Tag: Indoor Air Quality

How Indoor Air Quality Affects People

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The greatest difficulty in solving indoor air quality problems is that effects on people can vary.  One of a pollutant can have a completely different effect on two different people.  While pollutants found in indoor air can be responsible for many harmful effects, there is considerable uncertainty as to what concentrations or periods of exposure are necessary cause specific health problems.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People who are immunocompromised have an immune system that is compromised or entirely absent.  Indoor air quality is of great concern to those who are immunuocomprimised, as their bodies are very vulnerable to opportunistic infections.

Hypersensitivity

Some people can become sensitized to biological & chemical pollutants after repeated or high level exposures. Effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures.  Once sensitized to a pollutant, the individual can experience acute adverse reactions when they are exposed to that pollutant, even when the pollutant is at a lower level.

Age Makes a Difference

Children are sensitive to indoor air quality because they breathe faster than adults, inhaling up to 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults.  Elderly have a higher risk for cardiovascular, respiratory illness from fine particle pollutions.

Allergies & Asthma

Dust is a mixture of many substances. Its content may vary from home to home, but the most common allergy triggers such as mold spores, pollen, dust mites, can trigger allergy or asthma attacks.

Fortunately for most healthy people, the symptoms of air pollution exposure usually go away as soon as the air quality improves.  Good housekeeping and good maintenance of the heating and air conditioning equipment is the most important methods for controlling exposure to indoor air pollutants.

Understanding Indoor Air Pollutants

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A host of different biological, gas, and particulate pollutants can affect the indoor air quality.  The types of contaminants and the amounts that are suspended in the air determine air quality.

Biological Air Pollutants

Biological pollutants are or were living organisms. While all of us are exposed to biological pollutants in one form or another, the effects on our health depend upon the type and amount of biological pollution and the individual person.  Two conditions are essential to support biological growth – nutrients and moisture.  Keeping an area clean and dry is the best method to prevent biological air pollutants.

Common biological air pollutants:

  • Pet Hair & Pet Dander
  • Mold
  • Dust Mites
  • Pollen
  • Cockroach parts

Chemical & Gas Air Pollutants

Chemical and gas pollutants are the most hazardous of all air pollutants as they are often odorless, tasteless and invisible.  Ensuring proper exhaust, using building products with low levels of volatile organic compounds, and prohibiting smoking indoors are the best methods for preventing chemical and gas air pollutants.

Common chemical & gas pollutants:

  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Radon
  • Smoke
  • Building Materials with volatile organic compounds

Particulate Air Pollutants

Particulate air pollutants are particulates that have the ability to become air born when disrupted. The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller are of greatest concern because they can pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs.  Good house keeping and construction containment practices are the best methods for lowering particulate air pollutants.

Common particulate air pollutants:

  • Drywall
  • Fiberglass
  • Concrete
  • Carpet fibers
  • Sawdust

Air Pathways and Indoor Air Quality

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Air pathways are a key component of indoor air quality. Understanding and improving air pathways will greatly improve your indoor air quality.

Understanding Air Pathways

Air flow is created by pressure differentials.  Air flow always flows from higher relative pressure to lower relative pressure.  Air will flow through any available opening (pathway) in an attempt to equalize pressure.  Pathways include windows, doors, electrical outlets, floor drains, heating and cooling systems, and most importantly air ducts.

Air Pathways within a Home

A forced air system works by creating a difference in pressure between the area where the supply registers are located and the area where the returns are located.  As air moves from supply diffuser to return air grill, it is diverted or obstructed by partitions, creating pathways of air movement throughout the home.

How do Air Pathways affect a Home?

Pathways can change from one minute to the next – Opened windows, an exhaust fan, open/closed doors etc… Unintended pathways need to be acknowledged to have a comprehensive understanding of a homes airflow patterns.

Improving Air Pathways

Air ducts are the pathways for energy efficient homes.  With a couple of simple steps you can improve your air pathways.

