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. 

Create A Better Breathing Environment (Part 2)

Last time we covered steps 1-10 on creating a better indoor breathing environment.
Today we'll cover steps 11-20.
11.-Wipe down bathroom walls and fixtures after bathing or showering.
12.-Wipe down any vanities or sink tops.
13.-Avoid drying clothes by hand drying indoors.
14.-Avoid air drying dishes.
15.-Open blinds, curtains to allow sunlight into premises.
16.-Wipe down floors after any water spillage.
17.-Hang shower curtains within bath while showering.
18-Securely close shower doors, if present, while showering.
19.-Leave bathroom and shower door open after use.
20.-Use dryer to dry wet towels, or hang outside.

Next time we'll cover Steps 21-36.

Create A Better Breathing Environment

What steps can we take to make our indoor environment more healthy for our breathing?
If you can bring in fresh outside air by windows or ERV that would be ideal. If you have your home or office totally controlled by an indoor comfort system (i.e. HVAC system) then there are manual steps you can take to keep the indoor environment clean. For a free copy of  "Sanitation Protocol" send request to rick@rlenvirocare.com
We will cover all 36 over the next couple of weeks:
1.-Keep premises clean and regularly dust, vacuum, and mop.
2.-Install an efficient air purifier in the home to maintain good indoor  air quality and reduce dust. (This should also include IAQ solutions for the HVAC system.)
3.- Use hood vents when cooking, cleaning and dishwashing.
4.-Keep closet doors ajar when possible to increase airflow in the closets or install vented doors.
5.-Avoid excessive amounts of indoor plants.
6.-Use exhaust fans when bathing/ showering.
7.-Leave exhaust fans on long enough to remove moisture from room.
8.-Use ceiling fans.
9.-Water all indoor plants outdoors when possible.
10.-Wipe down any moisture and/ or spillage.

We will cover 11-20 next time.

Curing Those Dirty Coil Blues

Last time we discussed the nasty stuff that can gather on your cooling coil. The impact this can make on your indoor environment are significant. The dirt will block the coil, or gather in the drain pan. If it blocks the coil it affects the air flow and output of the unit. If it gathers and mixes with the natural spores in the air we have a fungus or bacteria "soup" that can spawn great breathing problems or at the very least block the drain.
The first act of prevention is to clean the unit and filter compartment! This can be done by compressed air, shop vac or you may need to call in a professional to tackle the job. We can list various duct cleaning firms that are reputable.
Next install a good filter--at least a pleated one--and change it every 30 days. We can set up an automated system for you as well.
Next time we will cover some more detailed ways of securing your indoor breathing.