April 1, 2021

Why air quality matters in schools

We often work with educational institutions in Florida to help them improve air quality and keep HVAC systems up to date. Here’s why air quality matters in schools – now more than ever.

Benefits of proper ventilation

Indoor air quality has three key elements:

  • Bringing in fresh air.
  • Maintaining a safe temperature and humidity level.
  • Removing pollutants, including viruses.

When the air quality is good, people can concentrate more and work better. The fresh air and correct temperature help them to feel awake, active and energetic. Removing pollutants helps to protect everyone from disease.

Air quality matters even more in educational settings. Why? Because children and young people can often be more vulnerable to pollution or disease than adults.

And because schools are busy, crowded places, there’s more risk of spreading disease. Just think of how quickly a cold can spread through a classroom! Ventilation and air filtration systems can help to reduce that risk.

Staying safe during covid-19

We always recommend that schools maintain their air quality through regular HVAC maintenance and temperature control. And while the coronavirus pandemic continues, air quality is more important than ever.

The CDC has detailed advice for improving air quality in educational institutions. Here are some of their top tips:

  • Spend as much time outdoors as possible.
  • Set HVAC systems to bring in as much outside air as possible, and focus airflow on the busiest areas of the building.
  • Use exhaust fans in restrooms and kitchens.
  • Use filtration, UV or ionization systems wherever possible to keep the air clean.

We can help with maintenance, energy efficiency, and improving air quality in any educational or commercial building. Contact us today!

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tightlineConstruction
March 1, 2021

4 easy ways to save energy

When you’re responsible for an office or commercial building, energy bills can be one of your biggest headaches. So here are a few ideas to reduce those costs… and protect the environment at the same time.

1. Upgrade to LED lighting

LED lights are much more efficient than traditional bulbs. They last longer, use less power and produce a lot of light. And the latest generation of LEDs are more affordable than ever before.

Did you know that LED lights can also make your office more productive? LED bulbs imitate natural sunlight, which helps you feel awake. A study from the University of Michigan found that commercial buildings with LED lighting had higher productivity levels.

2. Install smart controls

You can minimise energy bills by being smart about switching off lights and saving electricity. Look into smart controls for lighting and HVAC systems. With a smart system, you can turn the lights off with a tap of your mobile phone – you don’t even have to be in the office.

In many offices, computer screens eat up a lot of power after hours. The low-tech way of solving this problem is encouraging people to switch their devices off every day. But if you want a more reliable solution, try monitor power management software. You can turn off everyone’s screen with this central programme.

3. Check your insulation

Good insulation is key to saving on your energy bills. From roof insulation to correctly fitted windows, the smallest details can make a big difference to your electricity usage. Even a new set of window blinds can improve insulation in a commercial building and reduce your costs.

4. Stay up to date with HVAC servicing

If your HVAC systems are worn out, damaged or even just dusty – then your power bills will go up. Regular HVAC servicing saves a lot of money in the long term. Your air conditioning maintenance team can also give you tips on energy efficiency for your specific building.

Want to save more on energy bills for a commercial building? Brophy Air offers the best HVAC repair and maintenance services to fit your budget. Call us today!

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tightlineConstruction, Interior