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What is IAQ?
IAQ is an acronym for Indoor Air Quality. IAQ is a cause for concern much more than it was in the past, since improved insulation and other energy-saving measures have meant poorer air circulation for many homes and buildings. Scientific research shows that indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than the air outside.
A well-sealed building does not have to have poor IAQ. However, with proper ventilation and air circulation, a building can maintain excellent air quality that can help improve the health of those inside.
What problems are caused by poor IAQ?
With poor IAQ, the same airborn particles are circulated continuously throughout the building. This can lead to an unhealthy and uncomfortable indoor environment and put you and your family's health at risk. Resulting problems can range from recurring flus and aggravated allergies to persistent coughs, headaches, and poor concentration. Statistics show that 1 out of 3 North American families has at least 1 person who suffers from some sort of respiratory ailment.
Another common problem that can result from poor IAQ is humidity. Trapped moisture can, over time, lead to serious structural damage to your home. Recently, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning reported that 90% of all building failures are related to moisture
Does your home have an air quality problem?
Different homes have different problem areas. For some homes, it might be as serious as high humidity in the attic that's eating its way through the roof, while for others, it might be simply a poorly ventilated kitchen that causes unwanted lingering odors. Many homes have an overly humid basement which breeds molds and other unhealthy micro organisms.
What do the experts say?
Many doctors and Associations believe that effective and efficient mechanical ventilation is an important part of a healthy indoor environment.
Three Basic Strategies
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the three basic strategies to reduce indoor air pollutants are: Source Control, Ventilation, and Air Filtration.
STRATEGY I - SOURCE CONTROL
Source control is the elimination of the individual sources of pollution. This involves taking steps such as:
- regular servicing of combustion appliances to decrease combustion emissions
- eliminating smoking indoors
- using low emission paints
- keeping pets outside
STRATEGY II - VENTILATION
Ventilation is the introduction of outside air into the home, which dilutes the air pollutants in your home and revitalizes stale air. While ventilation is a very good means of lowering the concentration of indoor air pollutants, few home heating and cooling systems, including forced air heating systems, mechanically bring fresh air into the house. This is because most systems are more concerned with air temperature than actual air quality. Anchor ClimateCARE, on the other hand, has your whole health and well-being in mind.
STRATEGY III - FILTRATION
Filtration is the process of cleaning the air using different filtration devices. Because our homes are sealed up to conserve energy, we are circulating, again, the same airborn particles and bacteria over and over.
THE IDEAL COMBINATION - VENTILATION + FILTRATION
Proper ventilation ensures you will be getting the freshest possible air, while a state-of-the-art filtration system keeps those unwanted air particles out. The air you breathe is constantly circulated for optimum freshness while being simultaneously cleaned, for the healthiest possible air.Anchor ClimateCARE keeps the air you breathe clean
Indoor Air Quality Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should the ideal humidity level be in my house?
The ideal humidity in winter should be between 30% and 40%.
In the summer, it should be between 60% and 80%. Since each
person is different, the level may vary slightly.
Q: How is humidity produced?
Most of the humidity in your house is a result of people, baths,
showers, cooking, pets, aquariums and heating wood in the
basement.
Q: All ventilation systems are measured in CFMs. What
does CFM mean?
CFM is the acronym for "cubic feet per minute". This unit is
necessary to measure the ventilation capacity of a room or
a house in order to conform to HVI (Home Ventilation Institute)
standards.
Q: We indicate the sonar level of appliances in sones.
What is a sone?
A sone is similar to the sound that an ordinary refrigerator makes
in a quiet kitchen. The higher the sone level the noisier the ventilation.
Q: I don't have any heath problems, should I be worried
about the IAQ of my house?
Even if you and your family feel well, pollutants and allergens are
always present in the air. Over time, they may affect your health,
cause serious health problems and even cause you to develop
allergies. To protect yourself, the replacement of fresh air is
necessary. Different building codes in North America suggest
that the replacement of interior air should occur once every
three hours, while certain international codes recommend air
replacement every two hours.
Q: I don't have humidity problems. What are the advantages
of having a ventilation system?
Ventilation systems take care of humidity problems as well as those related to air quality. Opening the windows of your house will not only change the air; it will also allow pollutants (pollen, allergens, etc.) to enter your environment. A central ventilation system filters the air particles, which enter your house.
Q: A member of my family has asthma. Can a ventilation
system help?
Studies clearly show that the air quality of your house effects
your health. It is therefore important to remove most pollutants
and humidity.
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