Indoor Air Quality in Apartment Buildings Getting New Scrutiny

Apartment communities are putting a priority on indoor air quality to reduce the spread of viruses – including COVID-19 – in and around the property. Badges, signage, or decals proclaiming the property is protected by air filtration or disinfecting solutions is encouraging to residents and prospects who are looking for a safe place to live. While the pandemic has put a spotlight on what we breathe in, indoor air quality solutions have always had a place in businesses and apartment buildings. Indoor air is scientifically proven to be five to ten times dirtier than outdoor air. Dust, dander, pollen, smoke, mold, bacteria, and viruses are commonly concentrated indoors. In addition, gases from cleaning products or building supplies, known as VOCs or volatile organic compounds, add to poor air quality. This has become particularly relevant since apartments have begun doing frequent deep cleans with powerful cleaning agents to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Air movement improves indoor air quality A variety of factors including temperature and humidity affect air quality, but it can be improved by changing air movement. Hourly air changes within a space using air filtration and purifiers make for healthy air by reducing the spread of aerosol droplets that carry viruses, says Ryan Donovan, Sr. Category Manager/Indoor Air Quality at Ferguson Build. Since March 2020, Donovan has witnessed increased demand for air quality solutions as multifamily properties strive to provide residents, guests, and employees the cleanest air possible. “There are a lot of conversations regarding indoor air quality right now,” says Donovan. “One of the really important things that has come to light is the significance of adding hourly air changes to circulate and treat air either through filtration, ventilation or purification.” Historically, air treatment for large areas has been left to expensive HVAC systems. But portable, plug-and-play air q...