We spend 90% of our lives indoors — at work, in classrooms, in hospitals, in spaces meant to keep us safe. But here’s the catch: indoor air can contain two to five times more pollutants than outside air, according to the EPA.
That invisible mix of dust, mold spores, VOCs, and bacteria doesn’t just irritate. It leads to headaches, fatigue, asthma flare-ups — and, over time, serious respiratory and cardiovascular issues. For facility managers, poor IAQ is a double hit: it makes people sick and eats away at infrastructure through mold, corrosion, and material breakdown.
And yet, because it’s invisible, air quality often slips under the radar — until problems surface.
Why Facilities Miss It — and What That Means
The challenge with air? You can’t see it. Floors and windows get cleaned on schedule, but IAQ often gets pushed down the priority list until complaints pile up. Often, the problem isn’t the system itself but the way it’s installed or maintained.
“Even a high-efficiency filter is useless if it’s not installed correctly,” says Jeff Atkinson, Business Development Manager, The Budd Group. “A MERV 14 filter can stop particles as small as bacteria and smoke — but even a tiny gap can make it 10 times less effective.”
It’s the same story with HVAC maintenance. Relying on once-a-year HVAC cleanings is a common mistake. Older systems or humid environments develop dust, moisture, and mold far sooner. By the time odors or allergy-like symptoms surface, performance and efficiency are already compromised.
Expert Moves for Cleaner, Healthier Air
The Budd Group’s IAQ specialists see these oversights every day — facilities unknowingly undermining their own systems. The good news? The fixes are clear and effective:
- Seal the system. Prevent filter bypass; even tiny leaks let pollutants stream through.
- Clean what you can’t see. Coils, ducts, and drain pans are often hidden sources of sickness.
- Target problem spots. Use portable source capture units in high-risk areas to stop contaminants at the source.
- Measure results. Continuous monitoring turns invisible risks into measurable, trackable data.
“Poor indoor air quality drives up absenteeism, energy costs, and long-term system wear,” says Atkinson. “That’s why a proactive IAQ plan is so important — it protects both people and your investment.”
Quick Wins You Can Start Today
- Check filters for proper fit and seal.
- Schedule an HVAC inspection beyond seasonal checks.
- Test indoor air for VOCs, particulates, and CO₂.
- Prioritize high-traffic areas for portable filtration.
Ready to Protect Health and Buildings?
Sickness from poor air quality is preventable — but only if you make IAQ a priority. The Budd Group’s experts combine certified testing, proper installation, and continuous monitoring to help facilities move from reactive to proactive.
