Basement Dehumidifier Archives - EZ Breathe Home Ventilation System

Indoor Air Quality | Macedonia, OH | EZ Breathe

Easy Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Posted by Andre & Erika Lacroix on November 26, 2021

Easy Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality

The average American spends 90 percent of their time indoors. That means that you spend most of your time breathing indoor air. According to a study by the Environment Protection Agency (US EPA), indoor air quality for the average home is much worse than outdoor air quality. The EP reports that the levels of pollutants in homes are 2 to 5 times higher than that in outdoor air. Some pollutants recorded high levels of 100 times more indoors than outdoors.

While spending more time outdoors is a great idea for our overall health, it doesn’t solve the problem of high levels of pollutants in our homes. The good news is that you can improve your indoor air quality with the following easy steps.

Keep your home ventilated

One of the easiest ways to reduce the levels of pollutants in the air within your home is to open your windows and doors. This will allow air to circulate into and out of your home. Good exchange of air will promote healthy air indoors.

Smoke outdoors

If you or a member of your household likes to indulge in cigarette smoking every once in a while, restrict the activity to the outdoors. Cigarette smoking is not only bad for your health as a smoker but also for the other members of your household. Second hand smoke has been attributed as the cause of up to 3000 deaths a year as a result of developing lung cancer.

Dust mites and mold love moisture. Mold spores and dust mites are known to cause allergies or increase allergy episodes. Keeping humidity levels low will help to reduce the levels of mold and dust mites in your home. Consider investing in a dehumidifier for those parts of your home that are especially humid such as the basement or crawlspace.

Bring in plants

Plants offer an easy and inexpensive way to purify your air. These natural air purifiers take in stale indoor air that is full of chemicals and release fresh oxygen rich air into your home. Placing a large number of plants in your home will help to ensure your indoor air is cleaner. Be sure to look for plants that are known for air purification such as spider plants, Aloe Vera and mother in-laws tongue.

Are you looking for ways to improve indoor air quality? Try the tips above to get started right away.

Contact the Professionals at EZ Breathe today! 866-822-7328

Indoor Air Quality | Nashville, TN | EZ Breathe Ventilation System

Main Factors That Influence Indoor Air Quality

Posted by Andre & Erika Lacroix on July 23, 2021

Main Factors That Influence Indoor Air Quality

Everyone knows that pollution is a bad thing, but often the term pollution is used in reference to big cities and the outdoor environment. However, there is an equally important concern: indoor air pollution.

Indoor air quality and pollution

According to the CDC, research over the last few years has established that indoor air can be more seriously contaminated compared to the outdoor air even in the biggest cities. Also, as noted by the CDC, because people spend nearly 90% of their time indoors, the health risk of exposure to air pollution while indoors may exceed the risks associated with outdoor pollution.

Along the same line, the World Health Organization has estimated that about 4.3 million people globally die every year as a result of indoor air pollution. It for this reason that John Bower, the founder of Healthy House Institute, argued that walking into a building today can sometimes be likened to putting your head into a plastic bag that is full poisonous fumes.

How basements contribute to poor indoor air quality

In the United States, basement are one of the major causes of indoor pollution. This is because many basements are often damp and dirty. High moisture in basements causes the growth of mold. As the mold grows, it pollutes the air through the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

VOCs and mold spores are associated with health issues such as allergies and respiratory problems. The musty odors that are associated with mold are also uncomfortable. Also, a high level of humidity in basements makes it possible for air to carry many other types of harmful pollutants.

The connection between basements and your home’s indoor air quality is due to the fact that about 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor circulates through the basement. Therefore, if the air in the basement is polluted due to mold and other harmful compounds, there is a high chance that your indoor air quality will be poor.

Basement waterproofing as a solution to indoor air pollution

Basement waterproofing involves addressing the issues that make basements wet to prevent the growth of mold and eliminate the basement’s clamminess. The process helps improve indoor air quality in the following ways:

Keeping the basement dry – Basement waterproofing techniques such as sealing foundation wall cracks and improving the drainage around a basement help keep away water and moisture. This keeps the basement dry and prevents dampness and other harmful effects of high humidity on indoor air.
Preventing the growth of mold – Mold thrives in wet or humid conditions. Therefore, if you keep your basement dry through waterproofing, you make the space unconducive for mold to grow.

Contact the Professionals at EZ Breathe Ventilation System Today! 866-822-7328

Indoor Air Quality | Cleveland, OH | EZ Breathe Ventilation System

Indoor Air Quality: 4 Benefits of a Good Ventilation System

Posted by Andre & Erika Lacroix on March 16, 2021

Indoor Air Quality: 4 Benefits of a Good Ventilation System

Ventilation is the process of intentionally introducing outdoor air into spaces such as houses or rooms while removing stale air. The aim of ventilation is to regulate indoor air quality by displacing and diluting indoor pollutants. A good ventilation system should therefore be able to remove or dilute any indoor pollutants and distribute fresh air in your house.

Ventilation systems also play numerous roles that improve the quality of indoor air. Below are four benefits of a good ventilation system.

