Indoor Air Quality
Our Services
Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in Minnesota
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American spends about 90% of their time indoors where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. This means that the quality of our homes, workplaces, schools, and other buildings has the potential to impact our health, comfort, and productivity.
The Service Logic companies are ready to work with you to develop and execute the right IAQ plan for your buildings. We do this using the latest scientific data and recommendations of accredited organizations such as ASHRAE, EPA and CDC and by asking questions such as:
Are your HVAC systems being utilized to improve IAQ, or are they contributing to poor IAQ?
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System design
Is your building configured and being used in the same way as originally designed? If not, air flow in different areas is likely not matched to occupancy. Do humidity levels get above 60%? If so, then higher levels of pathogens are more likely.
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Equipment installation
Was your HVAC equipment installed correctly? When inspecting existing systems, we often find issues such as ductwork is not sealed properly, outdoor air dampers are closed, and condensate drains are not piped correctly.
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Maintenance
Are your HVAC systems professionally maintained? If not, then they are probably not operating as they were designed and they are not operating efficiently which is impacting IAQ, energy costs and comfort.
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Operations
Are system setpoints for heating, cooling, ventilation, humidity, and night setback optimal? Adjustments often result in improved comfort and energy efficiency.
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Filtration
Are both active and passive filtration being utilized? Very small particles such as pathogens are not carried by the air current through passive filter media and remain in the space unless active filtration such as GPS Air needlepoint bipolar ionization is added. Utilizing both technologies can also result in HEPA level filtration using MERV 10 filters.
Learn how to improve the indoor air quality in your space.
How NPBI works
GPS-patented NPBI technology works with your existing HVAC system to target and reduce airborne particles, including odors, viruses and bacteria.
GPS NPBI at work:
- Air moves through your existing duct system over the GPS ionizer.
- The ionizer produces ions that are carried by the airstream through the duct and into the room.
- The ions attach themselves to particles, forming large clusters that are ultimately trapped by the HVAC system’s filter.
- Airborne particles are reduced, resulting in better indoor air quality.
People everywhere are breathing easier.
GPS Air’s NPBI technology has been installed in thousands of offices, schools, airports, healthcare facilities and other community spaces around the world.
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About GPS
GPS is UL certified to not produce ozone and works with third-party laboratories to continually strive for best-in-class indoor air testing. Tests are conducted in large chambers designed to emulate realistic applications.
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IAQ Funding
For schools, universities and government buildings, HVAC improvements and IAQ projects are eligible for funding under programs such as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.
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Through our relationship with Service Logic, we can provide you with streamlined mechanical services from coast to coast.
Indoor Air Quality FAQ
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Does Minnesota's climate affect indoor air quality?
Yes, significantly. Minnesota winters force commercial buildings to run sealed for months at a time, which reduces fresh air exchange and allows indoor pollutants, CO2, moisture, and airborne contaminants to accumulate at higher concentrations than they would in milder climates. Yale's IAQ assessments account for Minnesota's heating season specifically, evaluating ventilation rates against state guidelines and ASHRAE standards to make sure systems are protecting occupants, not just conditioning air.
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What humidity levels should Minnesota commercial buildings maintain?
The Minnesota Department of Health recommends indoor relative humidity between 30 and 60 percent year round. In Minnesota, buildings face both extremes: heating season drives humidity below 30 percent, causing dry air that irritates respiratory systems and increases susceptibility to airborne viruses. Summer pushes humidity above 60 percent, creating conditions where pathogens are more likely to thrive. Both affect occupant health and comfort. Yale's IAQ assessments evaluate humidity at both seasonal extremes and recommend equipment or operational adjustments to keep levels in the healthy range throughout the year.
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How should our facility handle wildfire smoke events?
Wildfire smoke has become a near-annual air quality concern in Minnesota. The Minnesota DNR characterized recent years as the smokiest in five decades, with 15 days between June and August where air quality reached unhealthy levels for everyone statewide. Fine particulate matter can enter commercial buildings through ventilation systems, open doors, and gaps in the building envelope even in well-maintained facilities. Yale's IAQ solutions, including GPS Air's NPBI technology and upgraded filtration, can significantly reduce indoor particle levels during smoke events. Yale can also help prepare a proactive response plan covering outdoor air damper management and real-time air quality monitoring so your building is ready before the next smoke event, not reacting during one.