IAQINDOOR AIR QUALITYWhat is in the air that you are breathing in your house? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indoor air is typically five times more polluted than outdoor air. Combine that with the fact that Americans typically spend 90% of their time indoors. HVAC professionals are on the front line. We see the problems first hand. You count on us to make sure your systems are running properly. Letting you know what condition your air quality is and how to make it better is part of our job. IAQ is a health and comfort issue that takes you beyond traditional heating and cooling solutions. In fact, particle allergen and chemical pollutant problems are far more common than temperature or humidity problems. There is no shortage of homes that need IAQ solutions. Airborne particlesAirborne 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. Airborne particles include:
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
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. Carbon dioxideCarbon 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. 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.
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