Controls air impurities

It is important for every home or building to have good circulation of indoor air in order to constantly get a supply of fresh air. A constant supply of fresh air into a building reduces the risk of indoor air pollution. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 4.3 million people across the world die annually as a result of poor indoor air quality.

A good ventilation system helps improve indoor air quality by expelling different types of pollutants including bacteria, moisture, musty odors and dust.

Stops condensation

Another benefit of a good ventilation system is that it stops condensation in any indoor space. Condensation occurs as a result of a buildup of moisture. The moisture condenses on various sources to form water droplets.

Condensation can lead to the growth of mold on various surfaces including drywalls, walls and floors. Another problem that stems from condensation is wood decay, which occurs when wooden items have a moisture content that exceeds 20%.

By removing moisture, a ventilation system helps stop problems such as condensation and growth of mold, thus improving indoor air quality.

Regulates air

Unless you have installed a good ventilation system, you are not able to control the movement of air in your home. Too much cold air coming in may mean high energy costs due to heating. A good ventilation system controls the amount of air that enters a building and ensures that your indoor air is of the right quality and has the right temperature.

Controls air temperature

The ability to control air temperature is a notable benefit of a good ventilation system. Room temperatures change due to factors such as weather, the location of the room, the number and size of windows, and the number of people in a room.

A good ventilation system adjusts the temperature accordingly so that your indoor space does not become hot and stuffy when there are many people or when the incoming air becomes hotter.

Contact the Professionals at EZ Breathe Ventilation System Today! 866-822-7328

3 Facts about How Air Purifiers Improve Indoor Air Quality New Jersey

Posted by Andre & Erika Lacroix on November 16, 2020

3 Facts About How Air Purifiers Improve Indoor Air Quality New Jersey

The quality of the air that you inhale in your home or at your place of work has a notable impact on your health. Research has shown that indoor air quality affects the health, wellbeing and comfort of the people who occupy any building. To avoid the negative impact of poor indoor air quality, many people install air purifiers in their buildings.

Before buying an air purifier, it is important to familiarize yourself with how the equipment works and other points that you need to consider. Here are 3 important things that you should know about air purifiers.

1. How Does An Air Purifier Function?

An air purifier has a filtration system that is designed to trap microscopic elements from the air. The equipment has a system of internal fans that draw the air in a building and make it pass through a series of filters.

Each time that the air cleaning equipment cycles, air passes through the device’s purification system and in the process, the air is filtered by removing harmful airborne elements such as pollen, dust and bacteria. The air purifier then recirculates the clean air back into the building.

2. Who Needs An Air Purifier?

Everyone needs clean indoor air. Therefore, virtually everyone needs to have an air purifier installed in their building to ensure that the air that they breathe is clean all the time. However, there are situations in which you are likely to need an air purifier more. For instance, if your building has been designed to be energy efficient in that it is airtight, then you are likely to need more artificial ventilation in terms of air purifiers.

Also, if your building has fewer windows and vents, this means less air circulation. To keep the air in such a building cleaner, you will have to install an air purifier.

Some buildings are also exposed to pollutants from vehicle exhaust, cooking, cleaning, fresh paints, fiberglass, and other materials and processes. If you occupy such a building, you will need an air purifier to remove all the harmful particles from your indoor air.

3. What Are The Features Of A Good Air Purifier?

A good air purifier should be able to improve indoor air quality by removing harmful contaminants from the air, controlling the moisture content of the air, and ensuring that a building has fresh air all the time. So, if you are planning to install an air purifier in your home or office, ensure that the device meets the aforementioned qualities.

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Indoor Air Quality – 3 Ways to Improve It So You Can Breathe Easy New Jersey

Posted by Andre & Erika Lacroix on August 16, 2020

Indoor Air Quality – 3 Ways to Improve It So You Can Breathe Easy New Jersey

When you think of air pollution, you may think about what pollutes the air outside. However, there are many pollutants in the home and office that reduce indoor air quality. As a result, people face a higher risk of suffering from various illnesses, especially illnesses that affect the respiratory system. Here are some major steps you can take to reduce your risk in the home.

1. Keep your floors clean

Allergens, chemicals, and other irritants can build up in dust over a long period of time. Cleaning your floors on a regular basis will remove dust and debris and prevent buildup. Choose a vacuum that has a strong suction and rotating brushes, and also has a HEPA filter. This will prevent dust from blowing back out as you vacuum. In high-traffic areas, such as the family room, you will want to vacuum the same area several times. A good schedule is to vacuum at least twice a week.

After vacuuming, go over the floors with a mop. This will pick up anything that the vacuum left behind. You don’t need to add soap; plain water works well in removing leftover dust. Mops with microfibers work better than traditional fibers in picking up dust.

Once your doors are clean, add a floor mat at every door. This will reduce the amount of dirt and pollutants that people track into the home from outside.

2. Maintain humidity levels

Some of the most common pollutants are mold and dust mites, and both love moisture. To keep then under control and improve indoor air quality, try maintaining humidity levels of 30%-50% in the home. You can do this by running an air conditioner during warmer months and a dehumidifier during cooler months.

