Most homebuyers look first to the exterior of a house, then the interior. They consider energy efficiency, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and overall livability. Rarely do buyers investigate indoor air quality (IAQ) until they begin experiencing health problems or learn that their houses contain potentially harmful gas leaks.
Even if an IAQ problem has been identified in one house, it does not automatically mean future homes will be safe from IAQ issues. That's why all prospective homeowners need to know what potential sources of indoor pollution exist so they can ask detailed questions about building materials and methods before buying a home. While sellers may use every trick in the book to sell their home, you should be wary of anyone that tells you to ignore its potentially dangerous air quality. It's essential to call in a professional HVAC expert in the Greater Toronto Area for all of your indoor air quality needs.
The following is a list of some of the most common aspects of building materials and methods affecting your IAQ. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list but rather a starting point for those who want to learn how to ensure their homes have healthy air quality.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation has largely replaced older fibrous insulation that may contain asbestos, which can cause lung cancer from prolonged inhalation.In addition, fiberglass does not absorb water as easily as the older types of insulation and thus resists degradation over time. Instead, it breaks down into small particles and becomes dust (which triggers allergies and asthma), and eventually, it turns back into its liquid state (becoming up to 90% water) and evaporates.
Choosing new insulation for your home is very important because it can affect how efficiently your house uses energy, affecting the environment. Other benefits of choosing fiberglass are that it's fire-resistant and doesn't encourage mold growth once it comes into contact with moisture.
Carpeting
Carpeting is another hidden danger to IAQ because its fibers absorb moisture and odors, which can breed bacteria and mold indoors, leading to allergies and asthma symptoms. Carpeting also traps dust mites, parasites that cause additional problems such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, nasal blockage, and even cases of so-called "carpet sickness."
When choosing new carpeting, consider alternatives such as wood, tile, or linoleum flooring that is easy to clean and maintain. Place throw rugs in high traffic areas to help reduce dirt tracked into the house.
Importance Of Good Indoor Air Quality
Good indoor air quality is achieved by four components: sufficient ventilation, acceptable temperature, safe levels of pollutants, and minimal humidity.
The first step in achieving satisfactory IAQ is providing adequate ventilation for your home. The second step involves lowering or eliminating sources of airborne contaminants such as cigarette smoke from any smokers in the household or closed spaces near vents that bring potentially harmful fumes into your house from outside sources such as factories. The next step focuses on regulating humidity levels within specific ranges. Finally, limiting exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and other pollutants is an important part of having healthy air in your home. Ensure good indoor air quality by scheduling a maintenance appointment with A-Plus Quality, HVAC services in Toronto and the GTA. Contact us today!
