This is Part 1 of a 3 part series on Indoor Air Quality. See Part 2 and Part 3.
Air Quality in the Home can Affect Respiratory Issues
Do you have a resolution to breathe better? 20 Million Americans have asthma and our indoor air is worse than the pollution outdoors. Did you know that in 2011 Richmond, VA has the dubious distinction of being the “Asthma Capital” of the US – for the second year in a row?
My husband and I have two kids and they both have asthma as well as constant congestion that causes ear infections. Of course there are medical treatments for these conditions, but since the kids do not seem to be “outgrowing” the medical issues, we have to wonder if there is something unusual in our home causing the problems. They’ve been tested for allergies and have none to speak of. Since I’ve gotten to know the team at Atlantic Heating & Cooling as part of their Internet Marketing team, I asked owner, Mike Davis, what he thought. In particular, I wondered about a small spot on our ceiling that worried me because we’ve had a few minor plumbing leaks before that required new sheetrock. Could there be an unknown leak that has caused a moisture build up and mold growth?
Atlantic Heating and Cooling did a home inspection that helped identify possible sources of poor indoor air quality. I asked if they could use the infrared camera to check for signs of moisture and the possible growth of mold, but when I mentioned my kids had asthma, I was told there were likely other causes of contaminated air infiltrating into our home through the HVAC system and through unsealed gaps in the structure of the house.
Home Air Quality Inspection
Door Blower used to create a vacuum and test for air infiltration
Technicians Jerry and George arrived with an infrared camera, duct blaster, smoke blower, and door fan. They started by turning off the heat and installing a cover over the front door that had a large fan in it. The fan created a vacuum in the home. They then could use the infrared camera around the house to show me where the temperature differences in the walls/floors/ceiling indicated cold spots due to air infiltration and movement of air within those spaces.
Of course I could also see where the windows and doors were letting outside air into the house, however my bigger concern was the contaminated air that we are breathing, and finding ways to improve it as much as possible.
Parts 2 and 3 of the Indoor Air Quality Series:
0% Financing for qualified buyers
