What Are The World Health Organization Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality?

June 12, 2020

The World Health Organization is an agency of the United Nations that focuses on public health from an international perspective. The WHO is among the leading organizations that recognizes indoor air pollution as a major health concern for most countries. Since it’s more concentrated, indoor air pollution is often at higher levels than outdoor air pollution. This presents serious health risks not just in homes but daycare centers, schools, offices, public buildings, healthcare facilities and so forth. In order to aid residents and organizations improve the air in their indoor environments, the WHO has developed and maintains indoor air quality guidelines, which are currently presented across four publications. Four Sets of WHO IAQ Guidelines The core publication for the WHO guidelines is titled “WHO Air Quality Guidelines for Particulate Matter, Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulfur Dioxide.” It was originally published in 1987, and the WHO published a second edition in 2005. All guidelines are updated on an annual basis, and subsequent editions reflect major changes to the structure and other aspects of a guide. In 2009, the WHO published “Dampness and Mould,” which focuses specifically on microbes that are byproducts of mold, fungi and bacteria. In 2010, “Selected Pollutants” was...

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How Damaged Ductwork Can Impact AC Performance

May 9, 2020

When the Southern California high temperatures roll around, especially in The Valley, a properly working cooling system is a must. You know that in Southern California, including Thousand Oak, high temperatures can arrive at the tail end of winter or in the middle of fall. It is just the way it is, so all you can do is to be prepared. In order for your AC to perform at its highest level, the ductwork has to be in good condition. Here are some ways damaged ductwork can impact AC performance. Leaks Ductwork is the system used in a home to distribute heated or cooled air throughout the house from a centralized unit. There are three common types of ducts. They are conditioned air, re-circulating air, and fresh air. Ductwork is often made from galvanized steel and aluminum. Older houses usually have ductwork because decades ago, it was the most efficient way to distribute air. Today, there are other options. The homes of today, thanks to research and technology, can opt for ductless units, which offer their own set of benefits. Leaks in the ductwork are one common damage that impacts AC performance. When you turn on the cooling system, your...

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The Best Air Purifiers For Germs

April 15, 2020

The same thing happens every time someone gets a cold or the flu in your household. You do everything you can to avoid catching what they have. Have you ever considered how the air quality in your home can help prevent you from getting sick? Your HVAC system is an important line of defense as it circulates air through your home, hopefully removing bacteria, viruses, and other germs in the process. When is the last time you thought about your air purifier? If you are like most people, you probably only think about your air quality while you are replacing or cleaning your air filters. However, a new air purifier can actually improve the health of you and your family in your house. The following are some of the best air purifiers available today when it comes to removing unwanted germs and microorganisms from your air. Medify MA-14 This device features medical-grade purification thanks to the H13 true HEPA filter installed in it. This filter goes above and beyond the basic guidelines of filtration to remove 99.7% of the particulate from the air where it is working. This means on top of viruses and germs, the filter can help with...

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11 Tips For Better Indoor Air Quality

March 19, 2020

Most people spend a disproportionate amount of time inside a building. While the outdoor air quality gets a lot of attention, what we breathe inside is often neglected. Considering how much time people spend breathing inside, the quality of that air should be of utmost importance. Consider these 11 simple tips for improving your indoor air quality: 1. Improve Your Ventilation One of the most important and easiest things to do is improve ventilation. Whether that is opening windows or turning on ventilation fans, moving old air out and drawing in fresh new air is important. This helps improve the balance of gases in the air while reducing the buildup of toxins and allergens inside. Running ventilation fans in the kitchen and bathroom is important. This cuts back on allergens in the air and helps keep humidity under control, reducing mold and mildew. 2. Change Your Filters Everyone knows that you are supposed to change your furnace filters. Doing so helps maintain the right volume of air coming from your circulation fan and reduces the strain on your furnace and air conditioner. However, regardless of how long they are supposed to last, check your filters regularly. When they get clogged,...

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How To Change a Furnace Filter

February 20, 2020

Many homeowners underestimate the importance of changing furnace filters regularly. Clean furnace filters catch dust, pet dander and other particles. When your furnace filters are dirty, it decreases your energy efficiency. Changing your furnace filter is a simple DIY project. The only things you’ll need for this project are new furnace filters and about 10 minutes of your time. The following tips can help you replace your furnace filter in Thousand Oaks. Turn Off Your Furnace While you’re changing your filter, you don’t want the furnace to come on. That’s why it is a good idea to turn the furnace off. To maximize safety, you should unplug your furnace from the outlet. If you can’t reach the plug, turn off the power source to the furnace. Taking this step can prevent electrical shock or accidents. Find the Air Filter Panel Your furnace manual should contain information about the filter’s location. Can’t find your manual? Inspect your furnace to see if you can locate the air filter panel. In many furnaces, the panel is located near the metal ductwork or the blower. Once you’ve found the filter panel, open it and remove your old furnace filter. Change the Filter Compare your...