  • Seal the air ducts to prevent costly, conditioned air flow from being drawn from or escape into unknown, unspecified, or unintended areas of the home.
  • Filter the air by changing the furnace or air conditioning air filter.
  • Make sure that air ducts are not blocked by interior furnishings that prevent their designed use.
  • Have the air ducts cleaned to prevent obstructions in air flow.
  • Use bathroom exhaust fans when using the shower to exhaust moisture.
  • Use kitchen exhaust fans when cooking to exhaust fumes from cooking.
  • Have your HVAC technician inspect exhaust flues when they perform annual HVAC inspections to ensure carbon monoxide is properly exhausted.

Improve Indoor Air Quality by Understanding Air Pressurization

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Several factors contribute to poor indoor air quality that can be easily controlled. Air pressurization greatly affects the indoor air quality of a home or building.

Pressurization

Air flow is created by pressure differentials.  Air flow always flows from higher relative pressure to lower relative pressure.  If more air is supplied to a room than exhausted, the excess air leaks out of the space and the room is said to be under Positive Pressure.  If less air is supplied than exhausted, air is pulled into the space and the room is said to be under Negative Pressure.

Positive Pressure

If a home or building has too much positive air pressure, it will allow for conditioned air to escape the home causing costly energy concerns.

Negative Pressure

Negatively pressurized homes allow for unconditioned and unfiltered air to be drawn within the home or building.  Debris will enter through cracks and crevices, opened doors, windows, etc…

What’s the Ideal Air Pressurization?

It is ideal to achieve neutral to slightly positive air pressurization.  Though there is a slight loss of conditioned air, a slightly positive pressured home will provide comfort and prevent outdoor contaminants from entering the home or building.

ASHRAE Standard 62.1 “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality” requires proper ventilation and a slightly positive pressurization of buildings. Maintaining a small positive air pressure, relative to the outdoors, limits the entrance of outdoor moisture and is a very common strategy to prevent mold and mildew formation in a building.

How Can You Monitor or Control Air Pressurization?

Air pressure can be monitored through an energy auditor.  An energy auditor will use of a blower door & smoke test to determine the location of air leaks.  After the test is performed steps can be made to improve air pressurization.

Several factors contribute to poor indoor air quality that can be easily controlled. Air pressurization greatly affects the indoor air quality of a home or building.

Pressurization

Air flow is created by pressure differentials.Air flow always flows from higher relative pressure to lower relative pressure.If more air is supplied to a room than exhausted, the excess air leaks out of the space and the room is said to be under Positive Pressure.If less air is supplied than exhausted, air is pulled into the space and the room is said to be under Negative Pressure.

Positive Pressure

If a home or building has too much positive air pressure, it will allow for conditioned air to escape the home causing costly energy concerns.

Negative Pressure

Negatively pressurized homes allow for unconditioned and unfiltered air to be drawn within the home or building.Debris will enter through cracks and crevices, opened doors, windows, etc…

What’s the Ideal Air Pressurization?

It is ideal to achieve neutral to slightly positive air pressurization.Though there is a slight loss of conditioned air, a slightly positive pressured home will provide comfort and prevent outdoor contaminants from entering the home or building.

ASHRAE Standard 62.1 “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality” requires proper ventilation and a slightly positive pressurization of buildings. Maintaining a small positive air pressure, relative to the outdoors, limits the entrance of outdoor moisture and is a very common strategy to prevent mold and mildew formation in a building.

How Can You Monitor or Control Air Pressurization?

Air pressure can be monitored through an energy auditor.An energy auditor will use of a blower door & smoke test to determine the location of air leaks.After the test is performed steps can be made to improve air pressurization.

How to Find a Reputable Air Duct Cleaning Service

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Finding a reputable air duct cleaning service is important if you want the job done right and your home respected during the cleaning process.  Here are a few tips to finding a quality cleaner in your area.

