Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality FAQ’s

Should everyone be concerned with the quality of the indoor environment?
Yes. Construction practices used today to reduce energy consumption and moisture damage to buildings have reduced natural air leakage. Without ventilation, normal activities such as laundry, cooking and showers can cause excessive moisture generation resulting in high humidity, occupant discomfort, bacterial or fungus growth and lingering odours.
What then are the total adverse effects of poor IAQ?
Both the health and welfare of the occupants will suffer. The structure of the building may also be damaged. Some household members may have headaches, or irritations of the nose, throat, lungs, eyes or skin.
What are some of the major pollutants?
  • Aldehydes
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Combustion by-products
  • Dirt particles
  • Excessive levels of radon gas
  • Excessive moisture
  • Pollen
  • Tobacco smoke
In what way will poor IAQ adversely affect the structure of a house?
Both visible and hidden damage to the structure may be caused by prolonged build-up of moisture levels in the walls and attic.
How does this happen?
Interior damage to the structure is caused by moisture migration due to air and vapour pressure differentials between the inside and the outside of the structure.
What are some methods of improving and controlling air quality?
  • Removing the source of the problem
  • Ventilation
  • Air cleaning (filtration)
  • Air conditioning
  • Dehumidification
  • Humidification
  • Local exhaust fans
What equipment is used?
  • Ventilators
  • Air conditioners
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Electronic/media air cleaners
  • Humidifiers
What is ventilation?
It’s a device that exhausts contaminated indoor air from a building or delivers a fixed quantity of outdoor air into a building.
Is there an industry position in Canada regarding IAQ and ventilation?
The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) recognizes ventilation as a primary solution to acceptable indoor air quality.
What considerations are important in ventilation?
There are three: amount, balance and distribution.
How do I know what is a proper amount of ventilation?
Minimum ventilation quantities [cubic feet/minute (cfm) or Litre’s/second (L/s) are specified in the National Building Code. Also, the Canadian Standard Association (CSA) National Standard CSA F-326-M1989 (Residential Mechanical Ventilation Requirements) establishes current ventilation rates consistent with current construction practices.
How is balanced ventilation achieved?
Have an equal amount of supply (intake) and exhaust air.

Indoor Air Quality Installation

In an attempt to make homes less drafty and inefficient, some newer homes are built to be air-tight. This may lower the energy bill, but the list of things that can cause health problems via the air we breathe in our homes is long and scary. Some houses are sealed up tight with no proper ventilation. Pollution and mould can thrive in this atmosphere. As well as using products that are safer, it’s important to make sure a home is properly ventilated.

The latest gold standard for improved ventilation is a heat recovery ventilator, or HRV. This technology introduces fresh air into the housing envelop and exhausts stale air from bathrooms, bedrooms and other areas.  Fresh air is preheated by the stale air being removed. The really nifty thing is that the incoming air will be heated by the air it is replacing, producing fresh air without drafts.

Riddell Contracting professionals have their Lifebreath certification for HRV systems and exhaust.

Book an appointment for a no obligation quotation on a lifebreath HRV installation or call us 519.376.0736.

 

Riddell contracting specializes in dehumidification, precision air conditioning and air purification systems through partnership with Dectron.  Dectron humidification and dehumidifications systems are ideal, state of the art solutions for indoor pools, outdoor pools and arenas.

Book an appointment or call 519.376.0736.

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Indoor Air Quality Maintenance

Eco-Friendly, Energy Efficient Solutions such as Lifebreath Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs), Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), TFP-Air Cleaners with HEPA, Air Handlers (AHs) and Clean Air Furnaces (CAFs) all require maintenance. They improve indoor air quality by expelling dust, allergens, chemicals, odours and humidity from indoor environments while maximizing energy efficiency. As such they require filter changes, motor maintenance and inspection to ensure they are working efficiently and providing you with the cleanest air possible.

Book an appointment for service by a certified lifebreath professional or call 519.376.0736