Indoor Air Quality: Key Indicators Every Commercial Building Should Monitor
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a major factor in the comfort, health, and productivity of building occupants. Poor IAQ can lead to headaches, fatigue, humidity issues, odours, and increased absenteeism.
For commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities across Ottawa and Gatineau, maintaining clean and healthy indoor air is essential — and it starts with monitoring the right indicators.
1. Airflow & Ventilation Rates
Proper airflow ensures that outdoor air is adequately introduced into the building and that stale air is exhausted. ASHRAE 62.1 specifies minimum ventilation rates for different building types, making airflow verification a key part of IAQ control.
Insufficient ventilation can cause:
Regular airflow testing ensures the HVAC system provides proper dilution of indoor pollutants.
2. CO₂ Levels
Carbon dioxide is one of the most reliable indicators of ventilation effectiveness. Elevated CO₂ levels mean that outdoor air intake is insufficient for the number of occupants.
Typical guidelines:
Maintaining adequate ventilation helps keep CO₂ levels safe and supports better cognitive performance.
3. Humidity Control
Relative humidity (RH) should ideally stay between 40% and 60%. Levels outside this range may cause:
Balancing supply air, exhaust, and temperature is essential for proper humidity control.
4. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 & PM10)
Fine airborne particles can affect respiratory health and indoor cleanliness. High levels may come from outdoor pollution, construction activity, or poor filtration.
Monitoring PM levels helps determine whether filtration upgrades or HVAC adjustments are needed.
5. Temperature Stability
Comfortable indoor temperature is more than a comfort issue — it directly impacts occupant satisfaction and energy efficiency.
Common problems include:
IAQ assessments help identify zoning and airflow issues affecting temperature control.
Conclusion
Indoor Air Quality is not simply a comfort factor — it's a critical component of building performance and occupant well-being.
By monitoring airflow, CO₂ levels, humidity, particulate matter, and temperature, facility managers can ensure compliance with ASHRAE standards and maintain healthier indoor environments.
Green Tech Air Balancing provides comprehensive IAQ testing to help buildings operate safely, efficiently, and comfortably.
