Home Improvement
04/10/24 | Ellie Botshon
How many of us were told, “Get outside for some fresh air!” by a grumpy caretaker when we were kids? It turns out those adults may have been onto something, because in many cases, the air we breathe indoors is decidedly not fresh. More people than ever are working from home these days and are spending about 90% of their time indoors. We at Liz & Ellie Local want to help people feel happy and healthy in their homes, so we’ve put together a FAQ-style guide to ensure that your indoor air quality is the best it can be.
Why is air quality important?
Poor air quality can exacerbate respiratory symptoms and contribute to the development of chronic health conditions over time. Effects can range from itchy eyes, to frequent headaches and asthma, to heart disease and cancer.
Who is most affected by poor air quality?
As with many environmental hazards, children, older adults, those with respiratory conditions, and people living in poverty feel the worst of these effects.
What pollutants may be in my home’s air?
Here are some of the most common pollutants:
How clean is the air am I breathing?
There are a number of ways to evaluate the air inside your home.
How can I improve my home air?
One way is to open your windows. Simply put, if the air inside isn’t fresh, open some windows to get air flowing. If you want more than the natural breeze working for you, think about:
If you live in a more modern, airtight home, you may want to consider a mechanical balanced ventilation system. This is an air exchange system that provides both exhaust and supply ventilation, including a filtration system. The two types of systems are:
In addition to providing fresh air, these ventilation systems also remove contaminants such as our usual human emissions, as well as “off-gas” such as formaldehyde from building materials and furniture. They also remove excess humidity and help prevent mold & mildew in homes; conversely, they can increase the humidity in the home, especially during the cool and dry winter months. They work in tandem with your existing HVAC installation, as well.
What are the drawbacks of mechanical ventilation?
How can I learn more about mechanical ventilation?
Check out this article from the Zero Energy Project to learn more, or contact us!
Achieving clean air in your home is essential for safeguarding your health and enhancing overall well-being. You can create a healthy, comfortable, and inviting living environment to enjoy for years to come. Remember, the air you breathe indoors matters just as much as the air you breathe outdoors. Let's breathe easy and prioritize clean air in our homes for a healthier, happier life.
You may have heard or read about a recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Department of Justice that resulted in several significant changes to how real estate commissions are handled. We’d like to address how we are responding to the settlement, and how changes may affect you.
You may have heard or read about a recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Department of Justice that resulted in several significant changes to how real estate commissions are handled. We’d like to address how we are responding to the settlement, and how changes may affect you.
As urban areas continue to expand and temperatures rise due to climate change, the need for effective shade in cities has become too much to ignore. Cambridge, Somerville and suburban towns have begun the strategic use of trees and canopies. I think these options offer a powerful solution to provide relief from excessive heat and sunlight.
With their complementary communication styles, responsiveness, competence, and ability to truly listen, Ellie and Liz enable their clients to feel at ease throughout any real estate transaction. They would welcome the opportunity to be your next real estate advisors.
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