Pollutants and Air Monitoring

by Tom Olecki, Owner, Broadview Heating

Now that spring is here, we are re- minded of our allergies as the trees and flowers start pollinating. This is just one of many other “pollutants” that can make us sneeze or become uncomfortable. Actually, there are a number of items in our homes that can create the same reaction when we inhale them. Until recently, there was no easy, affordable way to test the air quality, so typically we selected filters, UV lights, dehumidification etc. hoping it was the right choice. Don’t get me wrong, adding a high-efficiency filter never hurts, but knowing which filter to select can make a big impact on the quality of the air we breathe.

We can now affordably install a fully integrated and cloud-connected whole- home indoor air quality monitoring and ventilation system. This will include sensor technology to monitor and correct your indoor air quality as your home use changes throughout the year. This system monitors humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide and small particulate matter (dust).

Humidity should be maintained between 35 and 50%. VOCs are created by paints and materials in your home. They are also produced from cleaning products, cosmetics and hobby items to name a few. Items that produce VOCs are many and are all around us at home. Carbon dioxide, of course, is something we produce while breathing that can build up above recommended levels, especially during parties with a lot of people or if your home is especially well built and is very tight.

With a whole-home monitoring system, we can monitor these pollutants in real time and can integrate the monitor to do things such as automatically bring in fresh air when necessary, turn on and off bath exhaust fans or kitchen hoods or activate a dehumidifier. This is accomplished only when needed, which keeps energy costs as low as possible by creating an environment that will truly reduce the allergens that make us sick.

Included is a free app that allows you to monitor your air quality to ensure the air you are breathing is as safe as possible. It can also show you reports by day, week, month or year, validating that your system is working properly and efficiently. Installation is as easy as plugging the monitor into a wall plug. Once installed, we can evaluate the data in about a week and make scientific recommendations based upon facts rather than fiction.

Tom Olecki, Owner, Broadview Heating

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Questions are always welcome. For free help with your heating/cooling system, ask the experts at broadviewheating@sbcglobal.net or call 440-526-7310.

Opinions and claims expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ScripType Publishing.