Choosing an Indoor Air Quality Company

<div class=article-entry><img alt= class=attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image height=1080 loading=lazy sizes=(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px src=https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2018/01/Perfect-Star-Heating-and-Air-Conditioning-Senior-Comfort-Adviser-Danny-Mendoza-servicing-a-clients-furnace-in-Brentwood-CA.png srcset=https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2018/01/Perfect-Star-Heating-and-Air-Conditioning-Senior-Comfort-Adviser-Danny-Mendoza-servicing-a-clients-furnace-in-Brentwood-CA.png 1920w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2018/01/Perfect-Star-Heating-and-Air-Conditioning-Senior-Comfort-Adviser-Danny-Mendoza-servicing-a-clients-furnace-in-Brentwood-CA-300x169.png 300w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2018/01/Perfect-Star-Heating-and-Air-Conditioning-Senior-Comfort-Adviser-Danny-Mendoza-servicing-a-clients-furnace-in-Brentwood-CA-768x432.png 768w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2018/01/Perfect-Star-Heating-and-Air-Conditioning-Senior-Comfort-Adviser-Danny-Mendoza-servicing-a-clients-furnace-in-Brentwood-CA-1024x576.png 1024w width=1920/><div class=featured-caption></div><h2>When looking for indoor air quality services, don’t settle for anything less than the best.</h2><p>Most people spend more time at home than in any other single location, so it’s always worth the investment to ensure your indoor air quality and climate control system is serving your needs every day.</p><p>However, due to varying sizes and ages, every home environment brings its own specific set of climate control features and issues. Add to this the fact that air quality is not visibly detectable, and most ductwork and climate control systems are hidden, and you’ll find that the process of achieving satisfactory indoor air quality can be complex and mysterious.</p><p>Fortunately, a qualified indoor air quality contractor can assess the needs of your particular home environment and offer an array of modifications or installations to ensure the air in your home is as clean and comfortable as possible.</p><p></p><p>How do you find the right contractor for the job? You can start by doing your own basic assessment of your home and needs.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Rate the Air Quality and Identify Air Quality Deficiencies in Your Home</strong></h3><p>Air quality contractors address a large variety of home air quality issues, but these problems generally fall into three categories: comfort, health and energy efficiency.</p><p>If your existing air quality system does not serve all of these areas to your satisfaction, you need not suffer through subpar home air quality, and in the case of a toxic home environment, it may be downright dangerous to neglect the problem.</p><p>Your first job is to rate your system’s effectiveness in these three areas and identify which you wish to improve.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Indoor Air Comfort</strong></h3><p>The most common service that air quality contractors provide is improving the comfort of a home environment. Few things affect the enjoyment of one’s living environment as drastically as an improvement in temperature, humidity and purity.</p><p>You can’t put a price tag on the comfort and well-being provided by such air quality upgrades. If your current heating or air conditioning system does not deliver maximum comfort, you need not resign yourself to a subpar home environment—there are several basic and cost-effective steps you can take.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Improving Temperature Distribution</strong></h3><p>Industry studies routinely demonstrate that half of all homes contain areas that are too hot or cold relative to the rest of the house, and basements are often 15 degrees cooler than the upstairs. Seasonal humidity or dryness also greatly affects the comfort of one’s home.</p><p>Fortunately, these problems can all be identified and remedied with energy-efficient, lasting solutions that eliminate variations in temperature, even in rooms that are far from the climate control unit.</p><p>A common culprit in uneven heating or cooling is a leaky duct system. The Department of Energy states that a typical duct system loses 25 to 40% of the furnace, heat pump or air conditioning unit’s energy output.</p><p>This not only impairs comfort, it also has a dramatic effect on utility bills. Fortunately, if your home has uneven heating or cooling, a licensed air quality contractor can test and locate any duct leaks using an infiltrometer. An infiltrometer is a device created by the Department of Energy that tests how airtight your house is and identifies air leaks by creating a 15 MPH wind on all sides of your home.</p><p>Essentially, it’s like a leak MRI for your home. It only takes about an hour, and once leaks are pinpointed, they can be sealed using fiber-reinforced elastomeric sealants. This quick fix pays for itself by lowering utility bills and provides the extra benefit of evening temperature distribution throughout the house.</p><p>A second remedy for improving temperature distribution is adding return air grilles. A central heating or air conditioning system utilizes two different kinds of vents to circulate air through each room: supply vents and return vents.