Cause for Concern
Outdoor air is continually being cleansed by nature using the natural processes of weather, rain, wind, lightning, and ultraviolet energy from the sun. Nature's methods of cleaning outdoor air are not naturally present in our indoor air environment. Man-made synthetic building materials, furnishings, and household cleaning products have created a virtual chemical soup in our homes with no natural method of control.
One of the main reasons for heightened public concern about deteriorating indoor air quality is the alarming increase in the number of children and young adults with severe allergies and asthma.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 2001 National Health Interview Study, over 7.6 million children (5-17 years) and over 12.7 million young adults (18-44 years) suffer from asthma. The United States Environmental Protection Agency ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental dangers to the public. EPA research also concluded that indoor air can be two to five times (and sometimes as much as 100 times!) more polluted than the WORST outside air! Since research indicates Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, it's no wonder that asthma and allergy suffering is on the rise.
Why the Increase?
Why has indoor air quality substantially deteriorated over the last 30-40 years? Because changes in new home construction materials and practices that evolved out of the 1970's energy crisis created “tight homes” that are tightly sealed, heavily insulated and very energy efficient. While these practices help to conserve energy, they also “lock in” allergenic particles, infectious agents, and toxic compounds which are bad for the health and well being of our families.
Allergenic particles such as pollen, dust, mold spores, fungi spores, tobacco smoke, dust mite feces, pet hair and pet dander all contribute to poor indoor air quality. Additionally, common household furnishings such as draperies, carpeting, wallpaper, paints, stains, and furniture may continue to “off-gas” potentially toxic fumes for a long time after application or installation. Heating and air conditioning ducts which are dark, damp and rich in “nutrients” provide an excellent breeding ground for mold, fungi, and dust mites which can spread rapidly when these ducts are in use to heat or cool the home. Poor ventilation and dirty filters are also major contributors to unhealthy contaminates in the home.
What can be done?
There are many products on the market today that work with your existing home comfort system to provide unparalleled filtration and cleansing. There are basically three categories of infectious agents that need to be addressed by your IAQ (indoor air quality) system:
Allergens and Particulates that can cause health effects such as nose and throat irritation, runny nose, congestion, and asthma flares. This is controlled by high quality filtration.
Infectious Agents that can cause bacterial and viral infections. This is controlled by a UVC light.
Toxic Compounds that include formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, smoke, and mold mycotoxins that can create such symptoms as memory lapse, depression, headaches, and fatigue. This is controlled by a UVV light.
We have Comfort Advisors standing by that would be happy to visit your home for a free IAQ analysis. They can answer any of your questions about what would be best for you and what options on the market today would best fit your needs. Call us today at 850-983-6688. You can also get more information on Indoor Air Quality and browse through some excellent products at our vendor partner Nature's Home. Visit their website at www.4natureshomes.com.
Whole House as a System Approach
The house as a system approach to heating and air conditioning in based on building science research that was started during the energy crisis of the 70's. Princeton University led the way and designed an Infiltrometer blower door that can be used to measure the air tightness of a structure. Air movement into and out of homes is called infiltration and exfiltration. They found a direct correlation between the uncontrolled air movement into and out of homes and energy expenses.
This unwanted air movement for which Energy Savers uses the acronym, DARK AIR, is a combination of poor design and construction, antiquated plumbing systems, and or inefficient and poorly installed air distribution systems (ductwork) which create multiple problems. The home owner sees these problems as mold, dirt, uneven temperatures and high energy bills (Utility Overpayment. In general home owners are frustrated and upset that their energy bills are high and that their home is still not comfortable!
Because of these problems and the need to identify them, Energy Savers approaches the house as a system, our comfort Consultants use an Infiltrometer Blower Door, Forward Looking Infrared imaging, Data loggers and other diagnostic equipment to test homes and find the problems.
DARK Air
On the other end of IAQ spectrum are far more homes that are Not tight, In fact they leak Air like a tent, air duct systems that hemorrhage hard earned energy dollars. Energy Savers of Florida wants to inform our customers of the potential health hazards that exist in most homes and older mechanical systems and ways we can help.
D - Dusting more than once a week
A - Allergies and Asthma causing pollutants
R - Restriction of proper air flow
K - Kilowatt wasted with high energy bills
"Don't be in the D.A.R.K. with your air,
See the LIGHT with Energy Savers of Florida"
L - Less dust and illness in your home
I - Insulated and sealed ductwork
G - Great energy savings
H - Heat and cool equal in all areas of the home
T - Total comfort and savings for your family
DARK air is BAD air! DARK air is air leaking from your attic, garage and crawl space into your home. Ask us how we can make your DARK air LIGHT! With a Home Performance Evaluation. If you don't test, it's just a guess. About the house as a system, Chuck says: "Make it Tight, Insulate it Right, Ventilate, Dehumidify, and Purify for COMFORT SAVINGS AND HEALTH"
Chuck Santeler
Building Science Analyst
Owner
