Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a serious problem
facing homeowners today, according to the American Lung Association.®
The roots of this problem can be traced directly to the desire for
energy-efficient homes to minimize the
effects
of higher energy costs. Unfortunately, making homes tighter and more
energy efficient also reduces the naturally occurring exchange of indoor
and outdoor air. Fresh outside air stays out, while air pollutants,
excessive humidity and/or overly dry conditions stagnate the indoor air
over time.
While
homeowners can’t see the majority of indoor air contaminants, they
certainly see the effects. These microscopic particles slowly stain
walls, ceilings, furniture, drapes and carpets. Lack of humidity control
can keep a home damp and sticky, while excessive dryness can crack
woodwork and antiques, or create static electricity and dry skin.
Particles attaching to your home’s interior have to be scrubbed,
laundered or dry cleaned away at the expense of
the homeowner’s time, money and effort.
But
costly cleaning isn’t the only consequence of dirty, humid, or dry
indoor air. It is estimated that one in ten people living in North
America suffer from asthma or allergies, and pollen, mold spores and
dust-mite debris are among the most troublesome triggers of such
ailments. Likewise, bacteria and viruses that can be found in indoor air
have the potential to cause and spread disease.
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