Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a critical role in the health, comfort, and performance of building occupants. In commercial buildings — such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and office environments — poor air quality can increase absenteeism, lower productivity, and contribute to long-term health issues.
While ventilation and filtration are essential components of a well-functioning HVAC system, they don’t address every IAQ concern. That’s where HVAC-integrated air purification technologies come in. This article breaks down trusted options and how they help create cleaner, safer indoor environments.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Commercial Facilities
According to the EPA, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, with contaminants like dust, allergens, mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and airborne pathogens. And considering Americans spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, this exposure adds up.
The consequences range from minor irritations to serious health risks, including:
- Asthma and allergy symptoms
- Increased respiratory illness
- Reduced cognitive performance
- Absenteeism and reduced productivity
Harvard research has also linked better IAQ to enhanced decision-making and workplace performance — making clean air a smart investment.
How HVAC Systems Influence Indoor Air Quality
Your HVAC system serves as both a filtration and distribution system for your indoor air. IAQ improvements begin by:
- Using high-efficiency filters (e.g., MERV-13 or higher where appropriate)
- Maintaining proper ventilation rates
- Increasing air changes per hour (ACH) in high-risk or high-occupancy zones
However, filtration and ventilation alone may not be sufficient — especially in older buildings, highly polluted environments, or during seasonal changes. That’s where air purification add-ons come in.
What Air Purification Technologies Are Trusted for IAQ?
There are several well-established technologies that can be installed in or alongside your HVAC system. Here’s an overview:
1. Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI or UV-C)
- What it does: Kills bacteria, mold, and viruses on HVAC coils and surfaces.
- Best for: Coil disinfection, especially in humid or healthcare settings.
- Limitations: Limited effectiveness on moving airborne contaminants.
2. HEPA Filters (or High-Efficiency Media Filters)
- What it does: Captures 99.97% of particles ≥0.3 microns.
- Best for: Surgical suites, cleanrooms, labs, and highly sensitive areas.
- Limitations: Requires high airflow resistance handling; not standard for all systems.
3. Activated Carbon Filters
- What it does: Absorbs VOCs, fumes, odors, and some gases.
- Best for: Facilities near industrial zones, kitchens, or high-odor environments.
- Limitations: Must be replaced regularly to maintain effectiveness.
4. Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)
- What it does: Uses UV light and a catalyst to break down VOCs and biological contaminants.
- Best for: Specific applications needing advanced oxidation.
- Limitations: Some models may generate ozone — use only if validated by third-party testing.
How to Select the Right IAQ Technology for Your Facility
The right solution depends on a variety of factors including the purpose of your building, occupancy, ventilation design, and regulatory requirements. Here’s how improved IAQ supports specific industries:
- Healthcare Facilities
Air purification systems help reduce the risk of airborne transmission, control odors, and support ASHRAE 170 compliance for healthcare ventilation. UV-C and HEPA technologies are often required in patient care zones and surgical suites. - Life Sciences & Laboratory Environments
Maintaining precise control over airborne contaminants is essential for product integrity, researcher safety, and regulatory compliance. HEPA and UVGI systems play a key role in maintaining cleanroom standards and controlling biological hazards. - Educational Institutions
From K–12 classrooms to university labs, improved IAQ supports student health, reduces absenteeism, and enhances cognitive function. UV-C and high-efficiency filtration can help reduce allergens and airborne pathogens in high-density settings. - Manufacturing Facilities
Dust, fumes, and particulate matter can compromise both air quality and equipment performance. Air purification solutions such as activated carbon and media filtration help reduce VOCs, improve safety, and enhance environmental conditions for workers and equipment. - Commercial Offices
Cleaner air contributes to occupant comfort, productivity, and wellness. Air purification technologies that reduce odors, VOCs, and allergens can be used to supplement existing HVAC systems in open office environments and conference rooms.
Does Installing Air Purification Help Reduce Outside Air Requirements?
Yes — but only with validated systems. Certain purification technologies (like UVGI or carbon filtration) can supplement or offset outside air requirements when supported by engineering controls and IAQ monitoring.
However, ASHRAE 62.1 ventilation standards still apply. You should never reduce outside air or downsize mechanical systems based on purification alone unless supported by professional modeling and validation.
Trusted Guidance for Smarter IAQ Decisions
LC Anderson partners with engineers, commissioning agents, and trusted manufacturers to offer proven IAQ solutions. Our team can help you:
- Assess current air quality and HVAC readiness
- Identify appropriate filtration and purification strategies
- Provide installation and verification services
- Develop a long-term IAQ strategy aligned with your building goals
Looking to improve indoor air quality in your facility? Contact LC Anderson for an IAQ consultation and customized HVAC upgrade recommendations. We’ll help you choose a solution that’s effective and energy-efficient.