</p><p>The supply vents blow heated or cooled air into a room, while the return vents take air from the room and heat or cool it to the desired temperature, after which it is passed through the ducts back into the room. A room with a supply vent but no return does not allow circulation, but rather causes pressure to build, cutting down on the amount of air that can get into the room and pushing more air into other parts of the house. This causes the HVAC system to shut off by creating a buildup of hot or cool air in only one part of the house before less ventilated areas have been heated or cooled to a comfortable level.</p><p>A third common cause of uneven temperature distribution is lack of sufficient insulation and the presence of thermal bypasses. Most homes have at least one area that lacks enough insulation to properly maintain the temperature of the room. This is especially prevalent in rooms near attics and garages. An infiltrometer test will identify these low insulation areas as well, along with any gaps between walls (known as thermal bypasses). Thermal bypasses must also be sealed to avoid persistent loss of temperature stability.</p><p>Another solution for improved comfort is a zoning damper system. Installed in the ductwork, this system treats rooms on a case-by-case basis, keeping a constant flow of warm or cool air to areas of greater need (for instance, near a garage or attic) while shutting off air to areas that have already achieved the desired temperature.</p><p>Finally, one of the biggest misconceptions is that temperature distribution problems result from an HVAC unit that is too small. On the contrary, many temperature distribution problems can be solved by actually installing a smaller furnace or air conditioning unit. The reason for this is simple: if a unit is too large, it will cool or heat areas near a thermostat too quickly using a massive influx of cool or warm air.</p><p>This causes the unit to shut off before the farthest reaches of your home have been heated or cooled. By contrast, a smaller unit requires a longer period of lower air output but results in a more continuous, even distribution of heated or cooled air. Another benefit of this is that the longer running time of a smaller unit allows it to more effectively eliminate humidity and actually results in lower utility bills.</p><p>You can also ask your contractor about smaller, high-efficiency HVAC units with variable speed fans that adjust the output level as needed. These units may represent a higher initial expense, but they’ll pay for themselves over time through added comfort and reduced utility bills.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Comfort: Improving Humidity Control</strong></h3><p>A second area that has a dramatic effect on air quality and comfort in a home is the level of humidity (or dryness, depending on the season or climate). In areas of high humidity, the most practical solution is to reduce the number of moisture sources in the home. This calls for covering up any dirt floors, capping sump pump pits, checking for air leaks in basement walls, storing firewood outdoors and installing better exhaust fans in bathrooms.</p><p>Second, humidity can be remedied using many of the same techniques contractors perform for improving temperature distribution—namely, improving the airtightness of a home, since during spring, summer and fall in some areas, outdoor air is the biggest source of high humidity. This includes sealing any air leaks in walls, especially near garages and attics, and installing an appropriately sized air conditioning unit that won’t shut down before dehumidification is complete.</p><p>You may also consider installing an air conditioning unit with enhanced dehumidification features like humidity sensors, which wrings more moisture out of the air before shutting off. In extreme, high humidity areas, you may even remedy the problem by installing a high capacity ducted dehumidifier, which supplements the air conditioning unit by removing humidity from within the ductwork and draining condensed moisture.</p><p>During the winter or in especially dry areas, a humidifier may provide added comfort by infusing a desired amount of moisture into the air. Humidification systems can come as freestanding, single room units or as central units installed and distributed via your HVAC system. In winter, such units have the added benefit of saving money on heating costs, as humid air retains heat better than dry air.</p><p>Your indoor air quality contractor will be familiar with both the common problems and available solutions, and they’ll help direct you to an HVAC system that takes into account factors like climate, season, and personal preferences.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Safety Considerations for Indoor Air Cleaning Professionals</strong></h3><p>While many prospective indoor air quality customers call on contractors to help improve issues of comfort (which are the most easily detectable air quality issues), they often discover that poor ventilation or humidity control over the long run can adversely affect one’s health and sometimes pose serious consequences. Insulation, pets, furnishings, the type of heating, the outdoor environment and the occupant’s lifestyle habits all have a bearing on the safety of indoor air quality.</p><p>But just as comfort can be dramatically improved through a variety of HVAC renovations, so can the safety of one’s home environment be improved. Your indoor air quality contractor will offer you all the options you need to ensure the air you breathe every day is as clean and safe as possible for you and your family.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Installing Electronic Air Purification Systems</strong></h3><p>The purity of your indoor breathing environment depends on many factors, including outdoor air, humidity, the presence of pets and smokers, and proximity to major thoroughfares and garages. One of the best ways to ensure the air you breathe is healthy and safe is to use an air purification system.