Indoor Air Quality

How is the air inside your house? Poor air quality is increasingly becoming a major concern and there are a variety of solutions available to help improve the air you breathe leading to better comfort and overall health for you and your family. Our Home Comfort Advisors would like to share some basic poor air quality causes as well as some potential solutions.

Common Causes of Poor Air Quality:

Indoor pollutants Gases or particles produced by combustion sources such as oil, gas, wood, and the use of tobacco products; deteriorated building materials; household cleaning and maintenance products; pet odors and dander; and inadequately maintained venting and central HVAC systems.

Excessive humidity: Increased humidity levels, without the use of proper ventilation, can cause and spread mold and damp-related fungal spores. Extra moisture in the air can also attract dust-mites, cockroaches, and other pests causing additional concerns.

Ventilation: The need for a consistent supply of fresh air is necessary to dilute the presence of indoor air contaminants and balance humidity levels. Ventilation includes not only bringing fresh air into a building, but also the proper outside venting of gases and moisture from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, and HVAC equipment.

Outside conditions: Gases or particles from outdoor sources including, but not limited to high concentrations of air pollution, pollen, pesticides, and radon.

What Can You Do To Improve Your Home's Air Quality?

• Maintain a clean environment. This includes regular vacuuming with a HEPA rated vacuum cleaner, dusting and wiping down hard surfaces, and washing cloth products such as bedding, clothing, and curtains.
• Keep a smoke free environment.
• Replace and maintain all HVAC air filters. For higher filtration levels and for those with high sensitivities, consider having an electronic air cleaner or air purifier installed on the HVAC system.
• Have all HVAC equipment serviced by a professional annually to ensure correct operation, safety, and ventilation issues. Install a carbon monoxide detector as an extra security precaution against carbon monoxide poisoning and replace every 3-10 years according to the manufacturer’s warranty instructions.
• Control the moisture in your home with the use of a well-maintained humidifier or dehumidifier. The EPA recommends maintaining humidity levels at 30-50%.
• Always use proper ventilation methods when using a kitchen range or bathing and when cleaning, painting, or using chemical products.
• Have Radon testing done. Contact your state radon office or visit www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html for more information.
• Leave asbestos removal to professionals!

For an in-depth look at your home’s air quality, contact Design Air at 406-251-7997 to schedule an individual consultation with our specialists.