Tag: <span>ventilator</span>

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Dear friends, successful design is a relative term. What is good

or successful for me may not be so from your point of view.

But when it comes to interior design, there are certain factors

which are always present no matter what the use of the space is.

Let’s have a look at the bare minimum design factors a space

must have so that it can be called a comfortable and habitable

space.

1) Proportions of the room.

The word “proportions” is always used in the design field. Every

interior space which is being used by humans must be proportionate.

Proportions are extremely important in any design.

Every 3 dimensional object has properties such as length, width and

height. When these 3 are in accordance with the proportions of

various parts of human body we call it a “proportionate” design.

For example a handle of a wardrobe must have dimensions such that

our fingers can hold it properly for effortless and smooth action.

or a chair seat must have enough are so that we can sit comfortably.

Again the type of seating will change the dimensions of the chair.

A chair in waiting lobby of a bank will be different than a sofa.

So proportions play a major role in interior design and furniture

in your bedroom must also follow these rules. The dimensions of

the double bed, it’s height from floor level, height of wardrobe,

dimensions of dressing table, etc…all these matter as far as

function is concerned.

2) Natural light entering the room.

There is no alternative for naturally lit spaces. Sun being the

strongest source of light and also helps to keep the biological

balance of the planet Earth, it is very much necessary in the

interior spaces.

Study shows that natural light can penetrate in an interior space

up to 20 feet (Approx. 7 meters). Using appropriate position for

window opening can easily achieve this.

3) Natural Ventilation

A free and unobstructed flow of air can be a great way to keep

the atmosphere cool and clean in an interior space. This is possible

where bedrooms are located at the corner of the building where 2

sides of the bedrooms have external faces.

Where it is not possible to provide windows on adjacent faces or

opposite faces, a ventilator above the window is used. The concept

behind the ventilator is simple. The lower half the bedroom height is

always used by the habitants. Because of the constant use of this

are the air temperature rises and air becomes light weight.

This hot air rises above and must need an escape. At such times

ventilators above the window openings play a major role of

circulating the flow through the room in an upward direction.

When the lower portion of the room becomes empty fresh air from window

takes its position, thus maintaining a balance.

4) Clear Movement Patterns.

Every bedroom has certain exit points attached to it. Such as

a) Exit to balcony/ terrace.

b) Exit to toilet block/ walk in closet

c) Exit to backyard (if on ground floor)

If we draw an imaginary line from the entry point to all these

exit points, ideally the should not intersect. Since all other

areas are already occupied with furniture, keeping the inside

circulation space clear, helps to achieve a comfortable

space.

5) Good Provision For Inclusion Of Accessories.

Accessories in a bedroom have equal importance. When all other

factors mentioned above are fairly met what remains is the

use of accessories which can make quite a lot of difference in the

comfort level of the habitants.

a) The first and the most important is a good provision of

artificial lighting. This includes basic lighting as well as

special decorative lighting for decorative purposes.

b) Special provision for upholstery and linen. Small details such

as curtain rods, provision for bed canopies can make the room

extra decorative.

c) Use materials that are easy to clean and maintain. For example

if you are using PVC flooring sheets on top of standard tiled flooring,

is it washable? Think of what will happen if your child uses it

as a painting canvas.

The discussion above was an attempt to look for some universal

factor that can affect the comfort level of the users in a bedroom.

Finally the feeling which you get when you use your bedroom is most

important and is a good measure to decide the success factor of

the design project.

However it is important to note that these are not the only factors

that need to be looked upon, but I’m sure these can help as a starting

point for further creative thinking.

I hope this article was informative to everyone.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

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Source by Shrinivas Vaidya

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Although a refrigerator is on the list of the easiest appliances to use, many people end up making costly mistakes in the process. If you make these maintenance mistakes, you may have to pay hundreds of dollars in repairs. Therefore, we have put together this article in order to help you avoid these common fridge maintenance mistakes. Read on to find out more.

Poor Ventilation

Although the temperature inside your fridge is quite low, the unit produces a lot of heat that has to be released. You may have noticed that the air at the backside of your unit is quite warm. If this area is not properly ventilated, your appliance won’t work properly. Apart from this, it may also result in heat accumulation that may reduce the life of your unit significantly.