</p><p>Unlike a filtration system, which simply filters out airborne particles, a purification system uses ultraviolet light or an electrical charge to actually clean the air, removing irritants, contaminants, viruses, mold and other elements down to 0.01 microns in size. In such a system, larger particles are first removed through filtration, then smaller particles are irradiated or electrically charged, which removes them from the air or “magnetizes” them to a purification plate, from which they are removed through regular cleaning.</p><p>This kind of system can also help your HVAC system function more efficiently, as it removes airborne debris and particles before they can clog up your ductwork. Ask your indoor air quality contractor about the options and special environmental considerations relevant to your particular home environment.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Eliminating Contaminated Air Infiltration</strong></h3><p>Air quality is most often compromised through air leaks. However, contrary to popular belief, only 20% of a home’s air leaks result from windows and doors. Eighty percent of all leaks come from improperly sealed garages, attics, crawl spaces and basements, and chances are, the air that infiltrates a home through such leaks is not fresh outdoor air, but rather air contaminated by carbon monoxide, insulation fibers, mold spores or radon gas. An infiltrometer test will precisely locate these leaks and allow your indoor air quality contractor to assess the best way to eliminate them.</p><p>Another typical culprit for contaminated air is recessed can lighting. These ceiling fixtures provide dirt, dust and insulation fibers with a gateway into the living environment. An indoor air quality contractor can inspect and seal or repair many light leaks. Attic openings pose a similar problem, but they can be sealed through similar means as well.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Improving Pressure Balance, Mechanical Ventilation and Filtration</strong></h3><p>Pressure imbalances come from a lack of ventilation or air return mechanisms in rooms that are closed off from the rest of the house, or from oversized exhaust fans and leaking ducts. The result is often air pressure that is lower inside a room or section of the house than it is outside, which causes impure air to be sucked through air leaks in attics, garages and basements.</p><p>Such pressure balances can also backdraft appliances, causing carbon monoxide leaks. Indoor home air pressure that is slightly higher than outdoor air pressure is optimal, as it prevents contaminated air from flowing in through leaks or porous materials.</p><p>New homes, by contrast, may be excessively airtight, preventing proper circulation of fresh air. This issue can be remedied through improved mechanical ventilation that can range from simple exhaust fans that remove moisture and odors to more complex and energy-efficient units.</p><p>One example is a heat or energy-recovering ventilator, which preheats and cools incoming air using the indoor air that it expels. A ventilating dehumidifier is a second option—it filters, dehumidifies and injects outside air for improved circulation.</p><p>A final important step for optimizing indoor air purity and safety is an improved air filtration system. This may include upgrading replaceable filters in your existing system or purchasing freestanding, single room units.</p><p>The most effective filtration method, however, is a permanent high-efficiency air filtration system. This uses permanent filters that remove more impurities and invisible particles than replaceable filters, and it’s often lower maintenance because it only requires one cleaning per year. Though sometimes more expensive, they’re more energy-efficient and they cost less in the long run because of the reduced utility burden.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Installing More Effective Indoor Humidity Control</strong></h3><p>Because long-term health problems can result from both too much and too little humidity, it is vital to regulate the amount of moisture in your home environment. The CDC, EPA and AMA all recommend humidity between 30 to 50% year round.</p><p>During winter or in dry climates, lack of humidity can contribute to sore throats, dry sinuses and infections. In this situation, your contractor will first seal all air leaks, then install a central humidification system that will maintain a constant, comfortable level of humidity.</p><p>On the other hand, excessive airborne moisture during summer or in wet climates not only causes discomfort, it also increases allergens, mold and dust mites. Indoor toxic mold is an especially serious consequence, and prolonged exposure can cause allergic reactions, toxic reactions, asthma, infections, and respiratory damage.</p><p>Mold will keep coming back unless you identify the source of the problem, which could be any organic material, from drywall paper to wood to a food source. If your indoor environment is too humid, all air leaks should be sealed and an enhanced dehumidification system should be installed, either as a feature on a brand-new, higher-powered dehumidifying air conditioning unit or as an independent ducted dehumidification system.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Carbon Monoxide Tests and Detection Systems</strong></h3><p>Carbon monoxide leaks can have lasting health implications. Consumer detection units become unreliable over time and are ill-equipped to detect low level CO leaks. They can come from a variety of sources, such as gas heaters, leaking chimneys and furnaces, gas stoves, automobile exhaust, or old boilers and furnaces.