Improved Ventilation
The best way to solve indoor air quality problems is source control.
An additional way to lower indoor air pollutants is to increase outside air flow.
Most cooling and heating systems for homes, including forced-air heating systems, do nothing to bring fresh air into your home. Open windows and doors, use window or attic fans when it is possible, or open vent controls on a window air conditioner to increase the outdoor ventilation rate. Outside exhaust fans, such as those found in bathrooms or kitchens, can be used to remove contaminants directly from the rooms where the fan is situated and increase the outdoor airflow rate.
When you are engaging in short-term activities that can create high levels, such painting, paint stripping or heating with kerosene, heating, cooking or maintenance activities, such soldering, welding, or sanding, it is especially important to ensure you take as many of the above steps as possible. If the weather is good, you may also want to try these activities outside.
The latest designs of homes include mechanical systems that bring in outdoor air. Some of these designs also include energy-efficient heat-recovery ventilators (also called air-to -air heat exchangers).
- U.S. department of Energy provides more information on whole house ventilation options. EnergySaver: Whole House Ventilation.
The indoor temperature can be controlled with ventilation and shading. Indoor airborne pollutants can be removed or reduced by ventilation. This decreases the levels of contaminants and improves indoor environment quality (IAQ). Take care to assess the impact of ventilation on indoor air quality.
Good air quality can be promoted by introducing outdoor air. A variety of ways air may enter a home include:
- Natural ventilation, such windows and doors
- via mechanical means, like outdoor air intakes connected with the heating ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
- Through infiltration. This is the process by which outside air flows into your house through cracks and openings in walls, floors, ceilings, and around doors and windows.
Infiltration is a common problem in all homes.
Natural ventilation refers air movement through open windows or doors. Natural ventilation is a method of moving air through open windows and doors. It can be used to moderate indoor temperature.
Natural ventilation can be used to improve indoor air quality and reduce indoor pollutants. Here are some examples:
- Opening windows and doors
- Blinds can be used to shade windows.
Most residential forced air heating and air conditioning systems do not bring outside air into the house. Natural ventilation and infiltration are the only options. The HVAC system is now an advanced feature in new homes. Some of these designs use heat recovery ventilators which are efficient in heating and cooling the outdoor air.
View
Technical assistance webinar
Can Residential Ventilation Rates Influence Respiratory Health
Dr. William Fisk (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) presented this video on the EPA YouTube channel.
Air Cleaners
There are many options for air cleaners, from affordable table-top models up to expensive whole-house units. Some air cleaners have a high efficiency at removing particles. Others, including many table-top models can do a poor job. Air cleaners aren’t designed to remove gaseous pollutants.
Indoor air cleaners are rated on their ability to collect pollutants from the air. The percentage efficiency rate is expressed in percent and the amount of air drawn through the filtering/cleaning element. It’s measured in cubic feet per minute.
A collector that is very efficient but has a low rate of air-circulation will not work. The same goes for a cleaner that has a high flow rate but has a lower collector efficiency. Any air cleaner will perform well over time if it is maintained according to its manufacturer’s specifications.
A strong pollutant source is also an important factor in determining how effective an air cleaner will be. Tabletop air cleaners can’t remove sufficient levels of pollutants from near sources. People with sensitive reactions to certain sources may find air cleaners only useful when combined with concerted efforts.
In laboratory experiments, some chemicals have been reduced by houseplants in the past years. However, there is not evidence to suggest that large numbers of houseplants are capable of removing significant amounts of polluting substances from homes and offices. You should not water indoor houseplants too much as moist soil can encourage microorganism growth, which can cause allergies.
EPA has not yet recommended that you use air cleaners to reduce levels radon and decay products. The effectiveness of these devices is not known as they can only partially remove radon decay compounds and do nothing to reduce the amount ofradon that enters the home. The EPA is planning to conduct additional research to determine if air cleaners are reliable in reducing the health danger from radon.
The lack of conclusive evidence on the efficacy of houseplants for air purification is a reminder to critically evaluate popular home remedies. It’s important to rely on well-established methods for improving air quality.
The article helps to debunk myths about houseplants and highlights the need for more research-based solutions for air quality concerns.
It’s refreshing to see a rational approach to addressing air quality. Many are quick to accept anecdotal solutions without questioning their effectiveness.
It is essential to consider the different options available for residential ventilation. The recommendations provided in the article highlight the importance of maintaining good air quality and the role that ventilation can play.
While natural ventilation is beneficial, it’s important to acknowledge that many residential properties have limitations when it comes to implementing outdoor air flow. Therefore, a combination of methods may be necessary to achieve optimal indoor air quality.
The focus on household air cleaners is unconvincing. It is unrealistic to rely completely on air cleaners without addressing the underlying causes of indoor air pollution.
I understand that some people may be allergic to pollutants, but it’s a bit much to expect that air cleaners alone will solve the issue.
I completely agree. The emphasis should be on source control and effective ventilation to reduce pollutants at the root.
The increased focus on natural ventilation will significantly improve air quality indoors and has the potential to drastically reduce the prevalence of air pollutants that affect individuals.