Indoor Air Quality


In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors. In addition, people who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the longest periods of time are often those most susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution. Such groups include the young, the elderly, and the chronically ill, especially those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease.

The following is a partial list of facts regarding indoor air contamination:

  • Indoor air has been found to be up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. (EPA)
  • 1 out of 6 people who suffer from allergies does so as a direct result of fungi and bacteria in air duct systems. (Total Health & Better Health Magazines)
  • 50% of all illnesses are either caused by or aggravated by polluted indoor air. (American College of Allergists)
  • Most commercially purchased fiberglass filters are only 7% efficient in stopping dirt, dust, pollen, etc. passing through them. (ASHRAE)
  • 9 out of 10 failed heating and air-conditioning systems are cause by dirt and dust. (LCES)
  • Children are more likely than adults to be affected by polluted indoor air. They breathe faster, inhale more air per unit of body weight, and are closer to the ground, where the concentrations are higher. (Department of Consumer Affairs)
  • The average six-room house collects 40 pounds of dust each year.

The average home should have at least .35 ACH (air changes per hour). An ACH of 1.0 means that air in the home is changed once per hour. Newer, high efficiency homes generally have an exchange rate of less than .356 and many are as low as.05. That can lead to extremely poor indoor air quality. Part of the solution might be the installation of and ERV (energy recovery ventilator), but one of our Certified Climate Consultants can assist you in making the correct determination for all your indoor air quality issues.