Damaged Seals

You may have serious problems to deal with if you don’t close a door properly. Similarly, the door seals should be in place. If the door does not close properly or the seals are defective, the temperature inside the unit may stay higher than normal.

As a result, the motor of the appliance will struggle to maintain the temperature inside the unit. This may result in higher wear and tear, which may reduce the life of the appliance significantly. If the door seals have developed cracks, you may want to get the seal replaced as soon as possible.

Overfilling the Cabin

If there is not enough cold air circulation, the food inside the fridge won’t remain cool and fresh. Therefore, it is not a good idea to store too many items inside the cabin. If you do so, it will have a negative impact on the cold air circulation around the food and drinks stored inside.

Apart from this, poor air circulation may disrupt the temperatures inside the unit. Therefore, we suggest that you don’t put too much stuff inside the unit.

Setting the Temperature too Low

Although it may be tempting for you to set the temperature at the lowest settings, experts don’t recommend it. Setting the temperature too low will put a lot of stress on the components of the appliance, especially the motor. Apart from this, you may also want to consider the user manual to make sure you are doing everything right.

Storing Hot Food

It is not a good idea to store hot food in the fridge. What you need to do is allow the food to come to room temperature before putting it inside the unit for storage. What happens is that hot food suddenly elevates the temperature inside the cabin, which may put a lot of strain on the motor. Again, this may cause unnecessary wear and tear on the primary components of the appliance.

Poor Cleaning Habit

Lastly, you may want to clean your refrigerator on a regular basis to make sure it always works without any problems. Apart from this, you may also want to take a closer look at the drainage system. It should not be blocked or you may have some serious problems to deal with. Also, don’t forget to perform the cleaning around the back and sides.

Long story short, this was a description of some of the most common refrigerator maintenance mistakes. If you want to avoid these mistakes, we suggest that you consider the tips given in this article.

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Source by Shalini M

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You might wonder if getting cladding installed is the right thing to do for your home. Cladding has many functions besides being beautiful but do you really know what those functions are?

Cladding is often used on walls and more often on the exterior walls of your house. The material is strong enough to withstand corrosion that is often associated with the wind, sun and salty water of the coastal lines.

Because the technique of cladding has to do with layering many tiles along with adding a gap between the wall and the actual cladding, it acts as insulation for sound that is being carried close to the walls. Instead of the sound waves being carried across the general flat wall the cladding, which has many ridges and depth, will absorb any sound that goes near it.

The sun causes many problems when it comes to your home. It often heats up the roof and ceiling to a point where you can feel it on the inside of your house. The walls also have a role to play in the coolness of your house. Not only does it act as a ventilation system but it also has a thermal system of its own.

Cladding also uses the moisture in the atmosphere to keep the house cool. As it forces the moisture to be released from the inside of the cladding, the movement that is occurring allows the coldness to stay in the wall.

The beauty of this technique is also important for the strength. Since there are layers and different positions in which the paving tiles are installed, it creates an incredible strength with all the forces that are being applied to each other.

Not only does the paving technique benefit you, but it also makes it easier to design a house. There are often many factors you have to think about in the designing process but due to the fact that cladding has so many functions, the complicated factors are already factored in. You will also not have to worry about certain ventilation systems, corrosion damages and maintenance for your house in general.

The idea for cladding is to improve the appearance of your house while adding purpose at the same time. Our homes need so much protection because of the hectic weather conditions we encounter on regular basis.

If you ever think of renovating, make sure to go for cladded walls. Not only will you spend a minimum amount of money but you will also save yourself from future wall damage that you experienced in the past.

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Source by A Carey

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Ammonia emissions are a common by-product of animal waste. These emissions can negatively impact your animal’s health and production. As well, you yourself can be harmed by high levels of ammonia and even low levels can irritate the eyes and lungs. The environment is another concern, as ammonia emissions affect air quality. In fact, ammonia is known to be a greenhouse gas that negatively impacts the Earth by contributing to global warming.

Ammonia is one of the most dangerous gases that is present in the air in barns and stables. It is produced from the decomposition of manure as well as from urine. The protein in an animal’s diet contains nitrogen that is metabolized by their bodies into animal protein such as milk, meat or eggs, however any nitrogen that is not metabolized is excreted in the animal’s urine or feces. It is through the process of decomposition of the manure that ammonia is emitted into the air.

