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The Effect of Building Maintenance on Indoor Environmental Quality

Abstract

Building maintenance plays an important role in preserving the functional, environmental, and health performance of buildings throughout their service life. Indoor environmental quality is influenced by factors such as indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, ventilation, moisture conditions, and acoustic performance. However, inadequate or irregular maintenance can result in deteriorating building components and services, which may negatively affect the quality of indoor spaces. Understanding the relationship between maintenance practices and indoor environmental quality is therefore important for creating healthier and more comfortable buildings. This study examines the effect of building maintenance practices on indoor environmental quality in selected buildings. It focuses on the condition and maintenance of building components and systems that directly influence indoor conditions, including ventilation systems, windows, doors, roofs, walls, plumbing installations, electrical systems, lighting fixtures, and air-conditioning equipment. The study considers how routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance activities contribute to maintaining acceptable indoor environmental conditions and reducing the occurrence of building-related problems. The research assesses key indoor environmental quality indicators, including temperature, humidity, ventilation, indoor air quality, illumination, noise levels, and the presence of dampness or unpleasant odours. It examines how poorly maintained building components can contribute to blocked ventilation openings, inefficient cooling systems, water leakage, mould growth, inadequate lighting, and other conditions that reduce occupant comfort. The study also considers the frequency and effectiveness of maintenance interventions and their relationship with observed indoor environmental conditions. In addition to physical building conditions, the study considers occupants' perceptions of comfort and environmental quality. Occupants may experience discomfort when maintenance deficiencies affect ventilation, temperature regulation, lighting, cleanliness, or noise control. User complaints and observations can therefore provide valuable information about recurring environmental problems and the effectiveness of existing maintenance practices. Integrating technical assessments with occupant feedback provides a broader understanding of how maintenance influences the actual performance of indoor spaces. The effectiveness of building maintenance may be influenced by factors such as maintenance budgets, availability of skilled personnel, building age, maintenance policies, accessibility of building services, and the availability of replacement materials and equipment. Buildings that rely primarily on reactive maintenance may experience prolonged periods of poor indoor environmental conditions before problems are addressed. A shift toward preventive and planned maintenance can help identify potential defects early, reduce system deterioration, and support more consistent indoor environmental performance. The study aims to assess the relationship between building maintenance and indoor environmental quality and to identify maintenance practices that can contribute to healthier and more comfortable indoor environments. The findings are expected to assist building owners, facility managers, architects, and maintenance personnel in developing effective maintenance strategies that protect indoor environmental performance. The study also highlights the importance of integrating maintenance considerations into building design and management to support long-term functionality, occupant wellbeing, and building performance.

Keywords: Building maintenance, Indoor environmental quality, Preventive maintenance, Indoor air quality, Thermal comfort, Ventilation, Humidity control, Lighting quality, Acoustic comfort, Building performance, Facility management, Occupant wellbeing, Maintenance practices, Building services.