Indoor Air Quality

Think about the air you breathe every day-how clean is it?

Most people spend the vast majority of their days indoors, and much of that time is spent at home. Yet, it's easy to overlook your indoor air quality (IAQ). We might think about the temperature of our Michigan homes and even the water quality. But how often do you think about the air you are breathing?

Our team at Better World Builders has practical and sustainable suggestions to improve your indoor air quality. We specialize in creating comfortable homes. Let's take a look at a few steps you can consider to improve the air quality inside your Kalamazoo, MI, area home.

What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies indoor air pollution as particulate matter or gas. Particulate matter consists of solids and liquid droplets that vary in size. Some particles are small enough to be inhaled and can cause sinus problems, burning eyes, bronchitis, and respiratory illnesses.

Dust, fumes and smoke, viruses, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, bacteria, and mold are some examples. Other contributors could be inadequate ventilation, poorly maintained heating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and excessive moisture creating mold and bacteria. Do you suspect that your home has an indoor air quality issue?

Take control of the air you breathe! Call the experts at Better World Builders for an indoor air quality test to determine how we can improve your indoor air quality.

The EPA notes that hundreds of gaseous pollutants also have been found indoors. Sources include tobacco smoke, gas stoves, exhaust fumes, laser printers, paints, building materials, furniture, adhesives, caulks, cleaning products, craft materials, pesticides, and other chemicals.

Indoor Air Quality Services

Controlling the source of air pollution and providing adequate ventilation are both necessary to improve your air quality. Here are some products that can help:

• A whole-home air filtration system seamlessly integrates with your ductwork to protect your entire home. These systems work especially well if someone in your home suffers from allergies or a respiratory condition. These whole-home systems integrate directly into your ductwork for comprehensive coverage.
• If you suspect your indoor air quality is lacking, then an air cleaner could be the perfect solution. Air cleaners include different types of air purification systems, each with their own specific uses.
• Balance your indoor humidity with a whole-home dehumidifier. Dry air leads to sore throats, stuffy noses, increased risk of illness, and cause damage to your wood furniture and flooring. Ideal humidity levels are between 30% to 50%.
• Muggy hot weather is a drag on air conditioners working hard to remove the excess moisture in the air. Another reason to install a whole-house dehumidifier. When the humidity level is out of balance in your home, everyone suffers.
• If you have stale indoor air, bring some fresh air indoors. But how do you do so without raising your energy bill? An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is a great solution for improved comfort without increased associated costs.
• A heat recovery ventilator works much like an ERV. It uses outgoing stale air to precondition incoming fresh air. You enjoy fresh air without stressing your HVAC system and paying higher energy bills. These systems integrate with your ductwork to create an added layer of comfort.
• For biological contaminants such as mold spores, mildew, and bacteria, you need ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light. Hospitals and industrial settings have used these systems for years. Now the technology is available for your home.

Better World Builders licensed professionals are trained to work with indoor air quality systems. We specialize in retrofitting equipment in older Kalamazoo, MI, area homes, along with new construction and remodeling jobs.

For more information, contact us at (269) 383-7862 or request service online today!