Both ongoing and short-term exposure to airborne contaminants have been linked to higher rates of systemic inflammation and respiratory and cardiovascular disease. If you have a large amount of airborne allergens and contaminants in your Richmond, VA, home, you probably deal with sniffling, sneezing, and coughing quite often. Having a low indoor air quality (IAQ) can wreak havoc on your health both now and in the future. Fortunately, emerging technologies are making it easier to identify, track, and mitigate common IAQ concerns.
What Is IAQ Monitoring, and Why Is It Necessary?
Ongoing IAQ monitoring is hardly new. Hospitals, research centers, and industrial facilities have been using various IAQ monitoring tools for decades to remain constantly abreast of changes in airborne contaminants and their concentrations. Most IAQ measures, such as the installation of UV sanitizing lights, air scrubbers, and air purifiers, work best when strategically chosen to address specific forms of pollution.
In homes, people are exposed to a diverse range of chemical toxins, airborne pathogens, and allergens due to the quality of the outside air, insufficient ventilation, slab leaks, malfunctioning appliances, and more. Even many residential furnishings and building materials are constantly off-gassing harmful, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde. Residents regularly add new contaminants to their indoor air by:
- Cooking
- Using exhaust-producing appliances
- Discharging chemical-laden surface cleaners
- Burning candles (scented or unscented)
- Using chemical-based hygiene products
Unfortunately, many IAQ concerns can’t be mitigated with standard HVAC air filters.
What HVAC Air Filters Do
Standard HVAC air filters sieve out large particulates such as textile fibers, carpet fibers, pet hair, and dust. Their primary job is to keep these and other contaminants from building up on evaporator coils, thermocouples, and other sensitive components. Although they do provide modest IAQ benefits, standard air filters can’t capture and retain bacteria, viruses, or fungi. These components cannot remove gaseous toxins like VOCs, and things like dust mites and pet dander often slip through them. They’re also only at their most effective when manually inspected monthly and replaced every 30 to 90 days. There have been developments in air filter technology in recent years, such as the addition of activated carbon to reduce smells and VOCs.
Why Indoor Air Quality Assessments Are Essential
The vast majority of your IAQ concerns aren’t addressed by your HVAC air filter, so it’s important to find out what you’re breathing in and in what concentrations. This is especially true if your IAQ is causing symptoms like recurring headaches, persistent skin rashes, low energy, or poor sleep. If left unchecked, certain contaminants can rapidly diminish human health and reduce quality of life.
IAQ assessments determine which contaminants are present, their concentrations, and their most likely causes. This allows homeowners to take a two-pronged approach to improving their IAQ. They can first address underlying issues such as slow and hidden plumbing leaks, slab leaks, damaged furnace exhaust systems, or poorly covered sump pumps. They can follow this by installing integrated HVAC system accessories that effectively eliminate or neutralize the specific toxins they’re dealing with.
Indoor Air Quality Assessments vs. Ongoing Air Quality Monitoring
Scheduling an air quality assessment is an essential step in choosing and installing integrated IAQ technologies. However, these assessments only offer insight into in-the-moment IAQ problems. Adding new furnishings, making building modifications, tightening your home’s envelope, or opening your windows and doors can all have an immediate impact on your IAQ.
Indoor air quality monitoring offers continuous insight into in-the-moment IAQ concerns so that when new problems arise, homeowners can address them immediately. New developments in IAQ monitoring make it possible to track the effects of short-term hazards such as slab leaks, pest infestations, or sump pump cap leaks in real time.
Do You Need Air Quality Monitoring?
Ongoing air quality monitoring is important for many reasons. To start, few homeowners schedule IAQ assessments every year, and most wait five or more years before doing so. The signs of fast-declining IAQ are often the catalyst for scheduling these evaluations, and building residents can suffer due to fixable IAQ problems for months on end.
You might need constant air quality monitoring in your home if you have serious or ongoing IAQ concerns such as pet allergies, radon leaks, or high levels of VOCs due to how your home was built or insulated. People with chronic respiratory ailments, terminal illnesses, and compromised immunity are especially impacted by poor IAQ, as are aging adults and newborn babies. Tracking the quality of your indoor air will help you effectively manage and mitigate IAQ concerns to better support the health of these individuals.
Smart Thermostats and IAQ Monitoring
The good news is that the future of IAQ monitoring is grounded in convenience. Companies that manufacture IAQ monitoring tools are increasingly integrating their designs into standard fixtures. They’re also incorporating algorithms and reporting capabilities along with Wi-Fi connectivity. With an eye on adding IAQ monitoring to smart home systems, equipment manufacturers are taking the guesswork out of leveraging these tools.
For instance, you might be monitoring your IAQ right now by simply having a smart thermostat put in. Some of the latest and most innovative devices do far more than control temperature settings and allow for remote monitoring and adjustment. Many send out regular reminders for filter changes, track energy consumption, report repair issues, and monitor IAQ. Their sensors track VOCs and other gaseous contaminants in the indoor air, and they use algorithms to ensure accurate and easy-to-understand IAQ reporting.
IAQ Monitoring
Most homes now have one or more smart home features. These features include collecting data, using the real-time locations of residents, and leveraging algorithms to make smart decisions. Adding air quality monitoring to this mix supports energy management and health goals. This also makes it easier to establish and maintain an excellent IAQ. With capabilities like detecting CO gas when you turn on your car in your attached garage, IAQ monitoring tools can address developing hazards in real time.
Making Ventilation a Top Priority
As homes become increasingly airtight for increased efficiency, the exchange of stale indoor air with fresher, cleaner air outside declines. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be up to five times more contaminated.
The future of IAQ monitoring includes an increased use of mechanical ventilation in the commercial and industrial sectors, healthcare spaces, and residential buildings. Moreover, many of these features are being integrated into smart building systems for as-needed use in addressing short-term IAQ concerns. For instance, IAQ monitors can trigger integrated accessories like HVAC air scrubbers into action, open mechanical vents, or activate safety devices and failsafe measures.
We’re proud to serve Richmond, VA, and the surrounding areas. With an ongoing commitment to sharing the latest HVAC and IAQ tools and technologies, we offer top-notch indoor air quality improvements. We also provide heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services. To find out about our preventative maintenance plans or schedule an appointment, get in touch with Davis & Green.