You can also reduce the humidity in your home by turning on the exhaust fan or opening a window when using the washer, showering, or cooking. Set up your clothes dryer to vent outside, and fix any leaky plumbing that can attract mold.

3. Test for radon

Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that comes from the natural decaying of uranium present in soil. It has the potential to leak into any home, new or old, by seeping into the cracks and holes in the foundation.

Testing for radon is an inexpensive and easy way to determine if you have a problem. If your home has high levels of radon, there are affordable ways of reducing it.

Taking the time to keep your home free of pollutants will improve indoor air quality and help keep your family healthy.

Contact the Professionals at EZ Breathe Today! 866-822-7328

Indoor Air Quality | Nashville, TN | EZ Breathe

3 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality When You Have Pets Nashville, TN

Posted by Andre & Erika Lacroix on June 16, 2020

Our beloved pets are a great company. For many who have had them for a while, imagining without them is simply impossible. However, your pet could be compromising the indoor air quality of your home.

Pets such as dogs, cats, rodents, and even birds are a source of pet dander. They also harbor mites. Both are known to trigger allergic reactions such as coughing, rashes, sneezing, watery eyes, and wheezing. The allergens can cause even more harm to younger members of the household and lead to the development of respiratory issues such as asthma.

It doesn’t mean that you should get rid of your beloved pet. There are several steps you can take to ensure better indoor air quality while still enjoying the companionship of your beloved pet.

Have the air quality in your home tested regularly

That is especially important if members of your home are showing signs of allergic reactions such as watery eyes, wheezing, sneezing, coughing, or rashes. Testing the quality of the air in your home will tell you precisely what is in the air and guide you on the actions you should take to protect the health of your household.

Install a whole-home ventilation system

Studies have shown that indoor air quality is much lower than that of the outdoors. Many people place their trust in HVAC systems to ‘purify’ their air. However, these systems aren’t efficient at getting rid of allergens in the air. They also keep circulating the stale and polluted air within the home.

One of the most effective ways to ensure that the air quality in your home improves is by removing the polluted air from within the house and letting fresh air from the outdoors into the home. It gets rid of allergens from your pets and ensures you’re breathing clean air.

Clean regularly

Commit to cleaning both your home and your pet frequently. Regular bathing and brushing of your pet outdoors or in a confined space (such as the bathroom) will help to reduce the amount of dander released into the air.

Invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter. It helps to avoid exhausting dust back into the household. Be sure to vacuum rugs, upholstery, and furniture frequently to prevent a buildup of pet dander. Carpet and rugs should get washed regularly too. Clean beddings, toys, and other items that pets come into contact with frequently. Change pet litter boxes often also.

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Indoor Air Quality | New Jersey | EZ Breathe

Indoor Air Quality: Functions and Benefits of a 2-in-1 Air Purifier and Dehumidifier in Macedonia, OH

Posted by Andre & Erika Lacroix on January 16, 2020

Indoor air quality is an important issue all over the world. In the United States, indoor air quality is critical, given that according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 60 percent of homes and buildings are risky because they have air contaminated with airborne pollutants.

To improve the quality of indoor air, many homeowners and owners of commercial buildings install equipment such as dehumidifiers and air purifiers to remove moisture from the air, or to purify the air, respectively.

Some buildings also have both air purifiers and air dehumidifiers installed. But there are 2-in-1 devices that act as air purifiers and dehumidifiers. In this article, you will learn about how standalone purifiers and dehumidifiers work and how a 2-in-1 device combines the two functions.

How Standalone Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers Work

A standalone air purifier functions by trapping microscopic elements from the air. The device has fans that draw air from a building and passes it through a series of filters before returning the clean air to the building. Through this process, harmful substances such as mold, volatile organic compounds, bacteria, smoke, dust, and pollen are removed from the air.

In contrast, an air dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air, hence making sure that the air that you breathe has the right quantity of moisture. It is important to note that high humidity can increase the level of harmful compounds in the air. High indoor humidity also promotes the growth of mold and mildew.

How a 2-in-1 Air Purifier and Dehumidifier Works

A 2-in-1 air purifier and dehumidifier combines the functions of an air purifier and air dehumidifier. That is, the device cleans the air and simultaneously ensures that the air has the right quantity of moisture.

Benefits of a 2-in-1 Air Purifier and Dehumidifier

A 2-in-1 air purifier and dehumidifier has the following benefits:

Energy Savings: Standalone dehumidifiers are known to be heavy energy consumers. Added to the cost of operating a separate air purifier, this means that you will have a significantly high energy bill. But a 2-in-1 air purifier and dehumidifier uses technology that enables it to use a lower amount of energy.
Space: Having a 2-in-1 air purifier and dehumidifier means that you don’t need to have separate devices to clean your indoor air and control the amount of moisture that the air contains. As a result, you need less space to install a 2-in-1 purifier and dehumidifier as compared to having a standalone air purifier and a separate dehumidifier.

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