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How To Light a Pilot Light on a Furnace

February 16, 2020

When your furnace goes out on a cold winter night, you need to get that pilot light lit again quickly. In this article, we intend to help you do just that. The brief discussion below will take you through the steps required to get your furnace’s pilot light lit once more. Carefully Check Out the Instruction Label on Your Furnace Look at the sides of your furnace. On one of the sides, you should find a label with instructions. On this label, you’ll find information to help you light the pilot light properly. This information will be specific to your furnace and pertain to your particular make and model. Try to locate this label if at all possible. Set the Pilot Light Dial to “Off” The next step is to look for the pilot light dial. This will generally be on the lower part of your home furnace. Once you’ve found it, you’ll notice that it has several settings, usually marked “On,” “Off” and “Pilot.” Next, simply turn that knob until it is set to the off position. Once you’ve done this, wait for approximately five minutes. This will be enough time to allow any gas to dissipate. Use a...

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How To Improve Indoor Air Quality Naturally

February 5, 2020

There are several things you can do to naturally improve the air quality in your home in Thousand Oaks. Many of these cost little or nothing to accomplish. These tips will help your indoor environment’s air quality and provide relief to those with allergies. Keep It Clean Clean houses will have fewer pollutants floating around in the air. You should vacuum carpets once or twice a week using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Hard surfaces should be mopped or wiped to remove dust and dirt. If you own or buy a microfiber mop, all you’ll need is plain water to clean these surfaces. You should put a floor mat outside every exterior door. This will reduce the number of chemicals and pollutants people track inside. If you buy a large mat, people can leave their shoes on it when entering your home. Ventilate You need good airflow to have good indoor air quality. Stagnant air should be replaced with fresh air. Leave your windows and doors open when you can. If you live in a crowded city, you may need to time this carefully so you’re not letting in dirty air. Keep Your Filters Clean You should regularly...

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What Are the Most Important Rooms to Have an Air Purifier in?

January 26, 2020

An air purifier’s ability to remove moisture and airborne pollutants ensure that your home is filled with clean, breathable air. If you want to get the most use out of your indoor air purifier, you need to think carefully about where to install it. Certain rooms are more prone to having air quality issues, so they can benefit the most from regular filtration. Bathrooms Bathrooms need an air purifier because these are damp rooms where mold and mildew can grow. When these particles become airborne, they can make you sick or result in breathing problems. Having an air purifier in this area can make a huge difference in your overall air quality. Bedrooms Bedrooms tend to be filled with soft fabrics that trap dust, skin cells, hair and more. If you want to wake up feeling refreshed instead of feeling stuffy and groggy, try an air purifier in this important room. Kitchens often gets Burbank customers asking about our air quality services for the kitchen because this area is prone to many potential problems. Cooking creates a variety of particles that can smell strange, and the high-moisture environment can lead to mold or mildew. Since your purifier will be very...

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Symptoms of a Dirty Coil

January 15, 2020

Keeping your HVAC system clean goes a long way toward maintaining optimal efficiency and performance. While you may be aware of how to clean and replace your air filter, there is still the evaporator coil to think about. The evaporator coil should not go overlooked. Our technicians at [company name] take pride in educating our customers on how to keep their HVAC systems performing at maximum efficiency. Our team is available to assist you with: Air filter cleaning and replacement Evaporator coil cleaning Efficiency testing Routine maintenance The following signs may indicate a dirty coil. If you observe any of these symptoms, have your evaporator coil cleaned promptly. Your System No Longer Cools Your Home One of the most immediate signs you are likely to notice if you have a dirty coil is difficulty cooling your home. When dirt, dust, and debris cover evaporator coils, the coils are unable to draw heat from the air that passes through the HVAC system. As a result, you may notice that when you run your system, air is circulating through your home without being adequately cooled. Your System Is Working Harder A dirty coil causes your HVAC system to work harder to move...

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What Are the Different Types of Heating Systems for Southern California Residents?

January 9, 2020

Southern California is known for its mild winters and lasting sunshine. This doesn’t mean that nights and even daytime temperatures always contain warmth. When it comes to heating systems, Southern California has several reliable options. 1. Natural Gas Offers Energy Efficiency A natural gas furnace is a popular method for home heating. Installing a condensing gas furnace (versus a constant pilot light) lets your heater automatically adjust furnace and air blower output. Desired thermostat levels are met by its microprocessor, saving both electricity and natural gas consumption. 2. Heat Pumps Benefit Both Heating and Cooling Systems Heat pumps are dual purpose. More energy efficient than natural gas, heat pumps are typically recommended for climates without drastic highs and lows. A heat pump functions by drawing warm air from the outdoor environment, even when the air temperatures are cool. It then transfers this air indoors, heating it with the use of a heat transfer fluid, water tank and the use of compressor coils. With a flick of a switch, your heat pump performs in exactly the opposite manner. The pump now removes hot air from inside your house and transfers it back outdoors. This leaves indoor temperatures cooler without the need...

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