The Importance of Changing the Air Filter in Your Workplace

When was the last time that you changed the air filter in your workplace? Assuming your workplace has a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system, it will likely have an air filter. Air filters consist of a mesh material -- typically fiberglass -- that's designed to remove particulate matter from the air. You'll need to change it on a regular basis, however, for the following reasons.

Cleaner Air

Changing your workplace's air filter on a regular basis will result in cleaner air. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air is anywhere from five to 25 times more polluted than outdoor air. Your workplace may look clean, but there are probably contaminants floating around in the air. Regularly changing the air filter will promote cleaner air in your workplace. 

Lower Risk of Illness

Another reason to regularly change your workplace's air filter is a lower risk of illness. Workers can become ill when exposed to dirty air. Airborne contaminants can include bacteria, viruses and mold. When workers are exposed to these contaminants, they may become ill. A clean air filter, though, will remove these contaminants. As air travels through the filter, contaminants such as these will be removed. Therefore, regularly changing your workplace's air filter will protect workers from illness.

Saves Money

You might be surprised to learn that regularly changing the air filter will save your business money on heating and cooling expenses. It costs money to run an HVAC system. During the winter, your business will incur heating-related expenses when running the furnace. During the summer, it will incur cooling-related expenses when running the air conditioner. If the air filter is dirty, the heating and cooling equipment will have to work harder to regulate the temperature of your workplace. The end result is higher heating and cooling costs.

Protects Equipment From Damage

Regularly changing your workplace's air filter can protect certain types of equipment from damage. Particular matter in the air can damage machines and other work-related equipment. With a fresh air filter, levels of airborne particulate matter will be low. Therefore, you won't have to worry about costly damage to your business's equipment.

It's Easy

Changing the air filter is easier than you may realize. You don't need any special tools; you just need a new air filter in the same size as the old air filter. After removing the old air filter, you can insert the new air filter, at which point you'll be good to go!