3 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Your Business in 2025

Many businesses often set goals to improve their operations at the start of a new year, from customer service to supply chains to sales.

However, one area that is often overlooked is indoor air quality (IAQ).

The air quality in your Lake County, workplace directly impacts employee health, productivity, and overall satisfaction. Poor IAQ can lead to increased absenteeism, lower work performance, and higher healthcare costs.

It can also scare your customers away.

Why not make improving your business’s indoor air quality a priority in 2025? Here are three key resolutions, courtesy of Amber Mechanical, that can significantly enhance the air you breathe in your office, retail space, or other business premises.

1. Upgrade Your HVAC System

A top priority for improving Indiana indoor air quality is ensuring your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is functioning at its best. The HVAC system plays an essential role in controlling airflow, temperature, and humidity, all of which directly affect air quality.

An outdated or poorly maintained HVAC system can contribute to the buildup of allergens, dust, and even mold.

If your system struggles to maintain proper ventilation, airborne pollutants—such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and excess carbon dioxide—can accumulate, causing discomfort and health issues for employees.

Here are some practical to-dos for the new year:

• Schedule regular HVAC maintenance: Contact your local HVAC service provider for professional inspections and maintenance of your HVAC system. Our expert technicians can ensure everything is working correctly, from air filters to air ducts, preventing buildup and ensuring clean airflow.
• Upgrade air filters: High-efficiency air filters are vital for capturing small particles such as dust, pollen, and even bacteria. If your HVAC system can accommodate them, consider upgrading to HEPA filters. These are designed to trap smaller particles that can affect air quality, especially in busy Indiana workplaces.
• Air conditioner repair: If your air conditioning system needs repair, it’s important to address any issues as soon as possible. This can ensure your system provides adequate cooling while maintaining clean, fresh air throughout your Lake County, business.
• Install air purifiers: To further improve IAQ, consider installing air purifiers or using ductless mini splits in for specific areas of your business. These systems can help remove additional airborne contaminants and improve overall air quality.

By upgrading your HVAC system, you can ensure your business has clean, filtered air while reducing the presence of harmful pollutants.

2. Incorporate More Plants into Your Business

A natural and simple solution to improving indoor air quality is to bring nature inside.

Office plants not only enhance your Lake County, workspace but also contribute to purifying the air. Certain plants naturally absorb toxins, release oxygen, and maintain balanced humidity levels, which helps improve IAQ.

Moreover, many common indoor plants are effective at removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, which are often found in office furniture, carpets, and other materials.

Here are some indoor plant tips to make life a little greener:

• Select air-purifying plants: Choose plants known for their air-cleaning abilities, such as peace lilies, snake plants, or spider plants. These plants are great at removing toxins and improving air quality, especially in office environments.
• Strategic placement of plants: Position plants near high-traffic areas, air vents, and sources of indoor pollutants—such as printing stations or cleaning supply storage.
• Plant care and maintenance: Ensure the plants remain healthy by regularly watering them, providing proper sunlight, and removing dead leaves. Healthy plants will continue to work efficiently in purifying the air.

Integrating plants into your office or business setting is a low-cost, effective way to improve indoor air quality and create a more pleasant working environment.

3. Minimize Sources of Indoor Pollutants

An essential resolution for improving IAQ is minimizing the sources of pollution in the first place. Many everyday items in the office, from cleaning products to furniture and even office equipment, can contribute to poor air quality.

By switching to more eco-friendly options and reducing harmful chemicals, you can significantly enhance the air you breathe. Some healthier options include:

• Use eco-friendly cleaning products: Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can release harmful fumes. Consider using non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning solutions that are free from VOCs and other pollutants.
• Choose low-emission furniture: Many office furnishings, including desks, chairs, and carpeting, release chemicals that degrade air quality. When purchasing new furniture, look for low-emission, formaldehyde-free products to minimize the release of harmful gases into the air.
• Eliminate air fresheners: Many commercial air fresheners mask odors with harmful chemicals. Instead, focus on improving ventilation with your HVAC system or using natural methods like essential oils or high-quality air filters in to freshen the air.
• Encourage a smoke-free environment: Consider making your building entirely smoke-free. Cigarette smoke introduces numerous toxins into the air, compromising indoor air quality and posing health risks to employees and visitors.

Eliminating or reducing indoor pollutants can significantly improve the overall air quality in your workplace, creating a healthier environment for everyone.

Creating a Healthy Building

Incorporating these three tips into your business’s practices (upgrading your HVAC system, adding plants, and minimizing indoor pollutants) will go a long way in improving indoor air quality. Amber Mechanical provides business HVAC solutions throughout Lake County, and all the surrounding communities. Call us at 800-592-6237 or request service online for a free consultation about your business.