You should live and breathe easy in your own home
Article published in Northampton Living
(March 2022)
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
ERIC SALUS
Home Inspection
Fermata Home Services
+1 413 883 7338
eric@fermatainspections.com
fermatainspections.com
Living under the Covid cloud for over two years has left many of us with an overwhelming existential question: Is it safe to breathe? It’s a question most acutely felt in public spaces where the uncertainty over safety protocols, inconsistency of mask adherence, and unknown vaccination compliance is at the fore. But I believe it is a question to be addressed in our own homes where we have the opportunity to actively improve the air quality and our daily wellness.
Start with the premise that it’s winter in New England, then ask yourself how your home is conditioned. No matter the energy source, the air in your home is primarily heated through convection. Baseboard and standing radiators transfer cool air from below and pass warm air to the room. If the radiator fins or body are clogged with dust, dander and debris, the air is heated less effectively and may carry allergens or pollutants. So, be sure to inspect these areas and use the brush attachment on your vacuum to keep them clean.
Furnaces, heat pumps, and mini-split air handlers move convective heat through your home with the assistance of a fan. These devices are equipped with a filter cabinet or housing, and it is important that you maintain correctly sized and oriented filters on a scheduled basis. Failure to do so not only reduces the efficiency of your heating system and raises energy costs, but can also negatively affect the air quality of your home. Unconditioned air can circumvent the filter if the housing is not properly sealed; gaskets, magnetic flaps or even tape can prevent contaminants from entering the system. Filters are not all created equally, and range from disposable fiberglass to permanent electrostatic or high efficiency pleated designs. Look for the greatest MERV value to get the best air quality, and understand that even “permanent” filters need to be washed regularly and often replaced after five to eight years.
If you have a ducted system, the plenum should also be inspected and cleaned every three to five years. Depending on the size of your household or if you live with pets, it may be wise to consider more frequent maintenance. A quick glance at your floor or ceiling registers with a flashlight should tell you if it’s time.
One final consideration is the moisture level in your home. This is ideally maintained between 30-60%, but any reading over 50% has the potential to encourage mold growth. A digital hygrometer is an inexpensive tool you may consider acquiring to verify moisture levels, but condensation on windows or horizontal surfaces is a telltale sign of concern. Bathrooms, kitchens and basements are especially prone to elevated humidity, and should be mechanically ventilated or dehumidified. But winter air is extremely dry, so don’t hesitate to crack the window if this is your only option.
Know that despite an ongoing pandemic, you have some control over the quality of air in your own home. Keep it safe, and breathe easy.
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