8 minute read
Indoor Air Quality Basics
WHAT’S YOUR IAQ IQ?
The average American spends approximately 90% of their time inside. Between work and trying to stay warm or cool in extreme temperatures, it is a statistic with which most of us are all too well aware. The air indoors, though, is typically two to three times more polluted than the air outdoors. And people with allergies and other respiratory issues tend to spend even more time inside in an effort to stave off troublesome symptoms.
IAQ, or indoor air quality, is a critical factor in our health, safety, and comfort. And there is nothing that Homesense cares about more. Investing in an air purification system provides peace of mind that the environment in which you spend most of your time is conducive to a healthy life. When it comes to air purification, the go-to for the Homesense team is the REME HALO by RGF. They trust it so much that they installed it in their own office. Treating your home like it is their own? Another Homesense core value.
The REME HALO takes aim against allergens, bacteria, mold, and orders by sending out safe ionized oxidizers. They break down and destroy pollutants at the source — and before they can reach your family. The system is discrete, easily mounted inside your HVAC system’s air duct, boosting the natural circulation of air.
Homesense prioritizes safety and health for all customers; offering advanced, tech-forward solutions like the REME HALO, enable homeowners to breathe a big (clean) sigh of relief.
In addition to installing an air purification system, homeowners can take other steps to achieve good IAQ in their homes:
CHOOSE LOW-VOC PRODUCTS. When undertaking home renovation projects, such as painting or installing flooring, look for products that contain low levels of VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, which are harmful to your health over time .
LET THE FRESH AIR IN. Don’t be afraid to open a window, even in the winter . Most heating and cooling systems are not designed to allow fresh air into the home, and yet it is essential for maintaining good
IAQ .
USE KITCHEN AND BATHROOM FANS.
These remove humidity from the parts of your home most prone to warm, moistureladen conditions . In some cases, a dehumidifier may also be advisable.
CHANGE AIR FILTERS REGULARLY. The filters on your furnace and air conditioning units can quickly become saturated with dust, dander, and other household debris . To avoid breathing this in, and spreading it throughout the home, replace filters according to manufacturers’ recommendations (or more frequently if you have pets).
Homesense helps you take the bigger steps, such as installing air purification solutions and ensuring your HVAC systems are in top running shape, so the smaller steps are much more manageable and effective.
Homeowners are increasingly aware of and concerned by indoor air quality, and they are turning to Homesense for help. Co-founder Brian Schutt says, “Knowing that Central Indiana is in the Top 10 for airborne particulate pollution, with indoor air being up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, health conscious homeowners are demanding to know the details about their air quality in the same way they’d get a blood test during an annual physical.”
The average person spends the vast majority of their time inside (and many are spending even more time in their own homes these days); increased indoor air quality is essential for health and safety. Brian adds, “More clients are asking us about how we can help solve things like allergy issues and airborne illnesses. It’s exciting that we have real solutions to offer.”
A simple 30-60 minute test can identify air quality issues that are largely undetectable otherwise. With advanced systems like Air Advice Indoor Air Analysis, the Homesense team can access realtime information about particulates and pollutants that may be present in the home. Prior to this technology, identifying problems came down to guesswork by both homeowners and air quality professionals.
AIR QUALITY TESTS IDENTIFY:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Airborne particulates and pollens that contribute to allergies and asthma
Home cleaning products and other common household items that pollute indoor air
With accurate identification, Homesense can recommend effective courses of action to address indoor pollutants and ensure heating and cooling systems are integral parts of the solution.
BREATHE EASIER: iWAVE AND REME HALO AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEMS
Poor indoor air quality can affect anyone, including Brian Schutt. His family has dealt with allergies and illness, and he says, “We’ve tried just about everything on the market to clean our air. With two young kids regularly in the petri dish of public schools, we’ve seen a measurable change in their health this winter.”
The reason behind the improvement? Advanced indoor air purifiers. Brian personally tried system after system to find the best solution for his family — and for his customers’ families.
A SIMPLE 30-60 MINUTE TEST CAN IDENTIFY AIR QUALITY ISSUES THAT ARE LARGELY UNDETECTABLE OTHERWISE. CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR AIR ADVICE INDOOR AIR ANALYSIS.
317.203.8149
HOMESENSE RECOMMENDS:
REME HALO
This is the system that Brian installed in his own home and at Homesense’s office. The awardwinning wholehome purifier kills up to 99% of bacteria and viruses, reduces airborne particulates, such as mold spores, dust, dander, pollen, and odors.
The REME HALO is installed in a home’s ductwork, providing purified air to every cubic inch that the central HVAC system reaches.
iWAVE
iWave also gets the nod of approval from the Homesense team. The system uses carbon fiber brushes to create a targeted electrical charge that clears the air. By creating equal amounts of positive and negative ions, iWave reacts to and reduces viruses and bacteria. In independent lab tests, it “inactivated” 99.4% of the COVID-19 virus in just 30 minutes. It also reduces particulates, smoke, VOCs, and odors.
Like the REME HALO, the iWave is professionally installed in a heating or air conditioning system for whole-home use.
Effective whole-home humidifier and dehumidifier products are safe, effective ways to improve indoor air quality and comfort. Homesense offers a number of industry-leading solutions that deliver the comfort, convenience, and efficiency homeowners need. Aprilaire models provide a number of crucial benefits to homes of all sizes. Depending on the specific model, expect:
Moisture removal of between 70 and 135 pints per day for optimal humidity levels
Connectivity with the home’s existing ductwork and water supply
Dual sensors to monitor and respond to outdoor temperatures and indoor relative humidity for maximum consistency
Convenient digital control
40% - 60% reduction in the formation of bacteria, fungi, dust mites, and viruses
Freestanding/non-ducted and ducted options
Homesense is committed to enhancing your comfort, health, and wellbeing; they offer solutions that will work for your home.
Before After
DUCT CLEANING SERVICE
We live most of our lives in temperature-controlled environments, much of that inside our own homes. Over time, ducts get dirty and dust, grease, dander, grease, and other “gunk” accumulates. This not only impacts the efficiency of our heating and cooling systems, it negatively impacts the air we breath. Homesense provides the tools and expertise homeowners need for clean ducts — and cleaner air.
WE ALL BENEFIT FROM CLEANER AIR, BUT IT IS EVEN MORE CRITICAL FOR:
CHILDREN. Because they spend a significant amount of time on or near the floor, they are more susceptible to dust and other pollutants .
THOSE WITH MEDICAL ISSUES. Children and adults with conditions such as allergies, asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, etc., and those receiving treatments, including chemotherapy and immunosuppressants, can experience worsening symptoms when indoor air quality is poor . Clean air is imperative .
PETS. Like small children, pets are also vulnerable to allergens . Air duct cleaning reduces particulates and eliminates dander and pet hair circulating through HVAC systems .
Brian Schutt, Co-owner, Homesense Heating & Cooling
THE HOMESENSE DUCT CLEANING PROCESS FOLLOWS FOUR TYPICAL STEPS:
1. The service technician starts with an inspection of all the air ducts in the home .
2. After taking a good look at the ducts, the service technicians connect a high powered blower and HEPA filter to the home’s duct system .
3. Using air duct cleaning tools, the service technician agitates and dislodges any dirt or debris clinging to the ducts . It is sucked out through the vacuum hose and out of the home .
4. The service technician cleans all of the air vents and returns .
The Homesense process is thorough and effective, ensuring air quality is improved and homeowners’ can breathe easy.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
