Tag: IAQ

What Are Indoor Air Quality Monitors?

Written by onestoput on March 18, 2021. Posted in Air Quality.

Poor indoor air quality is recognized as one of the most serious health risks facing Americans. After all, Americans are indoors at home, school and work about 90% of their time, and the indoor concentration of pollutants is typically two to five times the levels found outdoors. Recent research has found that approximately 96% of American homes have at least one indoor air quality problem and that as many as 90% have multiple issues that can cause and exacerbate a wide range of health problems. This awareness has led to more sophisticated indoor air quality monitors, which can inform you about the potential pollutants and contaminants that are accumulating in your home.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Indoor air quality monitors are not a new invention. In fact, the first carbon monoxide detector was developed way back in 1925 and used to protect people working in manholes. In 1969, the first smoke detector for residential use was introduced, and it would serve as the predecessor to the modern home carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide has long been recognized for how dangerous it is to human health at elevated levels, and in most jurisdictions, detectors are now required by code. If you have a new gas furnace installed, for example, you must also have one or more carbon monoxide detectors installed.

Multi-Sensor Indoor Air Quality Monitors

Carbon monoxide detectors generally detect just CO, and units that can detect CO and smoke are relatively common as well. The modern indoor air quality detector, however, is much more ambitious in scope. It aims to detect a wide range of pollutants and contaminants that can undermine the indoor air quality in your home. Some IAQ monitors are modular in that you can plug in various sensors as needed, which is rather convenient when a new sensor becomes available or there was simply an oversight in your product selection process. Nevertheless, many of the IAQ monitors currently on the market are not modular, and it is important to know which sensors are present prior to making the purchase.

Temperature and Humidity

Most people think of temperature and humidity in terms of comfort and not indoor air quality, but they very much affect the balance of your indoor space. Temperature and humidity levels that are regularly outside the ideal range can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can exacerbate and even lead to allergies and allergy-like symptoms. Excess moisture in the air can lead to mold, and mold spores can destabilize your indoor air quality long before you can smell or see the mold. Another benefit of monitoring temperature and humidity in tandem is that it can tip you off to various insulation and ventilation problems. Since all modern homes need a thermostat, many of the smart thermostats on the market also track humidity and various other IAQ categories discussed in the upcoming sections.

Particulate Matter

Particulate matter is a combination of particles and droplets that are suspended in the air. Tracking PM levels is one of the core components of understanding air pollution. We inhale these particulates, and at high enough levels, they can cause shortness of breath and allergy-like symptoms in otherwise healthy people. They can exacerbate the symptoms of people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, and long-term exposure to high PM levels is recognized as a risk factor for heart disease and cancer.

Volatile Organic Compounds

VOCs are a type of gas often emitted from various substances found in our homes. Like high concentrations of particulate matter, these gases can have negative health effects both in the short and long term. The EPA warns that concentrations of VOCs are often 10 times higher than outdoor concentrations. While VOC detection is important, it is also one of the aspects of indoor air quality where you have the greatest amount of control. Avoid products, including furniture, that produce significant off-gassing. Do not burn fuels without adequate ventilation and ensure that all construction materials are well-sealed and preferably stored outside of the primary living area.

Radon

Radon is now recognized as the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States. It is an odorless and colorless gas that is found in the earth and can seep up into our homes. The creation of radon is a naturally occurring process. That means that a home can be radon-free one year and have a radon problem the next. Therefore, industry experts recommend radon testing at least every several years. Real-time monitoring of radon is much more convenient than traditional charcoal-based testing. Nevertheless, real-time radon testing for the home is a relatively new innovation. As of this writing, few IAQ monitors on the market provide this feature, but that should change in the next several years.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is a natural byproduct of human life. While high levels of CO2 were once considered benign, they are now known to affect cognitive function in the short term. It is very easy for CO2 to accumulate in a home as people breathe, and high levels are often an indication of inadequate ventilation.

Data Collection, Reporting and Alerts

The classic carbon monoxide monitor, for instance, simply detects CO in real-time and sets off an alarm at a particular threshold. Many modern IAQ monitors are much more sophisticated. They not only track IAQ data in real-time but collect it and upload it to the cloud. As the data grows, it can be analyzed, and reports can be created. Patterns can be identified that provide useful context to your IAQ problems. It is also possible to receive alerts and notifications via your smartphone and other devices.

Outdoor Air Quality Monitoring

Without a whole-home air filtration system, the pollution levels found in your home will never be better than the pollution levels found outside your home. Pollution in your community, therefore, provides invaluable context. For this reason, many of the most advanced residential IAQ monitoring systems have both external and internal sensors. This allows your indoor air quality to be fully assessed and can help you to make decisions about potential air purification upgrades for your home.