</p><p>Such leaks are virtually undetectable without the proper equipment and can lead to fatigue and chest pain at low levels, and impaired vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and death in high concentrations. The typical consumer CO detector only lasts two to four years and gradually loses its effectiveness, leaving you vulnerable to undetected leaks.</p><p>A qualified indoor air quality contractor will have the equipment to detect and locate even the smallest CO leak, removing this common home health hazard. Have a trained professional perform an annual inspection of your home to tune up and clean any central heating systems.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Energy Efficiency: Routine Maintenance and Replacement of Old Units</strong></h3><p>Many of the repairs and installations that improve the safety and comfort of your home air environment will also have a positive effect on your air quality system’s energy efficiency. In addition to these steps, several maintenance procedures can greatly reduce your utility bills. In anticipation of extreme weather, before winter or summer, consider having your climate control unit tuned up.</p><p>This routine maintenance will ensure your unit does not break down mid-season. Your system may need to be cleaned; filters may need to be replaced; the ignition, exhaust and blower systems should be tested; fan belts should be inspected and adjusted; and all safety sensors should be tested.</p><p>Another important maintenance step is duct inspection and cleaning. Your ductwork is the delivery system for cooled or heated air, and if it is dirty or plugged, it can’t deliver air efficiently. The ductwork in many homes is blocked by years of built-up mold, pet dander, dust, dirt and airborne debris. Your ducts should be inspected at least every two years for defects and cleanliness, and your entire duct system should be cleaned every five to seven years, depending on indoor air quality factors such as the age of your home or the presence of pets and smokers.</p><p>Just like automobiles and household appliances, heating and cooling systems experience wear and tear and reduced effectiveness with age. In addition to regular maintenance on your existing system, if your HVAC system has more than 12 years of use and you don’t intend to sell your home for a few years, a new system will provide a good alternative and can be up to twice as energy-efficient, saving you money in the long run.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Order an Infiltrometer Test</strong></h3><p>As you can see, you have a huge range of indoor air quality system repairs, upgrades and replacement options at your disposal, and only you can assess which best fits your needs and your budget. A good way to start assessing your options is to request an infiltrometer test from a local indoor air quality contractor.</p><p>This simple, standard test is relatively inexpensive; takes about an hour; and will identify airtightness and circulation problem areas that cause reduced comfort, safety, and efficiency. Once you obtain the results of your infiltrometer test, you will know whether the biggest culprits are leaky walls, an oversized heating or air conditioning unit, or poorly functioning ductwork.</p><p>Your contractor can talk you through a range of options for addressing problems that the infiltrometer test reveals.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Develop a Budget for Materials and Labor<br/></strong></h3><p>Once you have a clearer understanding of the scope and range of solutions for your particular air quality project, it’s time to begin developing a budget. The best place to start is the Diamond Certified Resource, which provides a lengthy list of HVAC companies. As you research online or in your local home improvement store, keep a comprehensive list detailing estimated materials needed, sources and prices. Be sure to include peripheral material costs in addition to the actual unit, such as sealant, tubing or wire. A detailed budget and price list will prove useful when negotiating with prospective contractors.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Look for Licensed Indoor Air Quality Contractors </strong></h3><p>Be sure to look for contractors that possess the necessary experience and licenses for the type of work you need. All indoor air quality contractors are required to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB offers 43 different license classifications. You can verify a prospective contractor’s current license on the CSLB’s website. Licensed indoor air quality contractors service all the major cities.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Look for Diamond Certified Indoor Air Quality Contractors</strong></h3><p>You are the customer. If your goal is to choose an indoor air quality contractor that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified company. Each has been rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Obtain Permits If Necessary</strong></h3><p>Under the California Building Code, no building or structure may be altered, repaired or improved without obtaining a permit. Codes vary greatly by city and county, so you can find out more about your specific indoor air quality project on the CSLB’s website, which details requirements by city and county. Your indoor air quality contractor can help you identify whether your project requires a permit and how to obtain one, if necessary.</p></div>