Every home needs the introduction of fresh outside air. Most studies indicate that the air inside our homes is more polluted than the air outside. This pollution comes from a concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds released into the air by common products used in nearly every home. Tightly sealed homes are great for energy efficiency, but could be the cause of serious IAQ problems. Equipment used to bring outside air into the home should be regularly serviced and maintained. The majority of homes in Central Texas built twenty years ago or more do not have any ventilation. The rest usually have poorly designed systems.
Air Quality
Air Quality Service in San Marcos
Ductwork • Air Filters • Clean Air
How Can I Improve The Quality Of The Air In My Home?
There is no one “best” way to improve your homes IAQ. The best advice is to be on your guard for "experts" that recommend a cure before diagnosing the problem. IAQ problems may originate from many different sources, and people can be sensitized to different things. Before we get into some specific steps to take, let’s take a look at some potential sources that can cause problems.
Recirculation
Air and Duct Leaks
Homes that leak too much air thru doors, windows and cracks may have IAQ problems due to dust, pollens and other allergens that enter the home. Even a mild breeze can cause a pressure differential between two sides of a house. It is the pressure differential, and not the breeze that caused outside air to enter the home.
Leaking duct systems can also cause a pressure differential between the inside and outside of your home. This pressure differential can cause dust and pollens to enter a home.
Molds
Molds inside air handlers, evaporator coils and duct systems are commonly caused by excessive moisture. Homes with oversized air conditioning systems, poorly insulated ducts, undersized duct systems, and a host of other problems are prone to molds and other moisture related IAQ problems.
Carbon Monoxide
Homes with gas furnaces should be checked often for carbon monoxide. Installing and maintaining a good quality carbon monoxide tester should be a priority. High levels of carbon monoxide may be deadly, but even low levels can cause flue like symptoms, and other long term health problems.
Home sealing became popular during the energy crises in the early 70’s. The 1970’s cure for quickly rising energy costs quickly led to various IAQ problems. The 3 pillars to solving these problems are proper humidity control, ventilation and filtration. However, the solutions to bring balance to these three pillars varies on a case by case basis.
The right answer is not always a better filtration system, a UV light, or any of the popular IAQ gizmos. There are three stept to properly identify and solve Indoor Air Quality problems.
Step 1
The initial step in addressing Indoor Air Quality concerns involves identifying the specific issues at hand. In the medical field, it is often stated that "Prescribing without diagnosing is considered malpractice." Guided by this principle, we meticulously assess various factors before offering recommendations to enhance your air quality. Our comprehensive approach encompasses heat load calculations, evaluation of mechanical system contaminants, blower door testing, carbon monoxide testing, carbon dioxide testing, particulate scans, and numerous other assessments. Additionally, we dedicate ample time to engage with our clients, aiming to understand their primary concerns and preferences.
Step 2
The second step involves a meticulous review of the collected data. At times, this necessitates returning to our office for a comprehensive evaluation of the situation. Our approach doesn't involve hastily presenting estimates to our clients; rather, we take the time to assess whether a recommended solution aligns with their actual needs. We diligently compile all pertinent reports and data into a comprehensive presentation folder. Furthermore, during this phase, we prioritize action items, considering which should take precedence, especially if budget constraints prevent the simultaneous execution of an entire project. Subsequently, we progress to the third step.
Step 3
The third and final step involves an open conversation with the client. During this phase, we communicate our concerns, supported by data derived from our test results, to substantiate our findings. We want to emphasize that our recommendations are never arbitrary; they are always based on well-founded reasons. In this conversation, we provide an overview of all the aspects that should be addressed. However, budget constraints are a reality for many clients, which may mean that addressing all these aspects simultaneously isn't feasible. In light of this, we work closely with the client to prioritize solutions that will have the most significant impact in addressing their immediate concerns. We understand that each client's needs and home are unique, and we pride ourselves on offering customized solutions tailored to their specific requirements.
Indoor air quality has an important impact on your health as indoor air is often 5x more polluted than outside air. Your air ducts and heating and cooling equipment could be housing and spreading bacteria, virus, mold, dust mites, pet dander, and more. But don't panic. AirOne Heating and Air Conditioning has the solutions to make your home's air safer and healthier. Call us today at 512.392.0022 to schedule an appointment to discuss which solutions will best fit your home.
Our IAQ Solutions:
Dehumidifiers
In order to make a room comfortable in hot, humid climates, an air conditioner must lower the indoor humidity level as well as the air temperature. If an air conditioner fails to lower the humidity adequately, the air will be cool but will feel uncomfortably damp.
Ventilation
Ventilation is a critical aspect of maintaining good indoor air quality. Simply recirculating existing air without introducing fresh air will lead to an unhealthy environment. However, it's equally important not to introduce hot, humid, or contaminated air into the home. Achieving the right balance through a proper ventilation system is essential for ensuring healthy indoor air quality.
Duct Cleaning
Dirt, mold, bugs, mites, and other stuff are all living in your duct system. We can get rid of it all with our duct cleaning process.
High-Efficiency Filters
Most heating and cooling systems still use a basic air filter. There are several types of premium air filters available in various efficiencies that can help you clean the air in your home.
Humidifiers
With the proper level of humidity in your home, you will feel more comfortable and breathe easier. You can eliminate that dry eye, nose, and throat feeling you have when you wake up in the morning.
We offer the following air treatment solutions for:
- Allergies
- Bacteria
- Chemicals
- Dust
- Dust mites
- Germs
- Indoor air pollution
- Mold
- Odors
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Smoke
- Viruses
In this video, we are demonstrating how we can help make a home more healthy and clean. The client and her infant daughter were having some serious breathing issues in their home. She had been told that she needed to replace everything. In the case of the ductwork, it was going to actually be replaced with inferior materials. We were able to fully clean and disinfect the system and most of the ductwork. We only needed to replace a portion of it and were able to restore the majority. Now they have a clean duct system with no fiberglass or mold in the airstream that should never have to be replaced. Even though it wasn't cheap, it was a fraction of the cost of replacing the equipment and entire duct system and is a permanent solution that has improved the health and comfort of this awesome family.