Building Health – IAQ and the Health of Your HVAC
This educational session will explore the intersection of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the performance of your HVAC systems—highlighting how both directly influence occupant well-being, productivity, and safety. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of key IAQ metrics, contaminants of concern, and how small improvements in system health can lead to large-scale organizational benefits. The session aligns with the Occupancy & Human Factors competency and is focused on practical, actionable insight—not on vendor-specific tools.
Learning Objectives
Understand how poor IAQ impacts occupant performance and absenteeism.
Identify major indoor air contaminants and their sources.
Learn about industry benchmarks such as ASHRAE 62.1 and ISO 16890.
Explore how environmental factors like wildfire smoke and urban pollution affect IAQ.
Discuss how facility managers can support building health through monitoring, maintenance, and awareness.
Meet the Speaker - Ryan Swafford:
As a Senior Sales Executive with Siemens Smart Mechanical Services in Washington State, Ryan Swafford collaborates with facility professionals to enhance HVAC system performance, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. With extensive experience in building science and a hands-on approach across various sectors—including healthcare, education, and mission-critical environments—Ryan offers practical, research-based insights into indoor air quality (IAQ). He is dedicated to helping organizations understand the vital connection between occupant well-being and HVAC system health. By leveraging data-driven strategies and innovative design, Ryan assists in creating healthier, more resilient buildings. Continuously advancing his expertise in mechanical systems optimization and IAQ standards, he regularly works with facility managers to explore intelligent approaches to air quality and operational efficiency.
