Home pageInstaller pageMedia Reports Humidex helps maintain indoor air quality
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We all want the air in our homes to be
fresh and healthy. By keeping the air free of pollutants - like toxins
from some cleaning products, cigarette smoke or off-gassing paints - and
by lowering moisture levels that can cause condensation, mold and
mildew, we protect our own health and prevent damage to our homes.
Proper ventilation is especially important in today's well-insulated,
airtight homes. You can achieve effective ventilation in tight, well-insulated homes by installing a Humidex. Mechanical ventilation provides you with a level of control of the flow of fresh air into your home. In fact, all homes built after December 31, 2004, are required by Vermont's Residential Energy Code to have a mechanical ventilation system. The amount of energy used by Humidex is far less than the amount that is wasted in a leaky home. Sick house syndrome with a Humidex The EPA informs us that 6 out of 10 homes and buildings are “sick” meaning they are hazardous to your health to occupy as a result of airborne pollutants. Most people spend well over 90% of their time indoors. In which case, indoor air is going to impact our health far more than outdoor air. According to Scientific American, a baby crawling on the floor inhales the equivalent of four cigarettes a day, and is exposed to a multitude of pollutants, as a result of the out gassing of carpets, molds, mildews, fungi, dust mites, etc. Sick House Syndrome occurs in homes with excess moisture and lack of ventilation. Cold damp basements and crawl spaces nurture mold and contaminants which work their way into the upper levels of the home. Humidex controls moisture and creates ventilation in both basements and crawl spaces. Humidex will create a healthier home environment by improving indoor air quality by expelling gases, toxins, VOC’s and odors. Stagnant air will be replaced by fresh air creating a healthy home and maintain the structural integrity of the home. Humidex is energy efficient and cost less than $5 per month on your utility bill and is maintenance free. Mold spores can travel further than some may think Mold is a problem that can severely affect one's home, and even surrounding structures - which is one more reason to take basic measures like investing in a Humidex. A report by WLTV television in Louisiana tells of one effort by residents of a neighborhood in New Orleans to have the city address an abandoned property with severe mold and other problems. One man told the television station that the mold spores in the empty house next to his property had caused sinus problems resulting in at least 10 doctor visits in the past two years. People with improperly maintained heating and ventilation systems can also see mold spores traveling more easily though their homes. Otherwise, the spores tend to grow in moisture-prone areas like the basement and crawl space. By investing in a Humidex, people can prevent the moisture levels that mold tends to thrive on. Another good strategy is to regularly check the foundation and other parts of the house for water leaks. Taking some early preventive measures can also prevent serious property damage and health issues brought on by an advanced mold problem. Air Quality / Moisture The typical family produces a lot of moisture indoors through washing, showers, cooking, and even breathing. Moisture generally gravitates downwards into lower levels and because it has nowhere to go it will stagnate and saturate the structure.The World Health Organization (WHO) 2009 study states:“Occupants in damp or moldy buildings have up to a 75% greater risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma. Management of indoor moisture requires proper control of temperatures and ventilation to avoid excess humidity, condensation and saturation in materials. Ventilation should be distributed effectively throughout to avoid stagnant air zones.In 2009 the Surgeon General issued a "call to action to promote healthy homes" that stated that the (poor) quality of indoor air "contributes to cancers, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and other illnesses." HUD cites mechanical ventilation as an effective way to reduce indoor air pollution. To help ensure that the inside air is clean and safe. The EPA states: "Unless they are built with means of mechanical ventilation, homes that are designed and constructed to minimize the amount of outdoor air that can "leak" into and out of the home may have higher pollutant levels than other homes."Basements and crawl spaces are primary sources of moisture. When water permeates through the foundation ground and walls, it will condense on these colder surfaces. Cold surfaces in a house will have condensation when warmer, moist air comes into contact with them. This occurs with cold windows in the wintertime and in the moist summer when warm air comes in contact with cold ducts and pipes.Building materials may contain excessive moisture (i.e. damp wood, fresh concrete) all of which need to be dried out. New houses are insulated and sealed so well that no fresh air enters in. When homes do not have proper ventilation, the indoor moisture will stagnate, nurturing mold spores and dust mites, saturate the structure and wreak havoc on your home and health. The damage caused by excess moisture can be extremely extensive and costly.Medical authorities, environmental agencies and home improvement experts agree that unventilated moisture… Poses serious long and short term health risks. Can cause costly, irreparable property damage. Absorbs and retains dangerous pollutants and gases. Creates uncomfortable and undesirable living conditions. With controlled mechanical ventilation as in Humidex, homeowners can be proactive in their approach to protecting their homes and families while enjoying the maintenance free, energy saving, year round benefits for about 10 cents a day.Take a look at some of the dangerous problems that can result from excess moisture and inadequate ventilation: Mold & Musty Odors Structural Damage Biological Pollutants Poor Indoor Air Quality
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