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Indoor Air Quality Solutions for a Safer Home

As the temperature falls and autumn sets in, Canadians will be spending more time indoors over the next several months, and the quality of the air they breathe at their homes and workplaces is of paramount importance.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can directly impact one’s health and safety. It encompasses a range of factors, from the condition of heating and ventilation systems to the presence of contaminants including dust, microbes, smoke, and more.

When IAQ is subpar, it can be connected to various health problems, such as eye and respiratory irritations, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, congestion, and allergic reactions. Exposure in the workplace can also lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and strained relations between employees and employers.

Fortunately, there are ways that homeowners and business owners can manage their IAQ through the installation of an air quality system and regular maintenance of ventilation systems.  Wilsons Mechanical offers solutions to help clients achieve healthier IAQ and maintain efficient heating, cooling, ventilation and air purification systems.

Common Indoor Air Contaminants

Understanding the types of indoor air contaminants is helpful in managing IAQ. Some common contaminants and their sources include:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Produced by building occupants and the combustion of fuels like gas and oil furnaces.

Carbon Monoxide (CO): Enters buildings through air intakes from vehicle exhaust.

Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed in the soil. It can enter indoors through cracks and openings in floors and walls that are in contact with the ground.

Airborne Particulate Matter: Such as dust emitted by building materials.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Released by copying and printing machines, computers, carpets, cleansers, paints, and more.

Dust Mites: Found in carpets, fabric, and foam cushions.

Microbial Contaminants: Including fungi, molds, and bacteria including that which can cause Legionnaires ’ disease, originating from damp areas, air conditioning systems, stagnant water, and condensate drain pans.

Ozone: Produced by photocopiers, electric motors, and electrostatic air cleaners.

Smoke: Such as tobacco smoke or wildfire smoke.

Other Sources: Such as perfumes, body odors, and food odors.

 

Improving your IAQ

In pursuit of healthier indoor air quality, some things you can do are:

• Follow proper maintenance schedules for your heating and ventilation appliances;
• Clean and/or replace filters on a regular basis;
• Choose the best filter approved for your system, such as high performance options like Merv and HEPA filters;
• Add and regularly test carbon monoxide detectors to be alerted of the presence of dangerous levels of this gas;
• Install a radon mitigation system to target high levels of radon;
• Install air purification systems at your property to combat dust, VOCs, microbial contaminants, ozone, smoke, and more.

Wilsons Mechanical offers various air purification solutions to clients. Their expertise extends not only to IAQ but also to heating and cooling systems, ensuring that homes and workplaces are comfortable and safe environments.

Contact Wilsons Mechanical today to find out how to achieve healthier IAQ and maintain efficient heating, cooling, air purification and ventilation systems, ultimately contributing to a safer and more comfortable indoor environment.

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