Ask Questions

Before hiring any company to clean your air ducts, ask questions and listen to the answers. Look for knowledgeable answers, not a sales pitch. Ask questions like…

  • How long they’ve been in business?
  • Why air ducts need cleaning?
  • Are the employees screened for criminal background?
  • How long does the cleaning process take?
  • What is required of you the day of the cleaning?
  • Do you carry workman’s compensation and liability insurance?
  • Are services are guaranteed?

NADCA

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association is a group that sets standards for service and certifies air duct cleaners. This online source offers recommendations and tips for consumers on how to hire cleaners. Included is a checklist to ensure the technicians perform all the tasks necessary for a thorough cleaning. This is an excellent place for consumers to gain knowledge, find recommendations, and learn the basics about air duct cleaning.

Ask for Referrals

Ask neighbors or local businesses who they have hired to clean their air ducts. Call your HVAC contractor to ask them who they recommend, installing heating and air conditioning systems; they will know who performs quality workmanship.  There are numerous online consumer advocacy websites, check for online air duct cleaning reviews.

Check with the BBB

Check with the Better Business Bureau or other agency to see if complaints have been filed against the company. If the company has no complaints, good references, and a knowledgeable staff then they will likely provide a quality service to you.

Care for Your Air Conditioning System

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Air conditioning units require regular maintenance to keep them working at an optimal level. Follow these guidelines to ensure your air conditioner is working efficiently.

Conduct Regular Maintenance

Hire a professional HVAC person to regularly inspect your air conditioning system.  Make any necessary repairs in a timely manner. The longer you put off repairs, the more expensive they can become.

A typical air conditioner service will:

  • Check for proper refrigerant (freon) levels.
  • Check all electrical components and controls.
  • Clean evaporator and condenser coils.
  • Oil motors as needed.
  • Calibrate thermostat.
  • Check filters.

Change Filters

Routinely check and replace filters. Use the highest rated filter recommended by the manufacturer and make sure to install it properly.  There should be no gaps or leaks around the edge of the filter.

Use a Good Thermostat

Control indoor air temperature with a good thermostat. A good thermostat can operate air conditioner to a lower setting saving energy while you are at work, or while sleeping.

Keep Air Ducts Clean

Have your air duct cleaned every three to five years.  Excessive build up of dust and debris in air ducts can cause blocked or limited airflow, reducing the effectiveness of the air conditioner.

Dirty Air Ducts Can Be a Fire Hazard

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All dust can be a fire hazard and regular household dust is no exception. Help keep your home safe by cleaning air ducts and preventing an accumulation of dust.

How is Dust Dangerous?

Accumulated dust can pose a fire hazard, as all dust is flammable. Ignition of dust can happen in two ways, by a spark of energy, or an extremely hot surface.

Fire Hazards in the Furnace

Air within your home is heated through the burners and heat exchanger of the furnace. Burners heat the heat exchanger to an extremely high temperature.  Above the furnace, within the plenum dust accumulates over time and will occasionally drop onto the top of the heat exchanger.  If the amount of debris is large enough, there is a strong potential of a fire within the furnace.

Fire Hazards from the Furnace Filter

Furnace filters are designed to protect the furnace and air conditioner from dust.  If the filter is not changed regularly dust can accumulate to the point that the filter can collapse and be sucked into the furnace cabinet and cause a fire.

Cleaning Air Ducts

The only way to reduce fire hazard from dust is to reduce the amount of dust. Cleaning air ducts is the easiest, most effective way to eliminate dust build up and prevent potential hazards from forming.  Choose a professional air duct cleaning company as improperly cleaned air ducts may actually cause more loose dust to circulate, creating more of a hazard.

Pet Dander Can Affect Your Air Quality

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Pet Dander is one of those microscopic particles found in many homes that can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma. Here is some more information about pet dander and what you can do to reduce the amount of it in your home.

What is Pet Dander?

