Indoor Air Quality 101
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Filtration
The First Line of Defense
Filtration ability is measured by MERV. Air below a rating of 8 can be detrimental to our health and normal bodily function.
Centrally ducted residential heating and cooling systems can be equiped with filtration with a MERV rating of up to 16 without the need for additional work to accomodate air flow requirements.
Ottawa Plumbing and Heating recomends that your system operates with atleast a MERV 11 filter to ensure optimal system operation and properly filtered air.
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Purification
Remove Viruses, Bacteria & Odors.
Often overlooked but proper UV purification is necessary for removal of viruses, bacterias and even odors.
UV Purification allows for your filtration system to work optimally as the contaminates it traps will promptly removed.
Purification is great for households but can also provide benefit in applications such as garbage rooms, locker rooms and other public or commercial areas with a high exposure to contaminants and odors.
Proper purification measures can result in the risk of illness by eliminating up to 99% of all viruses and bacteria's.
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Humidification
Reduce Seasonal Illness and Allergy
Achieving optimized indoor comfort year-round is defined by proper humidity control.
Not only is properly controlled humidity necessary for comfort, it can also help to eliminate and prevent accumulation of mold and dust mites. Proper humidity is also great in combatting seasonal illnesses and common allergies.
We exclusively install central humidification systems that utilize flow-through and steam type technologies to most effectively introduce moisture into your buildings air stream.
Continued Benefits of Optimal IAQ
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Improved Breathing
The human body is very capable and is able to filter the air we breathe at a MERV rating of 8.
Often times the air quality we are exposed to throughout our day is not of the greatest quality which causes our bodies to work harder while we are away from home.
That is why it is critical to ensure that our indoor air quality is over and above the MERV rating that our bodies are able.
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Material Longevity
Framing, hardwood floors, wooden furniture, and instruments are some of the common household items that can benefit from optimizing indoor air quality. By minimizing exposure to pollutants, moisture, and other factors that contribute to material degradation you can help protect building materials and extend their lifespan, resulting in cost savings and improved indoor environmental quality.
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Reduced Illness
Optimizing indoor air quality (IAQ) can significantly assist in reducing illness by minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants, allergens, and pathogens that can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems.
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Reduce Pet Dander
Improving IAQ through measures such as air purifiers, regular cleaning, and proper ventilation can help remove airborne pet dander particles, reducing allergic reactions and respiratory discomfort for both humans and pets.
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No More Itchy Skin
Dry indoor air can strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness and itching. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can help maintain optimal humidity levels, especially during the winter months when the air tends to be drier. This helps prevent skin dehydration and reduces the likelihood of itching and irritation.
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Reduce Dust and Mites
Dust mites thrive in environments with high humidity levels. By keeping indoor humidity levels below 50%, preferably between 30-50%, you can significantly reduce dust mite populations. Using dehumidifiers in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms and ensuring proper ventilation throughout the home can help control humidity.
