Worse yet, studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have shown that your exposure to air pollutants can be more than 100 times higher indoors than outdoors.

To achieve proper air circulation, open doors and windows, particularly when you are using cleaning agents, and operate any exhaust fans your home may have. Another way to increase ventilation and dilute pollutants is through the use of an outdoor air connection or products such as heat recovery ventilators (HRV's) and energy recovery ventilators (ERV's).

Cleaning Is Essential

Although ventilation helps to reduce indoor air pollutants, it is not a "cure all". To further reduce concentration levels, you should make a habit of cleaning your living spaces frequently by washing your bedding in hot water (at least 130°F to kill dust mites) and vacuuming and dusting to remove surface dust. Alas, while these practices are effective, not all particles can be eliminated through these methods alone. Some particles are so small, they may escape through the vacuum, or never land on a surface.

Products such as electronic air cleaners (EACs) or high-efficiency air filters can aid you in capturing these particles. The majority of these particles in the air are extremely small and cannot be captured by (often referred to as "throwaway") air filters. These minute particles, if not trapped, can slip by your body's defenses and get lodged in your lungs.

The Role of Home Comfort In Improving Indoor Air Quality

Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) is one of the best tools in providing good indoor air quality. It can provide a major portion of the ventilation for your home. Signs of poor ventilation include moisture condensation on windows or walls and smelly or stuffy air. In other words, if on Thursday you can still smell the fish you cooked on Sunday, you might have a ventilation problem. This is an important reason why you should have your home comfort system inspected regularly by a qualified service technician. That way, you'll know your equipment is functioning properly. When you are working to improve indoor air quality, it's important to consult your HVAC dealer to make sure your home comfort system is designed properly as a complete and compatible system. It's not always as simple as adding another component.

Products That Can Help You Breathe A Little Easier

We offer a wide variety of indoor air quality poducts designed to make your home more comfortable. At a minimum, every home comfort system should provide humidity control, high-efficiency air cleaning and a controlled source of outdoor air for ventilation.

If you are particularly sensitive to your indoor environment due to severe asthma or allergies, you may want to upgrade your system for increased comfort levels and even better IAQ. This can be done by adding components such as electronic air cleaners, air purifiers, heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators.

DETECTION

Carbon monoxide detectors provide constant monitoring of your indoor air to detect unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. In addition to having carbon monoxide detectors, it is strongly recommended that you have fuel-burning appliances (such as gas clothes dryers and furnaces) and venting systems maintained on a regular basis to eliminate potential carbon monoxide-related dangers that they may pose. Choose a high quality detector for more effective detection.

PURIFICATION

Air purifiers inhibit the growth of biological organisms that may be present in your home. These include products such as ultraviolet lights and microbiocide treated air filters. Odor removal can be accomplished through the use of charcoal activated air filters.

VENTILATION

Heat recovery ventilators (HRV's) and energy recovery ventilators (ERV's) bring fresh air into your house and exhaust stale air out. HRV's conserve energy from indoor conditioned air, and transfer it to the outdoor air as it's brought in your home to provide adequate ventilation. ERV's provide the additional benefit of maintaining desired humidity levels to help keep you comfortable.

FILTRATION

Electronic air cleaners (EAC's) and high-efficiency air filters help clean the air and provide respiratory relief by removing dust, dirt and pollen. They are designed to trap even microscopic particles, so cleaner air is circulated back into your home.

HUMIDIFICATION

Humidifiers add moisture to every room in your home to soften harsh, dry air. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends that the relative humidity in your home should be between 30-60 % to minimize the growth of bacterial and biological organisms. Using a humidifier can help you to maintain this standard, and help you stay comfortable at lower thermostat levels.

Humidity controls adjust the relative humidity inside your home without affecting room temperature. Proper humidity levels will make your home feel more comfortable and can provide better energy efficiency.

What You Can't See Can Hurt You And Your Family

Causes Of Sick Building Syndrome  

Outdoor Smog Dust Pollen Vehicle Fumes Indoor Dead Skin Pets Tobacco Smoke Cosmetics Garbage Cooking Dampness Cleaning Supplies Hobby Supplies Carpets Vinyl Flooring Paint Solvents Pressed Wood Products Dirty Heating Ducts Construction Materials Poor Ventilation Plugged Air Exchanger Faulty Furnace Dust Mites/Debris Insulation Perfumes Fireplaces		Produce Formaldehyde Nitrogen Dioxide Carbon Monoxide Sulfur Dioxide Ammonia Carbon Dioxide Benzine Radon Carbon Tetrachloride Trichlorethylene		Cause Headaches Eye Irritation Skin Irritation Nose Bleed Sinus Irritation Respiratory Problems Cancer Fatigue Nausea Depression Gynecological Problems Dizziness Asthma Bronchitis Pneumonia