Indoor air quality has become an issue of great concern in recent years as we build homes more tightly for the sake of energy efficiency. This is especially true during the winter when homeowners seal doors and windows against the wind and cold. However, there are a couple measures homeowners can implement to ensure indoor contaminants are kept to a minimum in their homes, countering dwindling air quality.
Indoor air quality decreases during the winter because most homes are built so tightly that open doors and win
dows are the only source of fresh air. This traps pollutants, allergens and moisture, which then become concentrated in our indoor air. So what can be done to counter this problem?
- Install a ventilation system – These systems are made in a variety of types, but the general concept of each one is to move fresh air in and stale air out, all without sacrificing energy efficiency or comfort. Your HVAC contractor can help you install the best system for your home and heating system.
- Eliminate contaminants – You can cut chemical pollutants in your home by using eco-friendly paints and cleaning products; installing carpeting, flooring and furniture that don’t contain formaldehyde or other hazardous chemicals; and smoking outdoors.
- Divert unavoidable contaminants – These might include exhaust from gas-burning appliances, like furnaces and water heaters, and radon. Proper venting is key to ensuring that toxic fumes from gas-burning appliances don’t contaminate your living space, so have yours checked over by a professional annually. Sealed combustion units are another option. Radon is a very toxic radioactive gas emitted from the ground, and specialized sealing and ventilation can divert it if levels are high in your home.
If you need more information about improving air quality this winter, please contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been providing our customers in the Twin Cities Metro area with the best home comfort and indoor air quality solutions since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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