If you think air pollution is just an “outdoor problem” and doesn’t directly concern you, think again. Studies have estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time at home indoors. That’s reason enough to be concerned about IAQ (indoor air quality).

    And while it may not come as a surprise that in the workplace we are exposed to hundreds of airborne toxic chemicals every day from carpets, furniture, walls, laser printers and copiers etc, it can be unsettling to realize that according to a five-year study by the EPA, hazardous pollutants are typically many times more concentrated indoors in our homes, than in the workplace or outdoors.

     Over the years, we’ve addressed the importance of IAQ on our website and in our newsletters more times than any other subject except direct heating and cooling systems. Here are just a few of them that you may review in the event you missed them:

	We Care About Your Air
	Indoor Air Quality
	What Is A "Climatemakers Total Comfort System?"
	08/07/07 Indoor Air What? Part IV: The Solution (Finding the right air purifier for you).
	07/24/07 Indoor Air What? (Part III: The facts you need to know)
	07/10/07 Indoor Air What? (Part II: The qualities of air)
	03/08/04 What is "indoor" air pollution? (Part II)
	02/24/04 What is "indoor" air pollution? (Part I)
Here Are Some Physical Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality:
	•	Eye, Nose, Throat Irritation
	•	Fever
	•	Fatigue
	•	Dizziness and Headaches
	•	Confusion
	•	Impaired Vision and Coordination
	•	Muscle Weakness
	•	Allergic Reactions
	•	Shortness of Breath
	•	Chronic Respiratory Conditions
	•	Increased Asthmatic Episodes
	•	Nausea
	•	Digestive Problems

     Many groups of people are especially susceptible to the health effects of indoor pollutants. These include infants; the very young; pregnant women; the elderly; and those with allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments. Learning how to control a home’s environment is especially important for managing these and other health complications associated with poor air quality in their homes.

     The Environmental Protection Agency also lists poor indoor air quality as the fourth largest environmental threat to our country. I.e., that one of every seven (42.6 million) people are estimated to be living with hay fever and/or asthma.

     What Then, Is Good Indoor Air Quality? Good indoor air quality is a healthy indoor environment where the surroundings contribute to productivity, comfort, a sense of well being and good health.  When the indoor air is free from significant levels of odors, dust, contaminants, and fcirculates to prevent stuffiness, but not so much that it creates drafts, the building is said to have good indoor air quality.  There are many benefits to good indoor air quality; the most obvious is the health of the occupants.

Your HVAC system can help you maintain good indoor air quality and comfort 3 ways:
	1.	Correctly sizing both the air conditioner and furnace and/or heat pump will not only provide better air quality and comfort, but also save you money on the initial purchase cost and your monthly energy bills.
	2.	Air cleaners offer an effective way to remove up to 98.7 percent of the particles - dust, pollens, pet dander, plant spores, fungi, bacteria, tobacco smoke, etc. - from the air that passes through the home.
	3.	Ultraviolet (UV) Air Treatment Systems, is probably the least known to most people. These shortwave lights, similar to those used in hospitals, laboratories and commercial kitchens, are easy to add to your existing heating and cooling system. They zap mold spores and certain live, airborne bacteria passing by the lamp to prevent them from being re-circulated into your home's air.

     Although the words "photo-catalytic oxidation" is not a household word, it is not a new process as it is similar to the process used by the Department of Defense to combat germ warfare.

     What is new is the availability of this process for residential use. Combining natures’ most powerful air purifiers (ultraviolet light, titanium dioxide catalyst, and hydroxyl radicals) the Lennox PureAir™ and the Trane CleanEffects systems are optimal air quality solutions for central heating and cooling systems.

     This Lennox Industry exclusive air purification technology is the only single system to attack all three classes of indoor contaminants:

              (1)   Particles (pollen, dust mites, pet dander).
              (2)   Bioaerosols (bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi).
              (3)   Odors/Chemical (cooking smells, tobacco smoke, pet odors).

     Trane Clean Effects has the removal of up to 99.98% of particles and allergens from your filtered indoor air. An industry-leading clean air delivery rate of 1,200. Low operating costs, with no replacement filters to buy.

     Every day, every member of your family takes between 25,000 to 30,000 breaths …containing millions of particles of dust, pollen, mildew, animal dander, lint, fungus, smoke and bacteria etc…Humans can go 30 days without food…seven days without water…but only two minutes without air. Breathing is not an option… Breathing clean air is!

     Don’t miss the next installment of “Climatemakers’ Circle of Comfort”. In the meantime, if you need more information on air cleaners or any other questions pertaining to HVAC systems or service, visit our 350+ page website (www.climatemakers.com) or call (757.468.5800) or email (comfort@climatemakers.com) to contact one of our very knowledgeable design representatives. There is no obligation, of course.

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