Clean Air Strategies
What are clean air strategies? Put simply: clean air strategies are the various methods used to improve indoor air quality. Why are they necessary? This is a bit more of a complex question. On the whole, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the quality of air indoors is often two to five times worse or more polluted than the air we breathe outdoors. This means, the air we breathe is constantly full of different particles circulating around us without our knowledge … just about 99% of particles are invisible to the naked eye.
These particles have different origins; some are harmful pollutants like VOCs and bacteria and others are simple consequences of living like pet dander and dust mites. Whatever the particle may be, all fall into one of three categories. Indoor air pollutants are either germs, odors or particulates. Regardless, a build-up of any and all types of particles can have consequences for occupants.
Consequences of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can result in an increased risk for serious health concerns and diseases. Studies have shown lower air quality worsens allergies and asthma and makes occupants more susceptible to respiratory illnesses and other dire health issues. The relationship between health and indoor air quality has never been as prevalent as it is today. There is a need for indoor air quality solutions and upgrades to help fight the ongoing pandemic.
In addition to health concerns, poor indoor air quality can also create home quality issues. Homeowners notice damage to furniture, walls, floors and even the structure of their homes because of it. These effects can be true for all indoor spaces including buildings, offices and small businesses.
Categories
To greatly reduce these problems and pollutants, we turn to clean air strategies. Indoor air quality solutions are the first defense and most effective option to provide better air quality for indoor spaces. The strategies, solutions and products can be broadly categorized into five groups. These categories are:
- Source Control
- Ventilation / Fresh Air
- Air Filtration
- Air Purification
- Humidity Control
The IAQ solutions in each category focuses on the importance of providing whole-home or whole-building solutions. Rather than putting all efforts into purifying the air in one room, it’s more efficient and more cost-effective to upgrade to a whole-home system.
This Episode
In this episode, Host Rob Ambrosetti provides an in-depth explanation of the need for indoor air quality solutions and an overview of the possibilities offered in each category. As KGG’s go-to indoor air quality expert, Rob explains the significance of clean air strategies for industry experts and learners alike.
We also encourage all HVAC professionals to make sure their training is up-to-date when it comes to indoor air quality or start learning about the various IAQ solutions available. This episode of RepTalk explains how the demand for these products is changing from a desire for comfort to a need for health and safety. This means the need for IAQ experts is greater than ever before.
