Air Quality Solutions That Actually Work for Northwest Businesses

Indoor air quality has gotten complicated with all the systems, filters, and certifications flying around. As someone who’s consulted with dozens of Northwest businesses on air quality, I learned everything there is to know about what actually makes a difference. Today, I will share it all with you.

Northwest businesses face some specific challenges—wildfire smoke seasons, industrial areas, persistent moisture that breeds mold. Generic advice from national sources often misses these regional realities. The solutions that work here need to account for our particular combination of conditions.

Start with Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system moves all the air through your building. If it’s dirty, everything’s dirty. Clean or replace filters every three months minimum—more often during smoke season. Upgrade to HEPA filters if your system can handle them. They capture 99.97% of particles, including most of the stuff that makes people sick.

Probably should have led with this section, honestly—a well-maintained HVAC system does more for air quality than any gadget you can buy. Neglected systems just recirculate the same contaminated air over and over.

Add Air Purification Where You Need It

Portable air purifiers supplement your main HVAC system in high-traffic or high-risk areas. Look for units with multiple filtration stages that can tackle different pollutants. Activated carbon filters handle odors and chemical pollutants that HEPA filters miss.

Place units strategically—reception areas, conference rooms, break rooms. Don’t expect one purifier to clean an entire floor. Match the unit size to the room size or you’re just wasting electricity.

Plants Help (Somewhat)

Spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies do remove some toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. They also boost humidity, which helps in our dry winter months. That’s what makes indoor plants endearing to us air quality enthusiasts—they provide some benefit while making the space look better.

Just don’t expect miracles. You’d need a jungle to match what a decent air purifier does. Choose non-toxic varieties if customers bring pets or kids.

Ventilation Matters More Than You Think

Fresh air dilutes indoor pollutants. Make sure your ventilation systems actually work—many older buildings have systems that look functional but barely move air. Open windows when outdoor air quality is good. Consider mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to maintain efficiency while bringing in fresh air.

Monitor What You’re Breathing

Air quality monitors show you what’s actually in your air—particulate matter, CO2, humidity, temperature. Real-time data tells you when to ventilate, when to crank up purifiers, and whether your investments are working. You can’t manage what you don’t measure.

Cut the Pollutants at the Source

Many cleaning products, paints, and adhesives release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Switching to low-VOC alternatives costs about the same and makes a noticeable difference. Encourage employees to go fragrance-free when possible—those plug-in air fresheners are pollution sources, not solutions.

Control the Humidity

Keep indoor humidity between 30-50%. Too high breeds mold—a real problem in the Northwest. Too low causes respiratory irritation and lets viruses survive longer. Dehumidifiers for damp areas, humidifiers for overly dry spaces during winter heating season.

Consider Green Building Standards

LEED certification and similar programs push for better insulation, efficient HVAC, and eco-friendly materials. These standards exist because they work—buildings designed with air quality in mind are healthier to occupy.

Keep the Place Clean

Regular cleaning removes pollutants before they become airborne. High-touch surfaces need frequent attention. Hand sanitizers throughout the building reduce what people bring in. Basic hygiene reduces the contamination load your air systems have to handle.

Watch Your Equipment

Printers and copiers release ozone and particulates. ENERGY STAR certified equipment typically emits less and runs more efficiently. If you’re replacing equipment anyway, the cleaner options often cost the same.

Transportation Choices Affect Everyone

Every car in your parking lot contributes to local air pollution. Promoting public transit, cycling, or carpooling among employees reduces outdoor pollution that eventually gets inside. Incentives for eco-friendly commuting benefit air quality inside and out.

Make It Policy

Lasting improvements require institutional commitment. Write air quality into company policies—HVAC maintenance schedules, approved cleaning products, equipment standards. When air quality becomes part of how you operate, it stays improved instead of sliding back.