Pet dander is not animal hair; it is the tiny bits of skin flakes skin produced by every animal. Many people think they are allergic to cat or dog hair, but most are allergic to dander. Some people are severely allergic to pet dander, while others have less severe reactions.

Where is Pet Dander Found?

Pet dander is found anywhere pets are found. All animals shed hair and skin and leave traces of it behind everywhere the go. Dander is often so small that it can become airborne and reach the tops of surfaces that pets do not go, so just because Fido does not sit on the couch that does not mean that dander cannot be found on the couch. Pet dander can also stick to people’s hair, skin, and clothing that come in contact with animals, their bedding, or places animals have been.

How Do You Control Pet Dander?

Keep pet dander at a minimum by cleaning and dusting frequently. Wash animals and their bedding and brush them outdoors. Offer pets their own place to sit and sleep rather than allowing them on furniture.

What If I am Allergic to Pet Dander?

The best way of controlling allergic reactions is avoidance. If you are unwilling to part with the animal consider the following suggestions:

  • Receive treatment or consultation from an Allergist.
  • Make sure to wash your hands after petting any animal and never rub your eyes.
  • Wear a protective mask and gloves when grooming.
  • Litter boxes should be placed in an area unconnected to the air supply for the rest of the home.
  • Keep pets off furniture.
  • Change clothing worn after grooming or playing with pets.
  • HVAC systems can spread allergens throughout the home, change the furnace filter regularly, and keep the air ducts clean.

5 Tips to Keep You Furnace Efficient 


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To keep your heating bills low, you need to keep your furnace running efficiently. Here are 5 tips to keep your furnace working at peak performance.

Before Winter, Have Furnace Inspected

Before the first use, have the have the furnace inspected by a professional HVAC contractor.  The furnace contractor will inspect the furnace to make sure that the furnace is operating safely and efficiently.

Replace Filters

Replace the furnace filter every 2 months that the system is in use. Clogged air filters make it difficult to for the furnace to draw air. Furnace filters protect the furnace components from dirt which will cause damage to furnace components and dramatically decrease energy efficiency.

De-Clutter the Furnace Area

Keep the area around the furnace clean and clear of clutter. This reduces fire hazard and makes sure the furnace can get all the air it needs for proper combustion.

Use Your Thermostat Properly

If your thermostat is set at a constant temperature, consider setting the thermostat a few degrees cooler at night while you are sleeping, and during the day when you are at work.  Setting your thermostat properly will dramatically reduce your furnace bill.

Keep Your Air Ducts Clean

Nine out of ten HVAC failures are due to dirt and debris accumulation.  Keeping your air ducts clean will reduce the impact of debris build up on the furnace filter and HVAC components.  Have the air ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years.

Easy Tips to Keep Your Ducts Clean

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Keeping air ducts clean can help keep indoor air quality healthy. Follow these simple tips to reduce dust and other build up in your air ducts.

Change Furnace Filters

Routine air filter maintenance is the most effective means of keeping your air ducts clean. Proper selection, routine exchange, and the proper fit of you furnace filter will dramatically extend the longevity of your air duct cleaning.

Perform An Air Duct Inspection

After the cleaning has been performed conduct an air duct inspection.  Thoroughly look over your air ducts for any evidence of leaks, damage, or gaps.  It is important that air is not drawn or delivered to unintended areas.  Most gaps can be sealed with a caulking gun and air duct sealant purchased from your local hardware store.  If the gap or damage is too large, contact an HVAC contractor.

Perform Routine HVAC Maintenance

Contract an HVAC contractor to provide routine maintenance on your heating and cooling system.  Routine maintenance will ensure that your system is running at its peak efficiency, and will prevent debris caused from mechanical neglect.

Limit Dust Indoors

The best way to limit dust in indoor air is to reduce the amount of dust you have indoors. Dust hard surfaces frequently. Use a vacuum cleaner with a good filter and weekly vacuum all carpets and fabric furniture. Wash bedding, pets, and pet bedding, every week. Limit indoor activities that create dust and never smoke indoors.