Think of your central heating & air conditioning system as your home's lungs. It breathes in air and contaminants and then breathes those pollutants back out again all day (and night) long.
These hazards include pollen, mold, smoke, chemicals and gases such as radon and carbon monoxide.
Air quality problems within the home attribute to an alarming number of health risks, affecting your family's comfort and well-being. Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of poor indoor air quality.
According to the EPA, indoor air health problems are present in 8 out of 10 homes, and indoor air pollution is listed as one of the top five environmental risks to public health. In fact, there are two to five times more contaminates contained in indoor air than outdoors.
Millions of Americans suffer from allergies caused by pollen which often aggravated by poor indoor air quality, including pollen trapped indoors. Mold is another common toxin that triggers health problems. Excess humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth. If you can see condensation on your windows regularly, then the humidity level needs to be addressed.
There are many different areas of the home that these invisible pollutants reside - all filtering through the same system. Indoor air pollutants produce the same symptoms as many illnesses, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, scratchy throat and nasal irritation.
A healthy home is attainable
A healthy home (and office) is attainable with safer products and better indoor air quality. A number of energy-efficient products can help you manage more than just the temperature of the air within your home.
A qualified HVAC contractor that specializes in Indoor Air Quality solutions and testing can help you determine the best solution - whether you require a system to manage humidity or reduce harmful airborne particles for better air freshness and purity. Some options include:
ERV - Energy Recovery Ventilation
Energy Recovery Ventilators, or ERV systems deliver fresh air to the home's interior, bringing equal amounts of healthier, fresh air into your home while exhausting the same amount of air out.
Unlike opening a window, an ERV system helps keep the air fresh without introducing pollen and other allergens inside. During summer, the system pre-cools and dehumidifies while humidifying and pre-heating in the winter months.
ERV products are available in many convenient sizes and a qualified HVAC contractor can properly size a unit that precisely meets your needs.
Humidifiers / Dehumidifiers
Controlling humidity levels also helps you maintain a healthier and more comfortable home environment, preventing mold and mildew growth.
Dry air can also cause structural damage to your home and possessions. It can cause walls, woodwork and hardwood floors to crack. Optimal humidity can also help you stay warmer at cooler temperatures. That means you can lower your thermostat and save energy, thereby lowering your heating costs.
Air Cleaners
Many types (and sizes) of air cleaners are available, ranging in price - from the lower cost table-top models to sophisticated whole-home systems. Some air cleaners are extremely effective at particle removal, while others like most table-top models, do not adequately do so.
Duct Cleaning
The removal of contaminants from your home's heating and cooling (HVAC) system should be considered as one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality. Cleaning your ducts can flush out pollutants like pollen and mold. Look for a qualified Duct Cleaning service from a trusted source such as your local Better Business Bureau or Angie's List.
Massachusetts residents in the Burlington area can rely on the specialists at Total Comfort Mechanical to maintain control of indoor air quality for a healthier, more comfortable home!
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission's Guide to Indoor Air Quality has a great deal of information on the sources and effects of indoor air problems in both the home and office.
This entry was tagged Heating, Air Conditioning, Humidifiers, Ventilation, IAQ, HVAC, ERV, Indoor Air Quality, and posted on April 04, 2016
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