What is Indoor Air Quality?
Working Definition
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) describes the condition of air inside of a building. The condition of the air is a combination of the chemical, biological, and particulate matter in the air and air temperature and humidity. IAQ is important because the condition of the air affects the comfort and health of the people in a building. Than means IAQ can affect people's productivity and well being. If the condition of the air is unacceptable, complaints and even law suits can result.
Formal, ASHRAE Definition
One important definition of IAQ is found in ASHRAE Standard 62.1. This definition indicates what acceptable indoor air quality is. Note that ASHRAE avoids the words "good" and "bad" as they apply to IAQ. You should do the same. Here is the ASHRAE definition:
WHY HVAC OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE IS IMPORTANT FOR IAQ
HVAC systems are a key part in determining the condition of the indoor air. Heating and air conditioning determine the indoor temperature and humidity conditions. Ventilation determines how much, and how effectively outdoor air is delivered to occupants. Outdoor air is used to dilute the concentration of chemical, biological, and particulate matter in the air and to reduce odor and other irritants. The system must be designed and installed properly to have acceptable IAQ if they are not properly operated and maintained.
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Important Facts About Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) |
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People spend 80-90% of their time indoors |
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50% of illness is directly related to the air we breathe |
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Indoor air is up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air |
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60% of our energy comes from the air we breathe |
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We breathe 200,000 liters of air a day |
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Gas-phase and odor causing contaminates are present in virtually every home and building |
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One in three people in the United States suffers from allergies, asthma or respiratory problems |
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The average family will spend $500-$1500 per year on over the counter or precription medicine |
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You can only view 15% of the dust and dirt in the air with the naked eye; the rest is microscopic. |
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The microscopic portion of the particulate is what poses a problem from a health stand point. |
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Our homes are making us sick due to tight construction. Tight construction, although wonderful for |
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saving energy, is horrendous for Indoor Air Quality. It traps in contamination and does not allow any |
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outside air. |
Honeywell Electronic Air Cleaners
| The Honeywell Electronic Air Cleaner is an advanced and easy-to-use, whole-house solution that traps and filters up to 99% of pollutants from the air passing through your heating and cooling system. It's 30 times more efficient than a standard one inch filter.Ask your heating and cooling professional whether an Electronic Air Cleaner would be right for you. |
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Honeywell Fresh Air Ventilators
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Honeywell offers several solutions for bringing fresh air into your home while helping you maintain energy efficiency. Ask your heating and cooling professional whether an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) or Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) would be right for you. Both have the capability to bring fresh air into the entire home in an energy-efficient and cost-effective way since they can recover up to 80% of the heating and cooling energy from the air exchanged in the ventilation system. |
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