ARTICLES

Keeping Your Home Healthy

What indoor air quality has to say about your health.


Did you know that there is a good chance the air quality inside your home is poor? The Environmental Protection Agency reports that air quality inside a home can be 10 times worse than outdoors. And it’s gotten worse over the past 15 or so years, in terms of mold spores, dust particles, chemicals and volatile organic compounds.

The health of the home is something that needs to be taken care of, says Russ Donnici, president of Mechanical Air Service. If you have allergies or asthma, this is particularly important, as formaldehyde, mold and dust can aggravate existing health conditions. Exposure to formaldehyde, found in building materials, paints, and finishes, has been shown to cause asthma.

Mechanical Air has certified inspectors that can examine the condition of the air quality in your home and make recommendations based on that information. A wide range of solutions is available to the homeowner. One that is simple and has a high return on investment is having the air ducts in your HVAC system cleaned, says Russ.

Another possible option is pressure testing of the duct system and sealing leaks. A leaky HVAC system not only wastes energy, but also can suck in contaminants from under the house and other places. A high-efficiency air filtration system can significantly increase the amount of mold spores and dust filtered out of the air as well as save energy.

Ultraviolet light systems are also of great interest, as they can kill mold spores, bacteria, and viruses; they’ve been shown to be particularly effective for those with mold allergies. New building codes require air conditioning systems to bring a small amount of fresh air into the home to dilute contaminants, providing a health effect.

Mechanical Air is a second-generation, six time national award winning company based in north San Jose. The vast majority of their clients come from referrals and they pride themselves on their quick turnaround, skilled technicians, and valued service in the Bay Area community. They are a great resource for handling the crucial issue of keeping you healthy and well inside your home.

For more information and all your heating and air conditioning needs and questions, please contact Mechanical Air Service at (800) 913-HVAC(4822) or visit their website, www.mechanicalairservice.com.