The accumulation of high levels of ammonia in barns and stables can be recognized by the gas’ strong odor. While all livestock operations produce ammonia, the highest levels of ammonia emissions can be found in poultry operations.

The ammonia emitted into the air by agricultural operations can have a very harmful effect on air quality and the environment. In fact, it has been estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that “animal agriculture can be held accountable for fifty to eight-five percent of all man-made ammonia emissions in the United States”.

It is important to control ammonia in order to protect your health as well as the health of your animals and workers. Controlling ammonia will also improve productivity, help to decrease pollution, control odor and slow the greenhouse effect. Manure management and proper ventilation are two steps that you can take to control these emissions. Proper ventilation is very important, as it helps to dilute the ammonia and keeps high levels from accumulating. Along with proper ventilation and manure management many farmers use stall deodorizers to neutralize ammonia and absorb odors and moisture. In fact, by reducing moisture you are controlling ammonia production!

By utilizing these three methods you can help to control ammonia emissions, odor and moisture, providing a safer and healthier atmosphere for you, your animals and your workers. You will reduce the impact that you have on the environment and protect our Earth for further generations to come.

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Source by Melissa HJ

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If all the other factors remain the same, any improvement in the thermal insulation of your house will result in higher surface temperatures and consequently reduce the risk of condensation.

Pitched roofs Installing (or adding) to the insulation on the loft floor is certainly one of the most effective ways of saving money on heating bills. This will avoid condensation on the underside of upper-floor ceilings but may dramatically increase the possibility of condensation in the loft space particularly if the loft hatch and holes down to the house are not well sealed and spaces are not left at the eaves.

Insulating materials such as mineral wool, preferably about 100mm thick, can be laid between the joists. The insulation must be laid evenly between the joists with no gaps and must be taken down to the eaves to cover the wall head, while ensuring that ventilation openings are not blocked.

As improving the insulation of the ceiling will make the roof space colder, the movement of moist air from the house into the roof space must be kept to a minimum. Gaps in the ceiling – around pipes, cables, and so on – must be sealed as well as possible. The roof (loft) hatch should also be sealed and fitted with a catch to prevent movement. As long as you have had no previous serious problems with condensation in your roof space, the above precautions should be sufficient. However, if condensation occurs, you will have to improve the ventilation in the roof space by providing ventilation openings at the caves if they are not already there. Or add roof tile and ridge ventilators and air bricks in gable end walls.

If you insulate your loft, you should also insulate the cold water cistern and all pipes.

Flat roofs (bitumen felt or metal covered)

Although improved insulation may be possible, how it should be done depends on the type of roof. Repair or renewal of existing roofs should be of the over-deck insulated type.

External walls

You can increase the insulation properties of a wall by apply¬ing extra insulation material to the inside or outside surface of the wall or within the wall itself. As a d-i-y task, fitting internal linings is the most practicable. Cavity wall insulation has to be left to specialist contractors (except when building a new house) and insulating the outside of wall involves a considerable number of alterations.

A lightweight lining built on to the inside of a masonry wall produces a surface which warms up and cools down considerably faster than the wall itself -so the temperature of the surface directly in contact with the air is more able to keep in step with the air temperature in the house. This will considerably reduce the risk of condensation if your house is intermittently heated – unoccupied during the day with little or no healing on followed by very large moisture and heat inputs during the early evening.

A plasterboard lining is generally sufficient to prevent surface condensation on a cavity wall but insulating plasterboard is preferable for a solid wall.

When you build on a lightweight wall lining you must provide a vapor cheek to restrict the flow of water vapor through the wall so that condensation within the wall is kept to the minimum. This can be achieved either by using a special vapor check board or by stapling a separate sheet of polythene to the timber battens holding the board to the wall.

You can also improve the condensation resistance of a cavity wall by sticking insulating material directly to the inside surface of the wall. The insulating material can be rolls of thin polystyrene which will warm the wall surface but will add very little to its insulation. A dis¬advantage of thin polystyrene is that it dents easily; more substantial wall insulating material will not only not dent but will add significantly to the insulation of the wall while stopping condensation.

