A system designed to serve 20 may someday be required to meet the needs of 50 employees as the result of expansion or consolidation, office partitioning or other remodeling. The demands on the system will be too great to deliver adequate fresh air and to remove stale air and contaminants. As part of the design process, the system should be within the owner's ability to operate correctly. A complex control system may be appropriate for the needs of the space, but will prove a serious problem if it cannot be operated correctly. The building manager must initiate and maintain a regular preventive program to cover system checks, filter changes, drip pan cleaning, scheduling of housekeeping functions and pesticide spraying, monitoring of cleaning and maintenance of chemical use.
Drip pans become reservoirs for bacteria and mold.
Cleaning compounds used when the HVAC is turned down remain in fabrics and the air until the system is turned up. Chemicals stored in spaces with poor ventilation may create odors, as well as opportunities for leaks and spills. Less toxic and water-based materials should be selected. It is important to become aware of the many specific contaminants that have a negative impact on indoor air quality in an office setting. Formaldehyde from new furnishings, glues, partitions or paneling.