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Eliminating individual sources of pollution or reducing their emissions is often the most cost-efficient way to improve indoor air quality. Here are some of the most common problems in homes and some possible solutions:
Customers may talk about their IAQ problems in terms of |
These conditions may indicate |
The solution might be |
Home too warm or cold |
Temperature problems |
Thermostats |
Household members suffer from allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivity
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Elevated levels of airborne particles, such as dust and dust mites, pollen, mold and mildew, tobacco smoke, pet dander |
Electronic air cleaners |
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released as gases from paints, solvents, varnishes, furniture and carpeting, household cleaning agents |
Advanced air cleaning technology |
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Elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), an indicator of poor ventilation |
Heat recovery ventilator |
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Fumes from the furnace or fireplace Headaches, drowsiness or nausea during heating season |
Elevated levels of carbon monoxide (CO), a toxic gas |
Furnace repair |
Concerns about Radon, the naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil, rock, and water |
Imbalances in air pressure inside the home, coupled with the house being located in a zone known to have high accumulations of Radon in the home (see the zone map provided by the EPA http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html) |
Radon mitigation by a trained professional |