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GET THE TEST ... KNOW THE FACTS
Today's' tightly sealed and energy
efficient homes save money and are better for the environment. but most are not
properly equipped to filter and purify the constantly recirculated air. Even
"leaky" older homes can accumulate high concentrations of pollutants, as well as
exhibit other indoor air quality problems such as dampness, stuffiness, fumes or
dryness. When trapped and recirculated within the home, airborne pollutants
accumulate through time.
The good news is, you can take control.
Find out if your home's air is polluted with a simple, easy third-party
diagnostic test called the AirAdvice Indoor Air Analysis. You'll get a full
color report that lets you "see" what's in your home's air. The report also
suggests ways to solve your indoor air problems.
Tests Measures the Following:
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Measures VOCs - Orders and Chemicals |
Many common
products around the home (solvents, fragrances and cosmetics, carpeting,
furniture, paint, hobby products, cooking, cleaning agents, pesticides,
new flooring, tobacco smoke, and car exhaust) emit volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) into the air. Inside your home, these compounds can
freely mix together. Individual VOC’s are known to be harmful to human
health and some are known carcinogens, such as formaldehyde.
Introduction of new furnishings can be a major source of VOCs in the
home.
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Particualte Matter |
Airborne
particles can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and increase
respiratory problems, especially in those with preexisting medical
conditions, such as cardiovascular illness and immune system diseases.
Many types of particles, such as smoke, pet dander, mold spores, and
pollen can trigger asthma found inside the home. In addition, if certain
chemicals attached to particles are inhaled on a regular basis, they may
cause lung cancer.
- Allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold
and dust. Allergens can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems and
asthma attacks.
- Biological particles, such as bacteria, viruses, and
fungi. They can cause infectious and non-infectious diseases, such as colds,
influenza, and respiratory infections.
- Toxic particles, such as cigarette smoke, wood smoke,
lead dust and asbestos.
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Relative Humidity |
| People tend to feel most comfortable at a relative humidity of about 45%.
High relative humidity (greater than 55%) can lead to the growth of mold,
mildew, bacteria, fungi, and dust mites. These pollutants can have adverse
health effects. Low relative humidity (less than 25%) can aggravate asthma and bronchitis,
and lead to sinusitis, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and dry skin. It increases static
electricity and makes your home feel cooler, so you may require a higher thermostat
setting (which uses more energy) to feel comfortable.
For example, outdoor temperature is 28° F. and indoor temperature is
72° F., then the relative humidity is approximately 19%. Learn more about
relative
humidity.
The solution
- Check for leaks in your home’s plumbing. Even slow leaks can raise
humidity levels in the home.
- Arrange for an
AirAdvice IAQ test
to determine if humidity levels in the home remain within the recommended
range. View
a sample chart.
- Have a licensed HVAC contractor determine if your heating and cooling
systems are properly sized and functioning at optimum levels. If air conditioning
equipment is oversized, it can’t adequately dehumidify your home.
- In winter, use humidifiers to raise relative humidity.
- In summer, use air conditioners or dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels.
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Temperature |
Extreme
changes in temperature can trigger and aggravate asthma, bronchitis, and
other respiratory problems. Maintaining low temperatures over a long
period of time can lead to high relative humidity (the amount of water
vapor in the air).The solution
- Check your thermostat to be sure it’s
working properly. Replace it if necessary. Also, programmable thermostats
require a new battery every year.
- Arrange for an
AirAdvice
IAQ test
to determine if temperature levels in the home remain within the
recommended range.
View a sample chart.
- Have a licensed HVAC contractor determine
if your heating and cooling systems are properly sized and functioning at
optimum levels. Annual maintenance is recommended.
- In winter, use humidifiers to raise
relative humidity so rooms feel more comfortable.
- In summer, use air conditioning and
dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels and maintain a moderate temperature.
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Carbon Monoxide |
| Carbon monoxide (CO) is released when wood, gasoline, oil, kerosene, natural
gas, and charcoal burn inefficiently. At moderate levels, CO can cause severe
headaches, dizziness, impaired mental function, nausea, and shortness of breath.
At high levels it can cause unconsciousness and death.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated
1000 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands end
up in emergency rooms. Because CO is odorless and colorless, and symptoms
can look like common illnesses, the effects may not be recognized until it
is too late.
The solution
- Have central air handling systems, including furnaces, flues, and chimneys,
inspected and repaired annually. Even new furnaces are susceptible to damage
and require regular maintenance.
- Keep gas appliances, heaters, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, barbeques
in good working order and ventilate them outside the home.
- Make sure wood burning stove doors fit tightly. Open flues when fireplaces
are in use.
- Don’t idle cars inside an attached garage and prevent car exhaust
from entering the home.
- Install a CO detector on each floor of the home. Choose a model that can
measure low levels of CO.
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Carbon Dioxide |
| Carbon dioxide (CO2) is released from people when
they exhale and from the burning of wood, gasoline, oil, kerosene, natural
gas, and charcoal. Although carbon dioxide is rarely a safety problem, a high CO2 level can
indicate poor ventilation. These conditions can lead to a buildup of particles
and more harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide) that can affect your health
and safety. Poor ventilation can also make your home feel “stuffy”,
especially in winter.
The solution
Open windows and run exhaust fans to increase ventilation your home.
If this solution doesn’t remedy the problem or you are worried about
dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and other harmful gases, contact an HVAC
professional to:
- Arrange for an
AirAdvice IAQ test
to determine if carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide is present in your home.
View sample charts for
carbon dioxide
and
carbon monoxide.
- Determine if your heating system and gas appliances are vented properly.
- Determine if heat recovery ventilators, energy recovery ventilators or
direct fresh air intakes can help.
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