If you live in an apartment or condominium building, one concern you may know all too well is the fear of poor air quality. You may find the air in your building:
- Dry or stale
- Smokey
- Smelly
- Humid and moist
- Too hot or too cold
- Hard to breathe in
However, it might bring you some comfort to know that some things can be done at an engineering level to improve the indoor air quality of your condo building. In fact, at Keller Engineering Engineers, indoor air quality testing is one of our specialties.
Therefore, if you are suffering, or you are a property manager dealing with indoor air pollution concerns, contact us today!
In addition, there are a few things you can do to support clean and healthy air in your personal condo unit.
1. Never Smoke Inside
It’s important to never smoke inside a condo building, as smoke can travel through vents, and cigarettes can be a fire hazard in share living spaces, as well as other living spaces.
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation
If you’re concerned about your condo building being properly ventilated, contact your property manager and suggest they get in touch with us to perform a thorough indoor air quality audit. We’ll be able to inspect your ventilation systems to determine what can be done to help.
3. Improve Efficiency
While maximum energy efficiency depends on a secure and adequately designed condominium building, some outside air is important to maintain good air quality. To improve efficiency, consider only using air conditioning or heating options when necessary. When possible, air out your unit by opening the windows.
4. Maintain Cooking Station
Be sure that cooking equipment is well-vented to the outside, and use those fans! If you have an issue with your cooking vents, talk to your property manager about your options.
5. Clean Exhaust Fans & Vents
Be sure that bathrooms have exhaust fans that vent to the outside, and use them. Have the ductwork for your heating, air-conditioning, and exhaust fans cleaned at least once every three years, more frequently if you have family members who are especially sensitive to airborne contaminants.
6. Don’t Burn Candles
Don’t burn candles, incense, or anything in the home. Combustion produces contaminants.
7. Don’t Use Space Heaters
Don’t use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater. These heating devices can cause smoke, waste energy, drive your heating costs up, and create a smelly environment that is hard to breathe in.
8. Remove Dust
When dust accumulates over time, allergies can be triggered for various tenants in your building. Be a good housekeeper – vacuum and dust regularly and thoroughly.
9. Clean Carpets Regularly
Have your carpets professionally cleaned at least every other year, annually in high-traffic areas. This will help to reduce pollen, pet, and dust allergens from spreading or being trapped in your home.
10. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Check and test your carbon monoxide alarm each month for ultimate safety. Did you know that 88% of homes contain a carbon monoxide threat? Learn more on the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs website.
11. Buy An Air Purifier
Air purifiers can help to filter pet odours, dander, and more. By limiting pollutants in your condo unit, you’ll be able to breathe easier and live a higher quality of life.
Breathe Easier Today!
To access cleaner air for your condominium, commercial, or residential building, call Keller Engineering today at 1-888-940-0571 to schedule an indoor air quality audit and report. We’ve got the clean air solutions and environmental auditing services you need.