Cold bridges

These occur when the thermal insulation of small areas of a wall is considerably lower than the wall which surrounds them. Typical cold bridges are window lintels and solid columns forming part of a wall. Condensation prob¬lems on cold bridges can seldom, if ever, be satisfactorily prevented by adjusting the heat input, ventilation or moisture production. Remedial treatment is generally necessary.

The easiest way to overcome a cold patch on a wall is to stick insulation over it. Choose a type of insulation which is not permeable to water vapor. It may be possible to hide the insulation in the plaster finish. However, in many instances, techniques similar to those described for improving wall insulation will have to be used to obtain a pleasant and satisfactory wall finish.

Windows Condensation on the glass of single-glazed windows can be overcome by installing double glazing. However, in many eases condensation will still occur on metal window frames. Double glazing at present is barely cost effective as far as fuel saving is concerned, but when window frames have to be replaced then double-glazed windows should be considered.

While double glazing will almost certainly reduce the condensation level on the glazing, it may well increase condensation elsewhere. The reason for this is simple: modern double-glazing systems especially high-performance replacement windows are an extremely effective method of draught proofing and, when used to replace a leaky single-glazed window, may simply move the condensation problem somewhere else, typically a cold outside wall.

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Source by Tauqeer Ul Hassan

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Gas space heaters are always controversial when safety and health comes. But how many of you are aware of its benefits. Accepting something blindly is not fair, rather find out the reasons and then make decisions. Now since winters are approaching, everybody loves staying warm inside at home. One way you can keep your home warm is by using gas space heaters.

These heaters are a good way to keep your home warm in a low cost during winters. They have electronic ignitions or sparkers to light the gas heater. There are majorly 3 types of gas heaters available in the market. They are –

>>Convection Gas Heaters

>>Natural Gas Heaters

>>Propane Gas Heaters

It’s been said it reduces the oxygen content from the room, it’s because you don’t have proper ventilation. External ventilation is really important if you want to use these heaters. There are few companies which guarantee you that it will provide you safety features in which it will interrupt the system completely if any kind of mishaps happen like increase of CO2 (carbon dioxide) even by 1.5% in the room. This gives you surety of safety and health.

This energy efficient appliance saves a lot of money on those electric bills. But if you really want to buy a heater which is efficient and safe, it’s always advisable to buy it from renowned brand and a retailer. You can also look for online shopping options.

Before buying a gas space heater, consider these few safety measures:

>>Be surely that there is nothing flammable or things which catches fires easily near to these heaters.

>>Proper ventilation – This is the major concern of all. A properly installed and with proper ventilation this heater can showcase its actual usability.

>>Keep away your children and pets playing around this appliance.

>>Buy it from a branded retailer or from an online portal, so that you won’t get cheated with an old repaired one. Instead always go for a new branded one.

>>Turn off the product whenever you leave home or when it is not in use.

With these small safety measures you won’t experience any problem with this one. It’s been said if you are looking for a heater to heat a living room or bedroom you should go for propane gas heaters. They are very efficient and safe in use. One more important thing is to choose the heater according to the size of the room. It comes in different sizes and each got its energy consumption rate and how much heat is provided according to the size. This heat is measured in BTU. With these specifications one can choose the product as per the requirement.

With few little measures and precautions, in these coming winters you can opt for the economical way to keep your place warm and cozy.

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Source by Nicolus Cage

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Regular roof maintenance can save you the expensive cost of replacing your roof prematurely. Moreover, having your roof inspected can prevent structural damage to your home, which is usually caused by harsh weather conditions, damaged gutters, and several other factors. With all these benefits, it makes sense to employ the best techniques in keeping your roof in excellent condition while increasing the value of your home.

Effective Ways to Maintain Your Roof’s Quality

The following are some tips that can help you maintain the durability and outstanding quality of your roof.

1. Make it a point to inspect your roof regularly.

During a roof inspection, you can determine if there is a need to replace any missing or loose roofing nails that are likely to cause problems eventually. Furthermore, regular inspection enables you to check for loose shingles or damages on your roof. For this task, you may hire a professional roofer whom you can rely on for a thorough inspection or roof repair whenever necessary.

