According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. The EPA also estimates that indoor pollutants cause hundreds of thousands of respiratory problems and thousands of cancer deaths each year. With that knowledge in mind, it’s important to understand what factors can influence indoor air quality and what steps building owners can take to reduce exposure and risk.
In this blog we want to explore the concept of healthy buildings, and detail some of the services Sams Carpet Service provides to help employers in the greater St. Louis area create a safer working environment for their team.
What Are Healthy Buildings?
Green building has become a buzz word in the construction industry over the past decade. Green buildings are structures that are designed, built, and operated in a manner that reduces or eliminates negative impacts on the natural environment and climate. Healthy buildings are really the next iteration of that concept. In addition to meeting the qualifications of a green building, healthy buildings take human well-being into account.
Buildings can be key contributors to the health and wellness of the people who occupy them. Specifically, healthy buildings are ones that account for:
- Indoor air quality
- Water quality
- Safety and security
- Lighting and view
- Building design
Each of these factors plays a role in the health and safety of the people who occupy your building. But indoor air quality has become an especially big topic of conversation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s explore some of the services the Sams team provides that can improve the air quality in your building for employees or tenants.
How Sams Helps Make Buildings Healthier
Sams Carpet Service provides several services, specifically related to air quality, that help employers provide a healthier workplace for their teams.
Carpet Cleaning
If you’ve ever removed old carpeting from a building, you’ve likely been surprised at the amount of dust and dirt that was hiding in it. It may not have been visible until you began lifting the carpet from the floor, but it was there the whole time. Dust and dirt in carpet has the potential to go airborne with foot traffic and furniture moving. Regular vacuuming helps, but can only go so far. Having your carpets cleaned professionally is the best way to minimize the air pollutants hiding in the fibers and extend the life of the carpet so it doesn’t have to be replaced too soon.
Upholstery Furniture Cleaning
Your carpet isn’t the only place pollutants like to hide in plain sight. Upholstered furniture traps dust, dirt, grime, dead skin, mold spores and bacteria. Every time someone sits or lies on the furniture, these contaminants are released into the air. Having your upholstered furniture professionally cleaned is a great and effective way to improve air quality.
Air Duct and Vent Cleaning
When is the last time you took a good look inside the air ducts and vents of your building? You can’t imagine the amount of dirt and dust that can build up in your HVAC system. When your furnace or air conditioner is turned on, those pollutants are pushed into the air people breathe, leading to air quality issues and potential health problems. The Sams team uses a truck-mounted system with a rotating brush to remove debris from the walls of your ducts and collect it in the truck outside. The result is a clean HVAC system, and clean air to breathe.
Water Damage Services
If water damage isn’t properly taken care of it can lead to mold, mildew, and a wide variety of illnesses. Sams offers 24/7 emergency water damage restoration services. If your building suffers a plumbing mishap, storm damage, or any other catastrophe resulting in water damage, rely on the experienced team at Sams to respond quickly and get your facility back in working order. From initial inspection, to moisture removal, and mold prevention, we have the equipment and experience needed to make your building safe again. Our company is insured with an emphasis in Liability and Mold for your protection.
Is Your Facility a Healthy Building?
From having water tested to adding outdoor lighting, there are a number of steps you can take to create a healthier working and living environment. When it comes to improving air quality and cleanliness, the professionals at Sams are your partners in creating a healthier atmosphere. If it’s been a while since you’ve addressed carpets, upholstery, or your air ducts, reach out online or give us a call at 636-949-8229! Together we can determine a cleaning and maintenance schedule that will meet your needs. The Sams team will provide a detailed proposal to put you on the path to a healthy facility.
