FAQs About IAQ
What is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. 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.
How IAQ Affects Health?
Some health effects may show up shortly after a single exposure or repeated exposures to a pollutant present indoors. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually short-term and treatable.
Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer.
Primary Causes of Indoor Air Problems:
There are many sources of indoor air pollution. These can include:
- Fuel-burning combustion appliances
- Tobacco products
- Building materials and furnishings as diverse as:
- Products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies
- Central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices
- Excess moisture
- Outdoor sources such as:
Regular Maintenance ?
An uncleaned air conditioner circulates more allergens in the air that you breathe indoor while adding to your illness.
An air-conditioner accumulates mold as it contains moisture, if left uncleaned then it might trigger serious diseases.
Air-conditioners clean various indoor allergens, dust, and pollen from the air that you breathe. The cooling system pulls theses allergen inside and can again recirculate within no time.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions
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1. Air Purification Systems
Air purification is essential for removing airborne particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and even bacteria or viruses.
Service Components:
- UV-C Light Systems: Installed inside your HVAC system to kill bacteria, mold, and viruses.
- HEPA Filtration: High-efficiency filters that trap even the smallest particles.
- Activated Carbon Filters: These filters remove odors, smoke, and chemical vapors.
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2. Duct Cleaning and Sealing
Dirty air ducts can harbor dust, mold, and bacteria. Cleaning and sealing ducts can improve airflow and reduce contaminants in your home.
Service Components:
- Duct Cleaning: High-powered vacuums and brushes are used to clean dust and debris from air ducts.
- Duct Sealing: Ensures no air escapes through leaks in the ducts, improving energy efficiency and IAQ.
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3. Dehumidifiers and Humidity Control
Maintaining optimal humidity levels (between 30-50%) can help prevent mold growth and dust mites.
Service Components:
- Whole-House Dehumidifiers: Installed directly into your HVAC system to regulate humidity across the entire home.
- Humidity Monitoring Systems: Sensors that track moisture levels in your home and adjust dehumidifier operation automatically.
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4. Ventilation Solutions
Proper ventilation ensures a continuous exchange of indoor air with fresh outdoor air, helping to control indoor pollutants.
Service Components:
- ERV/HRV Systems (Energy Recovery Ventilators/Heat Recovery Ventilators): These systems exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while minimizing energy loss.
- Mechanical Ventilation Systems: These systems regulate air exchange, improving airflow and IAQ.
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5. Regular System Maintenance and Inspections
Routine inspections of your HVAC system can ensure that it’s running efficiently and that the air you breathe is clean.
Service Components:
- Filter Replacement: Regularly replacing filters to ensure proper airflow and clean air.
- System Inspections: Ensuring coils, condensers, and other components are clean and functioning properly.
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6. Smart Thermostats & IAQ Monitoring
Smart thermostats allow you to monitor and control your indoor air quality remotely.
Service Components:
- Smart Thermostats with IAQ Monitoring: These thermostats not only control temperature but also track humidity, filtration performance, and air quality in real-time.
Air Conditioners or HVAC are a key component in maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ). They can help with the following:
- Temperature and humidity & can help prevent mold and dust mites from growing.
- Ventilation: Continuous flow of fresh air helps dilute pollutants.
- Filtration of pollutants, allergens, bacteria, and viruses.
- Monitoring and Control
Schedule regular maintenance: This includes replacing air filters, cleaning ducts, and checking for leaks.