2. Replace and improve some parts of your roof that need replacement.

In case you have discovered any damages on your roof such as the gutter system and plumbing boots, then you should consider replacing these to prevent serious problems in the future. There may also be a need to re-caulk or seal the chimney flashing, particularly when there are issues in this area of your home.

Other signs that your roof needs repair include leak stains on your ceiling, shingle granules that show up on your driveway or in your gutters, and roof that tends to have a sagging appearance.

3. Ensure proper ventilation to protect your roof from damages.

One of the most important factors in ensuring roof durability is proper ventilation. Poorly-ventilated roofs are prone to several problems, as excessive moisture and heat can cause the shingles to buckle and increase energy consumption. In addition, insufficient ventilation can also cause the sheathing and rafters to rot.

4. Keep the gutters clean and free from debris.

You can maintain your roof’s durability by removing small branches, leaves, moss and vegetation from your gutters. Make sure the downspouts, as well as the downspout extensions, are free from mildew and other debris, so you can assure the proper flow of water from the roof and prevent leaks.

It is also important that you inspect for sagging gutters or broken drain components. If there is a need to repair or replace these parts, then you should act immediately to maintain the excellent function of your drainage system.

Bottom Line

As with any piece of equipment, you cannot expect your roof to perform its functions without regular inspection. These roof maintenance tips can serve as a guide on what should be done, so you can be certain that your roof and drainage system are functioning properly. By regularly checking for problems and replacing any damaged part of your roof, you can avoid inconveniences and massive expenses due to structural damages.

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Source by Nicholas Sayor

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The roof is a business’s first line of defense against the elements. With proper care and maintenance, most systems will last for over 10 years, but damage does happen. Here are some of the most common causes of commercial roof repairs that business owners should look for throughout the year.

Faulty or Damaged Flashing

Metal flashing covers seams and joints to keep water and debris out of the underlayment. When the flashing is damaged or improperly installed, moisture can collect in the materials. Over time, this can lead to leaks inside the building and can cause long-term damage to the structure.

Pooling Water

Many commercial buildings utilize a flat roof system. Though typically durable and easy to maintain, flat options are susceptible to pooling water, especially in spring and winter. When water collects and does not run off the structure, it can speed up deterioration and force the business owner to schedule commercial roof repairs sooner than would otherwise be necessary.

Blow-Offs

Houses can be damaged by intense winds, and commercial structures are no different. During windstorms or extreme gusts, free materials can catch the wind and become detached from the surface. If the wind is strong enough, the materials can blow off the underlayment completely, leaving a portion of the surface unprotected from the elements. Routine commercial roof repairs will keep this risk to a minimum.

Lack of Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of a commercial roofing system. If a business owner schedules periodic inspections as the seasons change or calls a repair professional at the first sign of damage, the system will last for many years. However, if the materials are not maintained properly, they will break down prematurely and require expensive replacement or repairs.

Low-Hanging Branches

While this problem is more common in residential areas, some businesses are subject to damage from low-hanging branches. As trees move in the wind, their branches scrape along the surface of buildings, damaging the materials, siding, and even the seal between the outer roofing materials and the waterproof membrane underneath. Trimming the low-hanging branches back should be enough to keep the materials in good condition.

Poor Ventilation

Roofing systems require good ventilation to protect the building. If there’s too much heat buildup or improper ventilation in the attic space, the structure can become compromised. The glue and sealant can weaken and cause blisters or air bubbles, while also putting undue stress on the attic’s framework.

Age

The older the structure, the more frequently repairs will need to be made. Since areas break down over time, it’s important to schedule routine inspections every year. During these inspections, a roofer will examine the integrity of the materials and recommend the proper course of action to help an older structure last as long as possible. Business owners should note that the system will need to be replaced eventually. Also, if they have to make repair calls several times each month, it may be best to replace the roof entirely.

All business owners should watch for these common signs of damage so they can keep their building as safe as possible.

