• Change filters regularly: Clogged filters reduce airflow and allow pollutants to circulate. Most businesses need replacements every one to three months. Businesses whose operations produce odors or debris will want to change filters more frequently to reduce potential odors and clogs.
• Schedule routine maintenance: Regular inspections catch issues before they affect air quality or your bottom line. Comfort Plus Services offers commercial HVAC support designed for light commercial businesses like yours. We also offer light commercial plumbing services, so you can make one call for all of your most crucial systems.
• Upgrade to high-efficiency filters: MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, and it’s the “gold standard” rating applied to HVAC filters. This rating is derived from a test method developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at trapping airborne pollutants and irritants. Consider MERV 11 or higher filter rating for spaces with frequent foot traffic.

Summer humidity can be a business owner’s biggest enemy. High moisture levels encourage mold and bacteria growth, while dry winter air can cause respiratory irritation. Balanced humidity that is consistently between 30 and 50 percent is key, and it can also be a challenge as the seasons change.

Here are a few of the practices we recommend for both homes and businesses in our coastal region:

• Install dehumidifiers in damp spaces.
• Use humidifiers during heating season to protect both people and furnishings.
• Inspect for leaks around plumbing and roofing to stop hidden moisture at the source.

Fresh outdoor air helps dilute indoor pollutants, but not all ventilation is created equal.

• Confirm your system brings in enough outdoor air to keep things fresh.
• Use energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) to balance efficiency with air circulation.
• Check that exhaust fans in restrooms and kitchens are functional and vent outdoors, not into ceilings or crawlspaces.

Beyond basic HVAC maintenance and filter changes, an air purifier can give your business an extra layer of protection. This matters most in high-touch or customer-facing industries like retail, hospitality, or health services.

• Consider UV-C light systems to reduce airborne germs. Portable HEPA purifiers can help in waiting rooms or meeting spaces.
• Ask about whole-building solutions that integrate directly with your HVAC system.

RGF Environmental Group is the manufacturer of the REME-HALO® Whole-Home In-Duct Air Purifier preferred by many of our residential customers. RGF carries a complete line of commercial air purification solutions, and we’re happy to help you find the right one for your building or a specific room in your business.

Even the best ventilation system cannot do it all. Daily cleaning plays a major role in IAQ.

• Use vacuums with HEPA filters.
• Choose low-VOC cleaning supplies to avoid chemical buildup.
• Schedule periodic duct cleaning to prevent dust and allergens from recirculating.

For more information about low-VOC cleaning products, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s guide to Identifying Greener Cleaning Products.

Your employees are the first line of defense when it comes to cleanliness and healthy indoor air quality. Make sure they know:

• How to identify the signs of poor air quality, such as stale air, unusual odors, or increased allergy complaints.
• Who to contact if they notice leaks or ventilation issues. If you have an HVAC maintenance service plan with Comfort Plus, for example, you’ll want to keep our number handy to address any air quality issues.
• Why keeping vents clear of furniture or boxes matters for circulation.

Healthy air builds healthy businesses. Customers notice when your space feels clean and comfortable, and employees perform better when they are breathing easier.

If you know your space could use better indoor air quality measures, Comfort Plus Services provides indoor air quality solutions tailored for homes and small businesses in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. From light commercial HVAC system upgrades to seasonal tune-ups and full-service maintenance, our team is here to keep your air and your business healthy.