Improving Indoor Air Quality

In the first segment of this article, we discussed the effects of poor indoor air quality and what factors contribute. Indoor pollutants, poor ventilation and high levels of moisture all come together to create what is a called a sick building. And sick buildings lead to unhealthy occupants. But what can be done to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your Northern Wisconsin home?

How to Measure Your Northern Wisconsin Home’s Indoor Air Quality

There is equipment available to measure different pollutant levels, moisture levels, and so on but many homeowners don’t have ready access to these and each only shows a piece of the picture. However, a working radon detector, carbon monoxide detector, and standard fire alarm are highly recommended for safety. And by paying attention to your indoor environment, you can often detect less obvious air quality problems.

A simple measure is how your home feels to you. If it feels stuffy, it’s likely because proper air flow isn’t being allowed. Watch for signs of unhealthy moisture levels, as explained in “Controlling Moisture in Your Northwoods Home”, and remember that too little moisture may be ideal for your home’s health, but it’s not for human health. Examining your home systems can sometimes alert you to unnecessary pollutants or equipment that isn’t functioning properly. Even dust can be a meter – if you clean and clean but still see high levels of dust, it can indicate that there is a leakage problem in your vents or building envelope.

Indoor Air Quality Begins with the Home Builder

For the best possible IAQ, you should be aware of the topic before even building your home. Choose a qualified home builder who understands the importance. The home builder can take measures to ensure a healthy building and good IAQ, beginning as early as the design phase. But all too often, contractors aren’t even considering IAQ. Be an informed homeowner and don’t be afraid to ask your builder what steps they will take for the health of you and your home.

IAQ should be considered at every step of the building process. Site planning can help ensure proper grading and elevation of the new home, preventing outdoor water runoff issues. Design plans should consider the placement of mechanical equipment in low traffic areas to reduce polluted air, as well as the placement of openings like windows for maximum air exchange. Material selection and even the way materials are used can harm IAQ.

An experienced builder will consider both air tightness and proper ventilation. The house’s building envelope should not allow for air leaks and moisture infiltration. But if the home is built air tight without mechanical ventilation, indoor pollutants will be trapped. By identifying the best placements for vents and exhaust systems, your home’s air exchange rate will be what it should. For example, if your garage will be attached to your home, special attention needs to be given to the connecting walls and an exhaust fan should be installed in the garage.

Best Practices for a Healthy Home in Northern Wisconsin

The best things you can do for your home’s IAQ is to replace the stuffy air inside with nice fresh air, keep the moisture levels low, and reduce indoor pollutants as much as possible. Some of this is easier said than done, especially in Northern Wisconsin where colder temperatures are the norm for a large part of the year. But there are steps that you can take yourself to improve your home environment.

• Open up windows and doors on warm, dry days to allow fresh air in and polluted air out.
• Keep doors between rooms open as much as possible for good air flow.
• Don’t smoke indoors, and if you paint or work on hobbies inside, make sure to choose non-toxic materials whenever possible and open a window.
• Schedule regular maintenance for your home systems, such as the furnace and water heater. When they aren’t working at top performance, they can put out more pollutants.
• Watch for standing water in mechanical system pans and leaks in plumbing pipes and fixtures.
• Keep your HVAC coils clean, and regularly change air filters. Higher efficiency filters are an inexpensive way to improve air quality.
• Reduce dust-collecting clutter and use an allergen-trapping vacuum.
• Check duct work for leaks.
• Monitor humidity levels.
• Make sure that outside water is drained away from your home instead of towards it.

Choose a Quality Home Improvement Contractor

It may be in your best interest to be thinking about indoor air quality before your home is even built, but many of us don’t have that opportunity. Don’t think that an existing home is a lost cause, though! A seasoned home improvement contractor can make recommendations and take steps to improve the quality of your home’s air, often at affordable costs. In fact, your home improvement contractor should be thinking about this topic and making suggestions, even when you aren’t!

North Twin Builders has years of experience with green building and energy-efficient home remodeling. We take pride in our attention to detail, and your home’s indoor air is not a detail that should be ignored! Give us a call today and see for yourself how North Twin Builders’ quality makes the difference!

Contact North Twin Builders Today!