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Source by Aaliyah Arthur

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Green home remodeling doesn’t just apply to the finished product or the materials used. If you are hiring a remodeling contractor, you should consider how to make the renovation process itself “green.” Here are some steps a green home remodel must include:

Control Potentially Harmful Dust

Dust is an inevitable side effect of remodeling, but it can contain asbestos, lead paint, or other particles you don’t want to inhale. During a remodeling project, remodeling companies must use barriers, such as plastic covering doorways, to contain dust to the renovation area. In addition, they should cover work areas with plastic tarps and wet down surfaces before sanding or scraping. If your house was built before 1978, assume that it contains lead paint and ensure you work with a properly trained contractor.

Provide Proper Ventilation

A green home remodel shouldn’t expel pollutants into your home. Responsible remodelers use exhaust ventilation, such as a fan, that pulls air out of the work area and vents it to the outside. This helps expel dust and other pollutants, and it creates a pressure barrier that prevents pollutants from spreading to other parts of the house. Activities such as installing flooring and carpeting or painting can emit pollutants. Remodelers should provide ventilation during these activities and for at least 72 hours afterward.

Control Radon

Another element of green home remodels involves controlling radon. Radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) is designed to draw radon from the soil and vent it through a pipe to the roof, preventing it from entering the house. The technology is routine and should not add much to a house’s cost. If you are building an addition with a basement, you should ask to include RRNC features.

Use Recycled Materials

Choose recycled glass for beautiful and unique countertops, tiles, and even flooring. Doors and lighting fixtures in a green home remodel are often repurposed flea market finds. Many homeowners like the look of reclaimed weathered wood from old barns and farmhouses for floors or ceiling beams.

Pick Sustainable Materials

A lot of wood used in construction comes from slow-growth forests where it takes a long time to replenish the trees that are cut down. Consider quick-growing bamboo for floor or cabinets in your home’s green remodel. Cork and Eucalyptus are other sustainable flooring materials. You can also choose wood from sustainably managed forests that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Ensure Indoor Air Quality

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can trigger asthma and contribute to other health problems. Carpeting, paint, or wood finishing products are often sources of VOCs. Even if you ventilate during and after installation, emissions can linger. Look for products that have low or no VOCs. Mold can trigger asthma and allergies, so take excessive moisture into account when you plan a green home remodeling project.

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Source by Joaquin Erazo, Jr.

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Do you think that it is the outdoor air that adversely impacts our health? Well, the US Environmental Protection Agency claims that indoor air quality is two to five times more polluted as compared to the outdoor air. There are two major factors that impact indoor atmosphere – air circulation and moisture levels. Keeping these two factors in mind, the American Lung Association (ALA) has listed some Home Air Filtration tips.

Home Air Filtration Tips by the ALA

According to the ALA, the most effective way of maintaining clean and healthy indoor air is to eliminate the sources of air pollution, such as cigarette smoke and chemicals. Here are the other air filtration techniques suggested by ALA:

Regular maintenance of air conditioners or dehumidifiers: Asthma is a leading chronic illness that plagues most American children. The problem is generally triggered by dust particles, and leaks and drips that encourage the growth of mites and molds. Cleaning the AC or dehumidifier filter at least once a month can go a long way in keeping your home free of contaminants.

Proper ventilation: Proper ventilation is a must for improving the indoor air quality. High moisture levels can increase dampness and the growth and spread of mold and mildew, which threaten to damage the walls and furniture as well as health. Even regular household activities, such as cooking, bathing and breathing, produce vapors. Therefore, to keep the humidity level below 50%:

1. Install exhaust fans in bathrooms

2. Remove mold-damaged items

3. Fix all leaks

Air filtration systems: Air cleaning devices help in reducing the tiny airborne particles, thus, lessening indoor air pollution. However, they may not be effective against humidity against heavier pollutant particles. Also, while selecting a home air filtration system, ensure that it does not generate ozone.

Home Air Filtration Systems

There are two types of home filtration systems you can opt for:

Whole-house filters: These systems are efficient but can work with forced heating or cooling devices. Also, whole-house filters function when the HVAC is circulating conditioned air. These filters can efficiently reduce air pollutants at home. There are four kinds of whole-house filters – flat, UV, electronic and extended media.

Portable filters: In case you do not have a heating/cooling system, you can use this variety of filter. They are available in similar versions as the former, but are readily available with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. HEPA filtration can be an excellent choice if clearing allergens is your primary concern.

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Source by Kathleen Chester