Indoor Air Quality
Indoor pollution sources are the main cause of bad indoor air quality problems. High temperature and humidity, along with inadequate ventilation, can decrease the quality of indoor air. This is because such issues result in a decrease of outdoor air which dilutes emissions from indoor pollution. Check HRAI’s Consumers Guide: Indoor Air Quality tips for valuable information.
Pollutant Sources
Indoor air pollution can be caused by many sources within a home. Combustion sources (oil, gas, coal, and tobacco), building materials, insulation containing asbestos, furniture, wet carpeting, household cleaning products, central heating and cooling systems, humidification devices, and outdoor air pollution are the main causes.
Building materials, household products, and furnishings release pollutants continuously while other sources release them intermittently.
Effects of Poor Indoor Air
Poor indoor air quality can result in instant irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes, as well as dizziness and fatigue. Symptoms of asthma can show up soon after exposure to such pollutants.
Long-term effects can show up after years of constant exposure, such as respiratory disease, heart disease, and even cancer. For this reason it is important to try to maintain good air quality even if you are not experiencing noticeable symptoms of disease.
Energy Saving Ventilation Systems
Heat-recovery ventilators (HRV) and Energy-recovery ventilators (ERV) are systems which have a heat exchanger, at least one fan pushing air through the machine and several controls. Most ERV and HRV systems are central whole-house ventilation systems.
Energy-recovery ventilators transfer water vapour along with heat energy, while heat-recovery ventilators only transfer heat. This means that ERV’s maintain steady humidity in a house, resulting in better quality of indoor air. Most energy ERVs recover up to between 70%-80% of all the energy in the exiting air and transfer it to the incoming air. They are most cost effective in climates with harsh winters or summers.
Fan Tech HEPA System
The Fan Tech HEPA System is either installed on a home's air handler or used as an independent system mounted in a closet or attic. It directs air through three filters, resulting in clean and healthy air indoors.
The Fan Tech HEPA System is affordable, compact, and ideal for maintaining a healthy quality of air inside any building or home.
Making sure you have good indoor air quality is a simple step to ensure a healthier and longer life.