As we all know, breathing clean air is important for the long-term health of all of us. Did you know the air quality of your home is affected by many factors. Let’s look at this list. Perhaps there are some low-hanging-fruit solutions to any issues you are having.
Furnace systems including the ventilation system (HRV or ERV) if you have them, can have a monumental effect on the air quality of your home. This can get pretty technical, but to keep it simple:
- Change your furnace filter as required by the system. If you are not sure, replace every month.
- Replace the filter with a high MERV filter. These take out more contaminants and particles. See chart below for guidelines.
- If you have a fresh air intake (usually in the mechanical room), make sure it is free of obstruction or if you have an HRV/ERV, clean or replace the filters as recommended. See below for additional information on these systems.
- Now for a little techy stuff. Often times older furnaces are replaced with power vented, internal combustion air units. When this happens, the venting is no longer through the roof. Often, this orphans a vertically vented hot water heater. If you have this situation, you must be aware of potential back draft as the stack is sized for a furnace and water heater (too large for just a water heater). Don’t get too excited, but if you have this situation it would be best to have it looked at by a professional if you are smelling fumes in the mechanical room.
- Ventilation systems: The good news for newer homes is they are increasingly tight, not allowing nearly as much leakage of heat (or cold in the summer), making the homes more efficient. That said, older homes were known to “naturally ventilate.” That is, the leakiness makes it so additional ventilation is not required. With newer homes it is critical to make sure you have the ventilation you need. If you don’t, condensation will occur, and mold will grow. Newer homes have active ventilation systems via a heat recovery system (HRV), energy recovery system (ERV), or active bathroom exhaust/ cold air dump system. Note, all of these work well to cycle fresh are into the home. The downside of active systems is they must be monitored. Therefore, make sure your system is functional at all times and filters are changed for the HRV or ERV systems.
Radon: Radon is not visible, nor can you smell it. It enters homes through the lower levels as uranium in the soil slowly decays. Have your home tested! There are some scary equivalences to smoking that should inspire you to do the testing. You can pick up a test at your local hardware/ big box store, or your county may have the tests for free. If you have high radon levels (typically considered above 4 picocuries), work with a professional to install an active radon system and seal up your lowest level.
Garage: Flying under the radar often is the fumes from your attached garage. I’m sure we all know not to run a vehicle for a long time in a garage, but even the oils and other chemicals have fumes that can seep into the home. Keep the garage ventilated, and you may want to consider a garage size make up air system.
Ultimately, cycled air equals healthy air. Assuming you don’t have allergy issues, the occasional opening of the windows is always good. A second reminder to get that radon checked out, but also note, if you do, that information is documented. So if you sell your home, it can be reviewed by potential buyers. Hopefully that’s good for everyone however.
Until next time, enjoy your well ventilated home and God Bless!
