How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Commercial Building

Sep 8, 2025

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a top priority for businesses looking to create a healthy, productive workplace. Studies show that poor indoor air can lead to fatigue, headaches, allergies, and reduced cognitive performance—issues that directly affect employee wellness and productivity. For business owners, improving IAQ isn’t just about comfort; it’s about protecting your team, your customers, and your bottom line.

Whether you run a small office, a retail store, or a large commercial building, investing in better air quality is one of the smartest moves you can make. Here’s how to ensure your indoor air is clean, fresh, and safe.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Businesses

Indoor air quality affects far more than employee comfort. The Environmental Protection Agency has found that indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. With employees spending G0% of their day indoors, that means long-term exposure to pollutants like dust, mold spores, chemicals, and bacteria.

Poor IAQ can:

  • Lead to higher rates of illness and absenteeism.
  • Trigger respiratory issues, asthma, and allergies.
  • Reduce productivity and focus.
  • Harm customer experience and brand reputation.

For businesses, poor air quality isn’t just a health risk; it’s a financial risk. Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to improve it.

7 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Commercial Building

1. Upgrade to High-Efficiency Air Filters

Standard HVAC filters capture only large particles like dust, but advanced filters—such as MERV 13 or HEPA filters—remove much smaller pollutants, including pollen, bacteria, and viruses. Businesses in high-traffic or industrial areas should consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters for cleaner air.

Pro Tip: Change your HVAC filters every 3 months or more often if your building experiences heavy use.

2. Invest in Commercial Air Purification Systems

Adding air purifiers or air scrubbers to your existing HVAC system is one of the most effective ways to improve IAQ. These systems use UV-C light, ionization, or advanced filtration to kill airborne pathogens and neutralize odors.

Commercial-grade purification systems are ideal for:

  • Offices with limited ventilation.
  • Medical facilities.
  • Schools and daycare centers.
  • Restaurants and retail spaces.

3. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system is the backbone of your indoor air circulation. Without regular tune- ups, dust, debris, and mold can build up inside your ducts and coils, contaminating your air. Scheduling bi-annual HVAC maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently and distributes clean air throughout your building.

CTA: Schedule your next commercial HVAC inspection with Rescue Heat & Air to keep your system clean and efficient.

4. Control Humidity Levels

High humidity promotes mold growth, while low humidity causes dry air that irritates respiratory systems. Aim for 40-60% humidity in your building. A commercial dehumidifier or humidifier can help maintain this balance year-round.

5. Install Proper Ventilation Systems

Many commercial buildings are designed to be airtight for energy efficiency, but this traps pollutants inside. A commercial ventilation system introduces fresh air and exhausts stale indoor air, significantly improving IAQ.

Modern energy-recovery ventilators (ERVs) and heat-recovery ventilators (HRVs) are excellent investments for businesses prioritizing both air quality and energy savings.

6. Clean and Seal Air Ducts

Air ducts can accumulate dust, allergens, and even pests over time. Professional air duct cleaning and sealing prevents contaminants from recirculating, reduces allergens, and improves HVAC efficiency.

7. Use Green Cleaning Products and Office Materials

Many businesses unknowingly pollute their own air with harsh cleaning products, VOC- emitting office furniture, and carpeting. Switching to eco-friendly cleaners and low-VOC furnishings can make a noticeable difference in IAQ.

The Business Benefits of Better Indoor Air Quality

Improving air quality isn’t just about employee comfort; it’s an investment in your workforce and your brand. Businesses that invest in IAQ upgrades often see:

Reduced absenteeism

Healthier employees take fewer sick days.

Improved productivity

Studies show clean air can boost employee performance by up to 11%.

Happier customers

Clean, fresh air improves the overall experience in retail and hospitality settings.

Lower HVAC costs

Clean systems run more efficiently, lowering energy bills.

How Rescue Heat & Air Helps Businesses in Oklahoma

At Rescue Heat & Air, we specialize in commercial indoor air quality solutions that are tailored to your building’s unique needs. From advanced HVAC filtration systems to air purifiers and ventilation upgrades, our expert team helps Oklahoma business owners create a safer and healthier environment for employees and customers.

We proudly serve businesses in Tulsa, Claremore, Owasso, Pryor, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City, and surrounding areas.

Schedule Your Commercial Air Quality Assessment Today! Call 918-946-6681 or contact us online to get started.