What is Indoor Air Quality
Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns.
Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later."
The Impact of Indoor Air Quality
Continued exposure to poor indoor air quality conditions can result in long-term effects such as chronic respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and others.
Key Elements of Indoor Air Quality
People
People define critical parameters of indoor air quality. Children have different needs than the elderly; people with allergies also have different needs than those without them. Understanding the specific needs of the home/office inhabitants is the first step in achieving proper IAQ.
Contaminants
Contaminants come in different forms, some occur naturally such as dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, mold, radon, CO2; other contaminants are human-generated such as chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehydes, asbestos, pesticides, etc. A key element of IAQ is understanding contaminants and eliminating or controlling their sources.
HVAC System
The heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system is critical in achieving an ideal IAQ. The HVAC system will control temperature, humidity, fresh air, air velocity, air distribution, pressures, and will (should) incorporate an adequate filtration/purification mechanism for the air stream.
Air Quality In Your Home
The following infographic, develop by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes key IAQ elements in a typical home
How To Improve Your IAQ
Here are several actions that you can take, some of them today, to improve your air quality:
1. Check your air filter
Change periodically to ensure effectiveness, also check that the type of filter is adequate for your specific needs (MERV rating).
2. Eliminate internal sources of contamination
Move strong chemicals away from your living space into a safe place. Examples include bleach, disinfectants, solvents, paint, glue, and other chemicals. Remove items that may be degrading, especially old pieces of furniture, ornaments, stored items, old rugs, boxes, among other.
3. Clean frequently
Dust furniture, curtains, shutters; vacuum rugs, sweep or mop floors.
4. Ensure proper ventilation
Modern AC systems introduce fresh air periodically; if your system does not have a make-up air device open your windows periodically to allow fresh air in your home.
5. Avoid artificial freshening products (sprays, atomizers) and candles.
While they may provide a temporary pleasant smell and provide a sense of freshness they can release unwanted chemicals and particles.
6. Seal your home
Avoid infiltration of pollutants by applying caulk in windows and door frames; ensure that door sweeps are in good condition, as well as exterior door frame seals.
7. Install a smart thermostat
Set a comfortable temperature range, include a schedule to minimize energy consumptions while you are sleeping or away.
8. Manage relative humidity
Ideally, relative humidity of your conditioned space should be between 30% and 50%. Most air conditioners though don’t have means to control relative humidity. If possible, consider investing in add-ons that help you maintain relative humidity within this range.
9. Install a central air purifier
Technology exists today to remove up to 99% of bacteria, viruses, mold and yes, COVID-19. Central air purifiers also degrade formaldehydes and unwanted chemicals released by construction materials and regular household items.
We can help
Learn about our three-step process to identify your specific needs, evaluate options, and implement robust solutions that deliver tangible results.
1. Assessment
We will perform a walk-through of your home/office, measure key IAQ parameters, evaluate your HVAC system.
2. Recommendations
After the assessment we will present you a summary of our findings along with corrective actions recommended to improve your air quality.
3. Execution
With your approval we will execute the corrective actions of your choice and define a plan to sustain your air quality improvements.
Schedule Assessment
Select the service according to your home's size. Optionally, include interior and exterior air sampling analysis for mold spores.
For pricing on commercial locations please contact us.
Receive 50% credit for the cost of the assessment when you purchase a solution from us. Restrictions apply. Residential customers only.