Winter 2009 -- Indoor Air

The quality of the air we breathe indoors becomes even more important in the colder months, when we naturally spend more time inside. But the list of things that pollute that air is a long one, featuring such varied culprits as combustion sources (oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood and tobacco), building materials (deteriorated insulation, damp carpet), household cleaners, even our furniture and carpets.

 

Indoor air quality has been a problem since homeowners and builders began to "tighten" the homes with increased insulaton to reduce the overall energy costs without balancing it with adequete ventilation to exchange polluted indoor air with fresh outdoor air.  Plus excess moisture and high temperatures can lead to mold problems.  During the winter (and summer if the house is closed up), carbon monoxide from gas stoves, dryers and furnaces, if not properly vented to the outside, can cause serious health issues.  Studies done by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) have shown that indoor air can be 5 - 10 times more polluted than outside air.

 

Key to managing indoor air is providing healthy air exchanges on a daily basis and expelling the "bad" air that tends to accumulate in the lower levels of the home.  One key element in any home is controlling humidity levels which also tend to build in the lower level of the home and can lead to organic growth such as mold. 

 

By installing a mechanical ventilation unit in the lower level of the home that runs 24/7 expelling the contaminants from the lowest level to the outside and bringing down healthier, drier replenishment air from the upper levels, is being proactive and contributes to an overall healthier home environment.

 

Comments

[Term Paper]

Your blog is really excellent. It inspires the readers who has that great desire to lead a better and happier life.

[phoenix air conditioning]

Yea, it can get pretty poluted, that inside air. That's why its so key to make sure your a/c units are cleaned regularly, and that you have a high quality air conditioning unit, too.