Ever walked into a building and instantly felt tired, congested, or just off? Maybe your eyes start itching, your throat feels scratchy, or you suddenly get a headache for no apparent reason.
That’s Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in action. And in NYC—where many buildings have outdated ventilation and questionable air quality—it’s a much bigger problem than most property owners realize.
Let’s talk about why SBS happens, why NYC buildings are particularly at risk, and how Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) can turn things around.
What Exactly Is Sick Building Syndrome?
Sick Building Syndrome isn’t some made-up issue—it’s recognized by organizations like the EPA and CDC. It happens when people experience health issues specifically while inside a building, but those symptoms disappear when they leave.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Eye, nose, or throat irritation
- Coughing, congestion, or shortness of breath
- Skin irritation
Sound familiar? If multiple people in your building are complaining about these issues, but there’s no clear cause (like a flu outbreak), your building might be making them sick.
Why NYC Buildings Are a Breeding Ground for SBS
Older NYC buildings are SBS hotspots for one simple reason: bad ventilation.
Many of these buildings were designed before modern air quality standards even existed. And with today’s focus on energy efficiency, a lot of newer buildings are sealed up tight to prevent air leaks—but that also traps pollutants inside.
Here’s what’s making things worse:
- Poor ventilation – HVAC systems recirculate stale air instead of bringing in fresh, filtered air.
- Toxic indoor pollutants – Cleaning chemicals, office furniture, carpets, and even printers release harmful compounds.
- Mold and moisture buildup – Thanks to leaky pipes, old AC units, and high humidity, mold spores thrive in many NYC buildings.
- Carbon dioxide buildup – When too many people are packed into an office without proper air exchange, CO2 levels rise, leading to drowsiness and headaches.
The ERV Fix: Bringing in Fresh Air Without Wasting Energy
The best way to fight SBS? Better ventilation. But just increasing airflow with traditional HVAC systems means higher energy bills—which no NYC property owner wants.
Thie solution – an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)!
How ERVs Tackle Sick Building Syndrome in NYC Buildings
- Brings in Fresh Air Without Losing Heat or Cool Air
- ERVs exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air without wasting energy. In winter, they capture heat from outgoing air to warm up incoming air. In summer, they do the reverse—helping keep cooling costs down.
- Removes Pollutants Before They Build Up
- Instead of recycling the same polluted air, ERVs continuously replace it with fresh, filtered air, reducing dust, VOCs, and carbon dioxide buildup.
- Controls Humidity and Prevents Mold
- NYC’s moisture levels fluctuate wildly, leading to mold problems. ERVs balance indoor humidity, keeping mold (and musty odors) in check.
- Reduces Sick Days and Increases Productivity
- Studies show that better air quality leads to fewer illnesses, better focus, and improved overall well-being. Happier, healthier tenants and employees mean fewer complaints and higher tenant retention.
Final Thoughts: Is Your Building Making People Sick?
If you own or manage a commercial property in NYC, Sick Building Syndrome isn’t just a tenant complaint—it’s a real liability. Poor air quality can lead to higher tenant turnover, lost productivity, and even potential legal issues.
The good news? ERVs offer a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution to improve air quality without overloading your HVAC system.
Want to breathe better? ERV Pro specializes in helping NYC buildings upgrade their ventilation for better tenant health and lower energy costs.
Let’s talk about how an ERV can transform your building. Contact ERV Pro today for a consultation!