Key actions to improve your indoor air quality, starting today!
Note: this is an informational courtesy introduction to Indoor Air Quality for residential properties. This is not meant to be an exhaustive in-depth, all-inclusive analysis and the suggestions shown must be evaluated for your particular situation and applicablity. The content of this guide is provided as a service, it is your responsibility to assess the impact, cost, and consequences of implementing any of the recommendations contained herein.
1. Replace your AC air filter
Change periodically to ensure effectiveness, also check that the dimensions (lengh, height, thickness) and type of filter (MERV rating or equivalent) are adequate for your specific needs. Usually the higher the MERV rating the better the filtration.A note on MERV rating. A high MERV rating is not always a fit for an AC unit, the higher the MERV the higher the pressure drop. Excessive pressure drop can decrease your AC unit’s effectiveness and may even trigger protective devices. Staying between Merv 8 and 12 is typically safe; however, please contact your AC’s unit manufacturer or your AC service company prior to making any changes.The frequency of replacement is often a topic of discussion. The characteristics of your filter and number of particles present in your home will help determine how often to replace it. Please notice that here, less is not more, actually more often is better than less often.
2. Eliminate volatile chemicals inside your living space
Move strong chemicals away from your living space into a safe place away. Chemical containers are not always airtight and can gradually release vapors.
To be safe and if possible, remove these products from your indoor living space. Examples include bleach, disinfectants, solvents, insecticides, paint, glue, cleaners, stains, and other common chemicals.
Where to store chemicals? Consider places outside your house such as your garage, a shed, attic (with some exceptions) or a covered patio. Make sure to follow the products’ storage recommendations (temperature, humidity, etc.) for safety. If outside storage is not available consider investing in air-tight containers located in a space within your home that ideally does not have a return to your AC system in the vicinity.
3. Identify and eliminate degrading items or materials
Materials degrade over time, and as they do they may slowly release particles and at times, fumes. If you notice that certain items are changing their physical condition or appearance, or they have a strange smell then remove them.
Examples of these materials include old pieces of furniture, ornaments, stored items, old rugs, boxes, paintings, plastic materials, pvc items, and others.
Another consequence of material degradation is that they may attract insects that may feed on them, which may in turn produce byproducts that can trigger allergies in sensitive people. One common example is cardboard, especially in the presence of moisture and heat.
4. Use exhaust fans with purpose
Most homes have several types of exhaust fans installed to remove unwanted gases, odors, water vapor, heat and other elements.
Your kitchen hood not only helps remove odors and grease/oil vapors (i.e. when frying), but also toxic gases if you cook with gas; always use your exhaust fan when cooking, and if you cook with gas keep the exhaust fan working as long as your gas appliance is on.
Bathrooms exhaust fans help remove humidity that. if uncontrolled, may help over time build organic growth (mold, fungi, etc.) inside your home; it is a good practice to start your bathroom exhaust fan during and after the shower and/or tub is used.
Laundry rooms often also have an exhaust fan to remove excess dryer heat, volatile particles, and odors.
It is a great practice to understand the use and application of these fans and develop a discipline in using them when appropriate. Be aware too that if you do not have these fans its likely a priority to add them, and if the exhaust leads to the
attic (older homes) or inside your home (some kitchen hoods) then a modification must be made so they exhaust to the outside of your home.
Tech hint: additional a timer is a great and convenient way to operate the exhaust fans efficiently
5. Declutter
Here less is more, yes indeed. Accumulation of goods and other household items leads to accumulation of dust, insects, and microorganisms. Old boxes as an example can house and feed small insects, rodents, and other pests, resulting not only in volatile allergens but also potentially harmful biological by-products.
6. Clean, clean, clean
Accumulation of dirt, debris, and other substances in your living spaces can result in particles that become airborne with traffic, or degrade over time resulting in foul odors or unpleasant VOCS.
Think of contamination as to an equation, the more you place on one side the more you have place on the other to keep the balance. If you have sources of contamination you ought to control and minimize them, and if they cannot be controlled then your counteraction (cleaning) will need to be proportional to keep the balance.