Selecting an Indoor Air Quality Monitor

If you have particular health concerns, then your first step should be to discuss them with your doctor. He or she can provide invaluable insight that will inform your purchasing decision. You should also consult with a local indoor air quality expert. With the fast evolution of the technology, this can be a tricky time to invest in it, and a local expert will also have insight into your particular concerns.

Your Indoor Air Quality Experts in Utah

One Stop Heating and Air Conditioning is proud to serve Sandy and the surrounding areas. Our company is BBB-accredited and EPA certified. Our technicians are fully licensed, and you can count on us to install and maintain IAQ monitors and whole-home air purification and humification systems in addition to cleaning your ducts. We also install, repair, and maintain all manner of heating and cooling systems.

Call us today or contact us online to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment.

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality Naturally

Written by onestoput on February 11, 2021. Posted in Air Quality.

Most homes have poor indoor air quality, mostly during the cold months. The secret to improving indoor air quality is making a few changes to your house to purify the indoor air from all contaminants. Here are a few ways you can improve the indoor air quality in your Sandy home.

Replace Air Filters

It is wise to replace air filters for the air conditioning unit and furnace. Dirty air filters could be the reason why you have poor indoor air quality. Therefore, replacing the filter helps remove air contaminants and prevents mold growth since less air gets through dirty air filters. It would also help to replace the air filters in your kitchen’s vents.

Keep Shoes Outside

Taking off your shoes before entering your house is an effective way of improving indoor air quality. Your shoe soles carry dirt containing harmful bacteria, pesticides, fungi, and pollen, among other air pollutants. Therefore, entering your home with your shoes introduces air pollutants and interferes with indoor air quality. Taking them off keeps your floors and carpets germ-free and clean, thus improving your indoor air quality.

Indoor Plants

One of the most simple and natural ways to improve your indoor air quality is to add some air-purifying plants to your house. Some plants can filter out the by-products of chemical-based cleaners and paints, also known as volatile organic compounds. The best indoor air purification plants include aloe vera, lady palm, rubber tree, spider plants, and butterfly palm. The best part about these plants is that they are low-maintenance and have other benefits besides improving indoor air quality.

Natural Air Conditioning

Another natural way of improving your indoor air quality is to open your windows and doors to increase ventilation. Opening windows allows contaminated air in your residence to go out and clean air to get inside. You can also try other ways of increasing ventilation in your house, such as ceiling fans, reducing the use of heat-producing appliances, installing heat-blocking window treatments, and growing plants for shade.

Add Humidity

The extreme dryness experienced during winter also contributes to poor indoor air quality. You can improve your home’s indoor air by using fan-powered humidifiers. They increase moisture in the air and cut down on static electricity by blowing moisture vapor directly into heating ducts. That enables you to breathe clean air by preventing dirty nasal passages and dry throats. When you add the right amount of moisture to your house, you control mold and mildew growth as well as dust mites.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a great way of cleaning your indoor air. Active carbon, also known as activated charcoal, highly absorbs impurities, such as bacteria, unpleasant odors, and harmful pollutants in the air and purifies them for improved indoor air quality. It also absorbs moisture from the indoor air and dehumidifies it to prevent mold and mildew growth. Activated charcoal is odorless, so it does not cause any irritation or allergies.

Essential Oils

Eucalyptus and tea essential oils are perfect air purifiers because they kill the airborne flu virus. Other essential oils you can use to improve indoor air quality are lavender, red mandarin, peppermint, lime, and chamomile. It is advisable to consult with an expert before using essential oils in your home to avoid any allergic reactions.

Regular Home Cleaning

As obvious as it sounds, regularly cleaning your house significantly impacts indoor air quality. Ensure that you thoroughly vacuum your floors, carpets, edges, walls, and upholstery furniture often. Surfaces hold air pollutants like dust and pet dander that can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Also, wash and change your bedding often to keep allergens and dust mites at bay. Additionally, clean air filters on heaters, vacuum cleaners, the air conditioner and furnaces regularly to keep them effective.

Cut Down on Cooking Pollution

That pot roast in your kitchen could be the cause of poor indoor air quality. It fills your kitchen with high nitrogen dioxide levels, though you might not feel or see this gas. It is wise to adjust your gas stove, especially if you have an older model. You can also vent stoves with an exhaust fan or use an open window with a fan to expel cooking fumes outside.

Improving the quality of your indoor air does not have to be costly. You can use these tips to make your indoor air healthier. Our experts can also help with identifying the causes of poor indoor air quality and purifying indoor air. Besides that, we have experts in gas furnaces, geothermal services, boilers, and custom fireplaces. Contact One Stop Heating and Air Conditioning in Sandy today to learn more natural ways of improving your indoor air quality.