Healthy Home Solutions

Healthy Air Services is here to help homeowners improve the air quality in their homes, which will translate to a Healthy Home. With some basic testing, we can determine the levels of indoor pollutants, as well as humidity levels in the home, then recommend solutions to any problems found. This can include removing contaminants in the air, both particulate and gases, bringing fresh air into the home, reducing humidity and maintaining a consistent temperature. Achieving all of these will translate to a healthier home. 

Below are recommended limits for indoor air readings and solutions to any high readings:

Particles (TM2.5) < 10ug/m3

Particles smaller than 10ug/m3 normally stay suspended in the air and are easily inhaled into the lungs. Particles are known to trigger allergies and asthma symptoms. At levels above 35 ug/m3, they can harm normally healthy adults by causing emphysema and diminished lung capacity. Obviously this is a health risk, so we want to help eliminate these small particles. This can be achieved through high efficiency air filtration and the RGF REME whole-home air purifier. 

Chemicals (TVOC) < 500ug/m3

VOC’s are off-gassing from building materials, carpeting, furniture and other synthetic materials, fuel fumes, scented products and air fresheners, personal care products, household products such as paint, glue, and plastics. VOC’s can also come in the home from a leaky garage door, from chemicals stored in the garage. Chemical pollutants are known to trigger asthma and allergy symptoms. At moderate levels, eyes and nasal passages can be irritated. Some people can experience nausea and headaches. At very high levels, they can even affect normally healthy adults by overworking the liver and kidneys. We can reduce VOC’s in the home with the RGF REME whole-home air purifier. You can also help reduce VOC’s by using carbon air filters.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) < 1000 ppm

Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels above 1,000 ppm (parts per million) are a cause for concern. At higher levels, CO2 inside a home can contribute to what the EPA terms "sick building syndrome," which leads to fatigue, headache, breathing difficulties, nausea, strained eyes and itchy skin. The feeling of sleepiness or mental fog that occurs in a poorly ventilated room is a direct symptom of higher CO2 levels, typically above 1,000 ppm. 

Carbon dioxide levels increase with more people, or pets, in a room. Bringing in outside air will dilute the indoor air, and reduce the CO2 level inside. This can be achieved automatically every day with a fresh air ventilation system, tied into the air conditioning system, or with a ERV unit. An ERV unit filters and removes the heat and humidity from the outdoor air, then releases it indoors, while exhausting out stale indoor air at the same time. This is a more efficient way to ventilate a home.

Humidity (RH%) 40%-60%

Humidity levels consistently above 60% inside the home can breed mold growth. Ideally, humidity levels inside the home should be maintained between 40-60%, for a healthy environment. If your air conditioning and duct system are both designed properly, this should be achieved satisfactorily during the cooling cycle. Carrier’s Crossover inverter heat pump systems help achieve this very effectively and efficiently.

Don’t forget to run bath exhaust fans during, and at least 10-15 minutes after, showering. This will allow the exhaust fan to remove the excess humidity produced from the shower. Doing this will help eliminate the possibility of mold and mildew in the bathroom, as well as eliminate rusty fixtures in the bathroom.

Also, make sure you run any range hood exhaust fans during cooking to help reduce excess humidity in the kitchen. The hood needs to be exhausted to the outdoors for optimum benefit.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) < 6ppm

There should never be any level of carbon monoxide inside the home for a safe environment. Every home should have carbon monoxide detectors, but they are definitely required in every home with an attached garage, gas appliances, or a fireplace. If any level of carbon monoxide is detected inside the home, you should immediately open windows and doors to air out the house, then exit the house immediately until the carbon monoxide is completely removed. Next, you will need to determine where the carbon monoxide came from so this issue can be addressed. If you have an attached garage, carbon monoxide can enter the home through the door leading into the house. Make sure to seal around the door to ensure no air from the garage is able to leak through any cracks. All gas appliances and fireplaces should be inspected regularly to make sure all carbon monoxide gases are exhausted properly.