One example in this area is rugs, they capture particles of dust and release them as you walk. Another example is shoes and cloth, which bring contaminants from the outside to your home, keeping them in a designated area (i.e. mud room, laundry room, or similar) and cleaning it periodically will help limit what is distributed throughout your home.
7. Dust frequently
Further to item #6 above, dust furniture, curtains, shutters; sweep or mop floors, clean ceiling fan blades, vacuum and wet-clean AC vents and grilles (supply and return), etc. are great actions to reduce and control dust and its consequences.
8. If you have pets
We all love these very special family members, but also have to be mindful that pets shedd and release a large amount of byproducts that can trigger allergies and other reactions.
Pet’s feces can also be harmful to humans and ought to be handled rapidly away from your living space.
9. Ensure proper ventilation and fresh air intake
Modern AC systems introduce fresh air periodically; if your system does not have a make-up air device consider adding one through a reputable, licensed AC contractor.
As an alternative to an automatic make-up air device you may open your windows periodically to allow fresh air in your home. This is particularly important when the family count is high, or activities inside the house result in high concentration of gases or odors (cooking, painting, cleaning, etc.)
Image: Energy.gov (Calcs Plus)
10. Limit artificial freshening products and candles.
While these common household items may provide a pleasant smell, a welcoming environment, and even create a sense of freshness they likely achieve these results by releasing artificial scents (chemicals and volatile particles).
Items to use with discretion includes mist atomizers, sprays, scent candles, ornamental or decorative candles, aromatic oils, incense, etc.
Artificial scents may trigger reactions in sensitive respiratory systems; they can also block odors that are indicative of a bigger problem needing attention.
11. Seal your house envelope
Avoid infiltration of pollutants by applying caulk in windows and door frames; ensure that door sweeps are in good condition, as well as exterior door frame and window seals (pile, rubber seal, etc.).
One item often overlooked by home owners is the door threshold, which must be adjusted with seasonal changes to ensure a tight seal year round.
12. Install a central air purifier
Technology exists today to remove up to 99% of bacteria, viruses, mold and yes, COVID-19.
Central air purifiers can also affect VOCs, formaldehydes and unwanted chemicals released by construction materials and regular household items.
Central air purifiers also have the ability to ionize volatile particles, making them larger and easier to trap by your AC filter.
A particular advantage of central air purifiers is their ability to remove pathogens and allergens as your AC unit operates; clean air is periodically distributed throughout your home and contaminant and bacteria/viruses count is reduced as a result.
13. Install a smart thermostat
Set a comfortable temperature range and if available, relative humidity.
Define a schedule to minimize energy consumption while you are sleeping or away.
14. Manage relative humidity
Ideally, relative humidity of your conditioned space should be between 30% and 50%. Most air conditioners though don’t have means to control relative humidity. If possible, consider investing in equipment that help you maintain relative humidity within this range (stand-alone or integrated to your AC unit).
15. Build and standardize practice of your selected steps
As you identify which actions from this list and other sources are applicable to your personal situation and lifestyle consider creating a routine that helps you maintain, and over time improve, your indoor air quality.
16. Sustain your efforts
As you apply the recommendations above consistently and with discipline you will realize more and better results. Your house is dynamic, and to the extent that you practice and adjust these actions the quality of your indoor air will increase and deliver better comfort to you and your family.
In summary
A healthy indoor air quality space results from implementing and sustaining a balanced set of proactive actions, both preventative and corrective.
Implementing all the actions above could be hard, even impractical; however, small steps and a balanced approach can render great results. As the old adage says, “Everything in Moderation”.
We hope that this document has delivered value to you and helped you identify actions that will improve your living space and lifestyle. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact us, [email protected].
TERMS:
AC/HVAC: Air Conditioning/Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
Formaldehydes: Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature and has a
strong odor. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause adverse health effects. (EPA).
HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
MERV: Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value
Relative Humidity: Ratio of the mole fraction of water vapor to the mole fraction of water vapor
saturated at the same temperature and barometric pressure. (ASHRAE)
VOC: Volatile Organic Compounds
For additional information:
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
https://basc.pnnl.gov/resource-guides/proper-installation-furnace-and-air-handler-filters
https://www.epa.gov/mold