Indoor Air Quality


The latest research from the EPA has revealed that inside air can be two to five times more polluted than outside air. Indoor air pollutants are ranked among the top five environmental risks to public health.

Most people never stop to consider the quality of the air they breathe on a daily basis. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers specifically to the air quality within and around buildings, especially as it concerns the health and comfort of the occupants. IAQ is affected by contaminants and the use of ventilation and filtration to dilute pollutants.

The impact of contaminants such as mold and bacteria are only beginning to be understood. Poor IAQ not only hinders comfort, attention span and productivity, but also increases risk of asthma, pulmonary infections and allergies. You may also notice headaches, eye irritation, nausea and fatigue. OSHA estimates that degraded IAQ costs employers fifteen billion annually due to worker inefficiency and sick leave.

Energy efficient ERV and HRV ventilations systems exchange indoor air for outdoor air, while reclaiming the majority of energy used to heat or cool the air being exhausted. Regulating fresh air entering the home permits the air to be treated by an air cleaner, dehumidifier and UV Treatment System before moving through the homes HVAC.

Proper humidification levels are extremely important to the health of your home. Reduced humidity levels leave the body vulnerable to infection, while above optimum levels create a breading ground for mold, mildew and dust mites.

Your IAQ can be preserved by your HVAC system. Air cleaners remove airborne pollutants each time air is pulled into the return air ducts. Indoor air ventilation is essential to combatting pollutants and supplying good Indoor Air Quality in the home.

Richards Heating & Air Conditioning has a wide variety of services and products designed to make your home healthier. Call us today for a consultation.