Category: Indoor Air Quality

3 Reasons Why You Need Proper Ventilation in Your Home

You walk into a room and are immediately assaulted with the musty, stale odor of stagnant air. In cases like this, it is easy to see—or, rather, smell—how improper ventilation can create an air quality issue. The problem of inadequate ventilation has increased in recent years. In pursuit of energy efficiency, many modern homes are designed to be airtight, trapping pollutants and allergens. As a result, these homes are chocked off from much-needed fresh outside air. Here are three reasons to ensure proper ventilation in your home. Volatile Organic Compounds These dangerous chemicals are emitted from thousands of everyday building materials, cleaners, and furniture into your home. They can lead to serious health concerns marked by respiratory issues, headaches, and neurological symptoms. Since it is nearly impossible to avoid VOCs in your home, the best way to prevent the buildup of the gasses is to provide proper ventilation. Moisture and Mold Without proper ventilation, a house can quickly suffer from too much moisture in the air. This is especially true in hot, humid climates where moisture is prevalent. The Department of Energy ranks air movement as the most efficient method of conducting moisture. Odors and Allergens Odors and allergens such as dust

Read More »

High Winds Across the United States Affecting Indoor Air Quality

The high winds that have been experienced from coast to coast in the United States lately have wreaked havoc on home A/C and HVAC systems. Therefore, it is the perfect time to clean the dust and debris from the air conditioning components and machinery. It is important to clean as soon as possible in order to prevent broken parts and eventual expensive repairs. Taking the necessary steps to protect the system and to prepare for harsh weather can help protect the whole family’s safety and comfort. HVAC Vent Cleaning and MaintenanceIndoor air quality is an issue of growing importance and increased visibility. Many HVAC contractors are marketing services and products intended to improve home air quality. The range in cost of vent cleaning services depends on the services offered, system accessibility, the size of the system, and the level of contamination. Generally, vent cleaning refers to the cleaning of different heating and cooling components of forced air systems, including the air ducts and registers, heating and cooling coils, grilles and diffusers, condensate drain pans, fan motor and housing, and the unit housing. If not properly cleaned and maintained, these components may become contaminated with allergens, dust, pollen, and other debris.

Read More »

Reasons to Replace Your Attic Insulation

Attic insulation replacement is vital in older homes, as insulation wears with age. Failure to replace it directly impacts energy consumption both in winter and summer months. It could easily result in a cold home in winter, and an uncomfortably hot home in summer. There are some indications that your home needs new attic insulation, such as higher utility bills, among others: A well-insulated home will regulate temperatures year round, reducing monthly energy bills. Worn insulation results in inconsistent room temperatures. The hands-on approach of testing the quality of the insulation will determine if it needs replacing. Wear a glove and touch the insulation, noting its condition. Crumbling insulation is a sure sign that it requires replacing. A previous pest infestation is good enough reason to replace the attic insulation. A leaky roof. If the insulation were not properly dried as a result of a leak in the roof, it could develop mold, which will require replacement. Mold can be extremely dangerous to people and is linked to numerous health risks. DIY or Professional Installation? In a day where DIY projects are all the rage, there are some that are best left to professionals. Professional insulation installers will properly and

Read More »

The Basics About Legionnaires’ Disease and HVAC systems

Most of us don’t really consider the indoor heating or cooling system as dangerous. The systems are there to cool or heat the building up and that’s it. Proper maintenance ensures that you can enjoy the heat during winter and cooling during summer. But did you know that your building ventilation systems could make your sick? Apparently, they can! On July 15th 2015, New Yorkers were told that more than 100 people tested positive for Legionnaires Disease. The infection caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria that spread because of an infected water-cooling tower. Due to poor maintenance, the bacterial infection spread to all five cooling towers of the South Bronx building and infected the people in the building and around it as well. At the time of writing, more than 10 people had died from the infection and the city health commissioner had issued health warnings to people living in the area. What Caused The Legionella Outbreak? Legionella bacteria thrived in wet humid locations and the cooling system of the building had not been cleaned in quite some time. The bacteria spread through the ventilation system and it was vented out in the form of water droplets. The sick, elderly, children,

Read More »
Archives

MightyBucks Program