How SAFE is your Indoor Air Quality?
Did you know that indoor air is commonly two to five times more contaminated than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)? Homeowners and builders are continually making smart energy efficiency improvements that “tighten” their home’s building envelope and decrease air leaks (air “infiltration”).
Steps for cleaner air and ample ventilation in your home
1. Prevent Mold and Moisture
Mold can trigger allergic reactions, aggravate asthma symptoms, and even sometimes produce toxins. Regardless of whether someone is allergic to mold, it can irritate the eyes, nose, skin, throat and lungs.
Moisture is the most important factor promoting mold growth – wet surfaces can start growing mold in a mere 24 to 48 hours. Look for mold around leaky plumbing fixtures, your foundation, and windows. Also beware of leaks from the roof, humidifiers, and sprinkler systems.
To address mold growth, stop the source of moisture from entering your home, clean up the mold if possible and replace items that can’t be adequately cleaned, such as carpeting, furniture, and ceiling tiles. For severe water damage and mold growth, consult an expert.
2. Install a Whole House-Ventilation System
Air is like bread—it shouldn’t be stale. Good thing our innovative ventilators are designed to remove stale air from your home, while keeping valuable energy from escaping.
Not only do all of our ventilators work quietly and efficiently to bring fresh air into your home all year long, they pre-condition the incoming air to better match the inside air temperature. Knowing the product that’s right for you is as easy as knowing your address. WE CAN HELP.
For instance, our energy recovery ventilators are made for climates with warm, humid summers. They’ll bring fresh air into your home and remove humidity before it enters your ducts to keep you comfortable and your cooling system from having to work harder.
3. Use Low-Emission Products
Many of the products and goods that we use in our homes release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which are known or suspected carcinogens. To reduce your exposure to formaldehyde and other VOCs, be aware of the products you bring into your home.
Unwrap and allow new furniture and carpeting to air out in a garage for a few days before bringing it inside your home. Use solid wood products and furniture when possible to avoid formaldehyde in particleboard and plywood, or ensure that pressed wood products are sealed on each side.
Use no- or low-VOC finishes and adhesives, and boost ventilation during painting projects. Potentially hazardous products typically have warning labels stating to use them in a well-ventilated area. When possible, find safer alternatives or use products outdoors, and allow your projects to dry before bringing them indoors.
