Health Effects of Good Ventilation and Air Conditioning

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Effects of Good Ventilation

Proper ventilation is the key to improving the quality of indoor air. Ventilation controls airborne contaminants and indoor humidity, which all contribute to adverse health effects. Here are some of the health effects of air conditioning and ventilation. 

Indoor Humidity

A high level of indoor humidity can promote mold growth. The high humidity can be due to poor construction or improvements, poor air circulation, and improper site designs. In fact, P&B Air experts recommend that an acceptable relative humidity target should be between thirty to sixty percent. You can purchase a hygrometer to measure your indoor relative humidity from your local hardware store. 

During cooler climates, limited ventilation can result in excessive moisture. On the contrary, ventilation, air conditioning, and heating appliances can pull indoor warmer, humid air during warmer climates. In such cases, you might need to have a ventilation system that dehumidifies the air to avoid getting exposed to various health problems.

Air Contaminants 

Outdoor Contaminants: particulates can be drawn from outside when cooling or heating systems draw air inside. These allergens and particulates can trigger asthma. HVAC can filter incoming air to remove particulates from the incoming air. Experts recommend using filters to trap smaller particles and allergens, such as dust particles and mold spores. 

Indoor Contaminants: these contaminants include house construction and renovation chemicals, such as glues, emissions from ceilings and upholstery, off-gashing from mats and carpets, and other cleaning compounds. Poor ventilation and incomplete combustion of appliances, such as gas furnaces, stoves, gas water heaters, and boilers, can result in indoor contaminants. 

It would help if you used gas cooking tops with fans to push the exhaust outside. Power-vented systems are necessary to remove exhaust pollutants, and gas-fired heating appliances need to be sealed. Wood-burning stoves also create particulates that can be harmful to the body. 

Reducing Health Risks

Ventilation can help regulate hazardous humidity and air contaminants. Specifically, spot ventilation sucks air from a specific area, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Dilution ventilation will help address indoor-level contamination. You need to install exterior exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to get rid of carbon dioxide and humidity. Fans installed with timers are essential to ensure they do not overrun. 

Dilution ventilation handles the whole living space. It exchanges indoor and outdoor air by combining mechanical and natural ventilation. The process works by filtering particulates and dehumidifying air to remove air. The objective is to change as much air as possible to achieve a healthier environment. 

HVAC Considerations

Do not install an overly large system because it will result in poor air circulation and inefficient humidity removal. Poor dehumidification will promote the growth of molds. The oversized system has short cycles, and it may not be sufficient enough to circulate air inside. 

All said, ventilation and air conditioning can protect the indoor from mold growth and asthma triggers. The indoor environment must be free from excessive moisture and particulates. Air conditioning and ventilation will keep the indoor safe from excessive moisture and hazardous particulates.

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