Duct Cleaning
Mould & Humidity Control
Mouldy Fact:
More British Navy Ships were destroyed by fungi during the American Revolution than were lost in combat.
Moulds, Mildew and Fungi are grown in moist environments within the home and release hazardous spores into the air you breathe. The problem has been heightened by tighter homes, leading this and various other contaminant build ups.
One of the most common places to find mould is on your central air conditioning coil and ductwork. A dark, wet location, conditions here are ideal for Mould, Mildew and Fungi growth. Unfortunately, it is also an ideal location to then distribute the spores through your home. Proper scheduled maintenance of the air conditioning system is critical to keep this problem to a minimum. You can also use a UVC Lamp to kill these organisms, before they ca become a hazard.
High humidity levels in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and basements as well as condensation on windows can also lead to Mould, Mildew and Fungi growth. An HRV can resolve these issues, as well as positively impacting levels of VOC's, particulate contaminants, as well as Radon.
Control is the Solution
Mouldy Fact:
The largest living multi-cell organism is the underground portion of a single Armillaria mushroom. In Michigan one extends more than 30 acres.
Biological contaminants are by far the most difficult to deal with. Once entrenched, the are living, growing entities. Effective humidity control is probably the single most important aspect of maintaining good indoor air quality. An indoor relative humidity level maintained between 35 – 45 %in winter, and 40 - 60% in summer.
A variety of methods and combinations of HVAC components can easily maintain these levels in most homes. A continuously operating furnace fan will keep air moving and help prevent pockets of condensation on windows and in cool areas.
Installation of an HRV can resolve these issues, as well as positively impacting levels of VOC's, particulate contaminants, as well as Radon. Whole Home Humidifiers can add moisture as needed. Steam Humidifiers are best, as they inject sterile stem into the air stream.
In summer, consistant operation of a properly sized air conditioner is generally effective. In some cases, whole home dehumidifiers may be and alternative, or may be used to augment the dehumidification capability of the air conditioning system.
At Climate Works, we have the solutions to precisely control this most important aspect of indoor air quality.
Exploring the Basics of Indoor Air Quality:
Dust - Respirable Particles
Click for a larger viewDust and airborne particulates can be irritating to the upper respiratory system and will adversely affect individuals with existing allergies, asthma, and respiratory diseases. Long term exposure to dust and airborne particulate may also pose a risk for people who currently do not experience respiratory symptoms. Air-borne pollutants are either biological (mould, dust mites, pollen, animal dander) or originate from other sources (gases or chemical particles released by furnishings, carpets, construction materials, unvented appliances, renovation activities including dust from lead paint, poorly-maintained heating systems, humidifiers and dehumidifiers).
Recognize sources of pollution in your home
It is Important to Consider the Effects of Different Size Particles on Your Health
Types of particles include:
What you should know about House Dust
Click for a larger viewHouse Dust is a broad terms for an ever-changing and ever-present substance
House Dust is the result of the natural decomposition of the things we have in our homes along with dust that infiltrates from the outside. Wherever it comes from, it is a prime symptom of poor indoor Air Quality and causes a lot of symptoms for the allergic person.
What is in house dust?
The composition of house duct has changed over time and varies from house to house. Generally, you might find textile fibers, decomposing insect parts, pet dander, human and animal hair, food leftovers, pollen grains, mold spores, bacteria, skin flakes, insulation, sand, and the ever present dust mite and its fecal material.
What increases the amount of dust in a house?
Carpets, draperies, ruffled items, knickknacks, books, magazines, pets, upholstered furniture, animals and pillows, and fireplaces are some things that may increase dust levels. Infrequent cleaning or cleaning with a vacuum cleaner without a high efficiency filtering device, high traffic levels, location of the house, type of yard, and their condition of the central air system all contribute to the amount of dust in your home. For example, if you are in a new neighborhood where there is a lot of construction and the yards are not sodden with grass, you will have more dust in your home.
So How can I Protect My Indoor Air Quality?
The Solution to Healthy Indoor Air Quality is a multi-pronged approach.
Live Healthy this Winter with a Clean HVAC System
Indoor Air Quality:
Media Air Cleaners
Get a Free Quote:
Why Match Air Conditioner Components?