Proper Ventilation-con't

Last time we touched on what proper ventilation is. The recommendation is 25% outside air introduced into the home's comfort system. There are many ways to introduce fresh air into the home. Today we will give my home as an example. We have an older farm house built in 1876. Right now I do not have a central system installed as there are many remodeling projects going on in the home. We have baseboard electric heat (very inefficient) and window units for A/C (also very inefficient). For the mild weather we open windows (with screens) and because the home is built facing proper directions the cross ventilation is great! During the winter the home is closed during very cold periods and slow fans help move the heat. During the summer we run the window units with fans moving air to other rooms (noisy). In the evenings I turn the A/C off open windows at strategic points in the home and use box fans to pull air in and expel air out upstairs. We also have a solar attic fan to pull ventilation through the attic. This is a primative but cost effective way to move air, and it is comfortable for us. Next time we'll discuss the improved design for the system going in.

What is Proper Ventilation?

Our "energy efficient" sealed up homes create the need for us to be dependent upon air conditioning and of course electricity. Environmental design is not the norm in design. So this of course affects our health long term since most of Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. One step to consider is to let fresh air into the home as much as possible as well as sunshine. The prime times we are able to do this is during mild weather, or we would make our homes uncomfortable. Being comfortable and healthy inside of our homes is an active task!
It takes planning and action but the results in energy savings as well as health are worth it.
Yes the simple way is windows and doors with screens. Another way is an ERV in your home comfort system.
Homes should have a 25% fresh air introduction in the comfort system as well as exhaust to ventilate the structure. For more info contact rick@rlenvirocare.com

Is Cleaner Environment Protocall Too Extreme?

Last time we finished the list of 36 items for Sanitizing Protocall. When I first looked over the list it seemed a bit extreme, some of you probably thought so too. When you really look at it closely though the list makes sense especially for those with extreme allergies and those with the possibility of mold. Most of these steps are common sense, and are good for your indoor environment. The others could be avoided with just a few simple steps and the right kind of technology for prevention.
First of all, just making sure your home can have the right type of natural fresh air would be the best. Having "cross ventilation" while keeping out the undesirable items would be perfect, but not so attainable for those with extreme allergies. We'll go into a bit more detail next time.

Create A Better Breathing Environment (Part 3)

This week we will cover the final points 21-36 of this list:
21.- Use household cleaners ( we prefer bio-degradable enzyme cleaners) on any hard surface.
22.- Remove any moldy or rotting food.
23.-Remove garbage regularly.
24.-Wipe down any and all visible signs of moisture.
25.-Regularly scan the ceiling for evidence of roof leaks.
26.-Periodically check the air conditioning vents to be sure they are clean.
27.-Change air conditioning filter regularly (we recommend minimum every 60 days, 30 days preferred)
28.-Perform scheduled maintenance on your air conditioning system, including but not limited to, cleaning the evaporator coil.
29.-Wipe down windows and sills if moisture is present.
30.-Regularly inspect for leaks under the sinks and around the base of water closets, around the base of washing machines, and base of water heater.
31.-Check all washer hoses and outside garden hose connections.
32.-Regularly empty dehumidifier.
33.-Clean behind the refrigerator and around the furnace or air handler.
34.-Empty the refrigerator condensation pan where possible.
35.-If possible, pour a small amount of biocide in the drip pan of the air conditioning air handler to decrease the potential for mold growth.
36.-Answer this question regularly and check for signs of  mold: " If I were mold and liked moisture, where would I feel most comfortable to set up a home and build a family?"
Sounds overwhelming doesn't it?
Next time we will go over the basis of all of this.