‍Importance of Air Quality

Both during fire events and every day, it is important to monitor our indoor air quality for a healthy and comfortable living environment. Poor indoor air quality can result in compromised health and structural damage to your home. This section offers action items to create healthier and happier indoor spaces.

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Threats to Indoor Air Quality

• Humidity and Moisture
• Mold
• Cleaning Products 
• Unregulated Ventilation (biological contaminants
• Wildfire Smoke
• Volatile Inorganic Compounds (VOCs)
• Combustion Pollutants

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Wildfires 

During wildfire season, the air can contain gases and fine particles from burned organic materials. The smoke can infiltrate your home through openings like windows, doors, and ventilation systems. Breathing in large amounts of smoke can lead to health risks, especially if they get into your eyes and respiratory system. That’s why it’s important to proactively implement strategies and ventilation mechanisms that protect your air quality.

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Enhancing Indoor Air Quality Through Electrification

Integrating electric HVAC systems and heat pumps with advanced air filtration systems (HEPA air filters) can significantly improve your air quality. Heat pumps will efficiently circulate your air without allowing new pollutants to enter. Combined with HVAC and filtration systems, they will synergistically reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality.

Strategies for Improving Indoor Air Quality

• Sealing the Building Envelope
• Efficient Air Filtration Systems
• MechanicalVentilation Systems
• Monitor Indoor Air Quality
• Upgrading to an Induction Stove
• Reduce Pollutants 
• Regular HVAC and Air Purifity Maintenance

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Sealing Gaps and Cracks

Seal your home’s cracks and gaps to reduce the amount of pollutants and allergens that enter your home through outdoor air. This will improve your indoor air quality, increase efficiency, extend the life of your ventilation systems, and increase the comfort of your home. 

Upgrading Insulation

High-quality insulation acts as a barrier against pollutants, allergens, and moisture by sealing cracks and gaps that pollutants can enter from and preventing mold growth that negatively impacts respiratory health.

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Air Filtration Systems

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air)Filters

HEPA Portable Air Cleaners, also known as air filters, effectively remove tiny particulate matter (PM)  2.5 microns and smaller. These ultrafine particles are a harmful byproduct of wildfire smoke and can have serious health effects. 

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Most HEPA  filters come with replaceable carbon pre-filters that remove:

•  Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, acrolein, and formaldehyde, are present in wildfire smoke and can cause headaches, scratchy throats, upset stomachs, and stinging eyes. 
• Larger Particles: Pre-filters capture larger particles like pollen. 

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If you already have a central HVAC system, make sure that it’s fitted with the correct type and size and replace it on time to maintain optimal performance. You can purchase portable filters or an insert for your existing HVAC system as long as the filter is rated at least a 13 on the MERV scale, which measures a filter's ability to capture large particles. Change out this filter during non-wildfire smoke times since it takes additional energy to push air through a tighter filter. For more information on filtration during wildfire season, visit MontanaWildfireSmoke.org.

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Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical Ventilation Systems like Heat Recovery Ventilators or Energy Recovery Ventilators exchange indoor and outdoor air very efficiently. Consider if a device like this would fit within your budget and make sense for your home. Excessive humidity can result in mold growth, structural damage, and health concerns. Consider this when choosing the best ventilation system for your home.

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Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)

• Transfers Heat (not humidity) between indoor and outdoor air
• Improves air quality without impacting indoor humidity levels
• Good for cold climates or homes that manage humidity with other systems.

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Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)

• Exchanges heat and humidity between indoor and outdoor air
• Regulates indoor humidity levels and reduces winter dryness and summer humidity
• Good for humid climates and cold, dry climates

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The Effect of Moisture on Indoor Air Quality

Homes with poor moisture control, excess humidity and susceptible to mold growth, structural damage, and health problems. Choosing the right ventilation system for your climate and proper maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing filters, will protect your home and improve your indoor air quality.

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Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index measures the health and quality of indoor air. 

Good (0-50)

Moderate (51-100)

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150)

Unhealthy (151 -200)

Very Unhealthy (201-300)

Hazardous (301 to 500)

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Gas Stove vs Induction

Gas stoves often contribute to poor indoor air quality by emitting nitrogen dioxide at a far higher rate than induction cooktops and may also admit carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. 

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Switching from a gas stove to an induction cooktop can significantly improve air quality by reducing pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), which are byproducts of natural gas combustion. Implementing an induction cooktop will not only improve your air quality but also decrease your home’s carbon footprint and energy costs. 

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Induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to generate heat, which provides a precise, efficient cooking experience without the emissions that can cause health issues correlated to poor air quality. Additionally, according to Consumer Reports, induction cooktops are easier to clean, provide better temperature control, and boil water 20-40% faster than traditional gas stoves. Induction is the safer option that saves you money, time, and energy.

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Reducing Pollutants 

Choose low VOC(volatile organic compounds) and VOC-free products minimize the amount of harmful chemicals you’re exposed to and reduce the likelihood of developing health issues like headaches and respiratory problems. By choosing products and materials that don’t contain VOCs, you can improve your home’s air quality. 

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Monitoring Indoor Air Quality

Install smart air quality monitors for 24-hour access to indoor air quality measurements. These monitors can display the amount of indoor pollutants and can detect elevated levels of CO2, VOCs, particulates, and other harmful chemicals so that you can take prompt action.

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Maintenance and Cleaning

Regularly clean surfaces and floors that accumulate dust, allergens, and mold buildups, and use vacuums with HEPA filters to effectively remove particulates for improved air quality and a cleaner home.

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