of their performance.
Manages Smells and Chemical Contaminants
Different kinds of odors are produced at offices: cafeterias, restrooms, cleaning chemicals, perfumes, and so on. Such smells may render the environment unappealing and even result in headaches.
Electronic air cleaners eliminate the odor-carrying particles and keep the interior environment fresh.
They also purify unsuitable VOCs emitted by:
- Printers
- Paints
- New furniture
- Carpet adhesives
This makes the indoor air cleaner and more comfortable.
Improved HVAC Performance
The system is less efficient and uses more energy when dust and microbes accumulate within the coils and ducts of the HVAC system. An EAC helps avoid this accumulation by ensuring the air and the HVAC parts are cleaner.
Benefits include:
- Better airflow
- Reduced HVAC load
- Lower electricity bills
- Longer HVAC lifespan
- Less frequent maintenance
This renders EACs a long-term affordable investment in offices.
Noiseless and Unobtrusive Operation
Electronic air cleaners do not produce noise and they can be installed in the HVAC system without occupying space unlike the use of portable air purifiers which cause noise. There is no disturbance of employees and there is no change in the aesthetics of office.
Thoughtless, Self-reliant, and Durable
Very low maintenance is needed in EACs. The filters can be washed, and they hardly require frequent cleaning. You do not have to change costly filters on a monthly basis.
They automatically activate on any occasion that the HVAC is in operation and offer protection throughout without the manual effort.
The Reason Why Every Office Should Invest in an Electronic Air Cleaner
As the level of pollution increases and people become more aware of their health, the idea of maintaining the quality of indoor air in the office is no longer a choice. It is an obligation to employees and a business strategy.
An electronic air cleaner assists offices:
- Reduce absenteeism
- Enhance health and safety issues
- Make the workplace more comfortable
- Encouraging green building
- Improve employee job satisfaction
Installation of an EAC is among the most intelligent choices that a business would make to be healthier, safer, and more productive.
Final Thoughts
The quality of indoor air directly affects the well-being and productivity of the employees. An electronic air cleaner is an excellent and efficient method of cleaning the whole office by use of elaborate filtration technology. It neutralizes detrimental substances, enhances the efficiency of HVAC, decreases morbidity, and makes the air less polluted to all people.
Read More: How Can Advanced Fans Improve Home Air Quality Safely?