Indoor Air Quality

Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism. Allergies are on the rise, and the quality of our indoor air is getting worse.
We spend as much as 90% of our time indoors, so the contaminants in indoor air have a big impact on our respiratory health.

Did you know?

The US Environmental Protection Agency warns the air quality in your home may be up to 70 times worse than outside air!
The dangers of poor indoor air quality…

  • Aggravates allergies and respiratory systems
  • Lowers your immune system
  • Causes headaches and fatigue, and makes it difficult to concentrate
  • Promotes the growth of harmful mold and mildew
  • Damages the structure of your home, due to condensation buildup

Indoor pollutants worsen asthma and respiratory problems

Contaminants can build up in your home and, according to experts, cause problems for people who have respiratory sensitivities.

Some research observes a link between prolonged exposure to dust, mold and indoor tobacco smoke and causation of asthma.

Allergies flare up with poor indoor air

With allergies on the rise, the quality of indoor air has become increasingly important to more and more homeowners and their families. The uncomfortable symptoms of an allergic reaction include runny nose, stuffed sinuses, itchy eyes and respiratory irritation.

Allergens can be tracked in from outside (like grass and airborne pollen) or reproduce inside the home (like mold, mildew and dust mites).

The list of pollutants in your home is long…

Chemical Contaminants

When these contaminants become airborne, they can cause mild to severe respiratory irritation. Here’s a list of common chemical contaminants found throughout the home:

  • Scented fabric softener sheets transfer chemicals onto clothing and bed sheets
  • Dry-cleaned clothing can release chemicals into the air after they are brought into the home
  • Burning candles release soot and carbon monoxide into the air despite the common belief candles actually reduce rather than improve indoor air quality
  • Building materials like paints, adhesives, carpets and particle boards all contain chemical ingredients
  • Common household cleaners including bleach, disinfectant sprays, and ammonia-based cleaners release harmful fumes into the air when used
  • Plug-in scented oils and air fresheners can release chemicals into your home, and mask odours rather than improve air quality
  • Hobby supplies such as paint and adhesives contain chemicals, sometimes toxic, that may or may not emit a strong odour
  • New furniture and draperies may be treated with anti-stain chemicals and or formaldehyde-based finishes that are released in the air for a period of time when new
  • Tobacco smoke contains many harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde

Biological Contaminants

These contaminants can cause allergic reactions and respiratory irritation, meaning that avoiding the use of chemical-based products is not enough to improve indoor air quality. Some common biological contaminants:

  • Plant pollen, abundant in spring and summer months, enters homes on shoes, clothing, hair, and pets.
  • Dust mites produce droppings that are highly allergenic, and a prime cause of asthma attacks.
  • Dander is produced constantly from cats and dogs. Pets constantly shed old skin cells (dander) which become airborne and, if not removed from the air, irritate the eyes and nose, or are inhaled into the lungs and cause allergic reactions and respiratory irritation.
  • Mold and mildew grow in areas where moist air can’t escape, such as wall cavities and basements. Exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Preventing mold is key to improving indoor air quality, and protecting your home investment, as mold can also cause structural damage to your home.

Fresh Air Quality Starts at the Core

A Heat Recovery Ventilator lets you enjoy an energy efficient home without breathing harmful indoor fumes from paint, plastics, carpets, adhesives, and household products without lingering pet odours and moisture that causes mold.

Save energy Without Sacrificing Comfort

Because of the unique ability of an HRV to transfer the temperature of indoor stale air to the incoming fresh air, you’ll realize lower heating and cooling costs year round while enjoying all the benefits superior indoor air quality delivers. In fact, the efficiency of an HRV is so gret that virtually none of the warmth collected from your home in winter is lost to the outside. In summer, the HRV works in verse by removing heat from the incoming air and transferring it to the outgoing air, keeping yhour home cool and fresh.