Indoor Air Quality Reports

Breathe easy with an air quality report from Keller Engineering

Keller Engineering Engineers is your indoor air quality report provider! When you have a property which has been discovered by a Police Authority, and you receive your Order to Comply, we can complete all inspections required for the indoor air quality reports.

We will submit the indoor air quality report to the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority), and provide plumbing, mechanical, life safety, and Ontario Fire Code Compliance. We will also send reports to the local city or municipal officials on your behalf.

Below are a few questions you might have about your home air quality:

What’s impacting my indoor air quality?

• Pets (dander and hair)
• Fabrics that retain dust and debris
• Plants (a source of pollen)
• Casual house cleaning, among others.

So, you probably should be concerned, especially if you or someone in your family has asthma, allergies, or other respiratory sensitivities.

What is an air pollutant made up of?

Air pollutants can be particulate matter (dust), odours, gases, smoke, viruses, or house-dust mites, among others. Chemical or biological contaminants can also be a concern. Some sources are airborne; some are not. Control is difficult, and in some cases, it is impossible or impractical.

Contact Keller Engineering

To learn more about indoor air quality testing, please contact us or schedule an inspection today

Solving Indoor Air Quality Issues with Air Filtration

Air filtration is one way to improve indoor air quality. Various types of freestanding air filters are enjoying great popularity as many people have decided that they are the answer to improving the air quality in their homes (and cars).

But are they the answer? And are they worth the investment?

What You Need To Know About Air Filtration

Types of Air Filtration

First, there are two main types of air filtration: central or local filtration. A central system that filters virtually all of the air in your home is generally more effective than a local or freestanding unit as the ability to affect most or all of the air in your home is much higher.

Central air filtration systems are more effective but also more expensive to install. Such systems are also limited to homes with central heat and/or air-conditioning since a duct system to circulate the air is needed. Most warm air heating systems do include some central filtration. The filters need to be replaced frequently, and the ductwork should be cleaned regularly for optimum performance.

A freestanding air filtration unit can affect only a small, local volume of air, which will then mix with the other air in your home.

Methods of Air Filtration

There are two primary methods of filtration. You can clean the air either mechanically, by filters that trap particles, or electronically, by systems that attract particles on electrically charged plates.

Mechanical filtration results vary according to the quality and condition of the filter. The most effective are HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filters. They are also the most expensive. All filters need to be replaced on a regular basis to maintain optimum air cleaning effectiveness.

The effectiveness of electronic filtration depends on the quality of the unit, as well as the volume of air it can process, and proper maintenance. Some electronic units produce ozone, which is considered by many experts to be an air pollutant that can cause respiratory problems.

Even the best air cleaning devices cannot ensure good air quality. They will not affect pollutants such as gases or viruses. They will have only limited effect on airborne particulate matter, depending on the quality of the filter and how well it is maintained. They will not affect dust mites or similar material that is not airborne.

So, should I buy or install an air filtration system?

If someone in your family suffers from asthma or allergies, the answer may be yes. But realize that you will not be producing pure, contaminant-free air, only improving it.

If no one is suffering from asthma or allergies or if you just want to take a more practical approach to improving the air quality in your home, the list below includes some things you can do that don’t involve buying and maintaining new, often expensive, appliances or equipment.

Note: If you can’t say “I am doing that” or “I will do that” to a majority of the items in the list, buying one of the popular “air cleaners” is not going to do much for you. At best, you will be dealing with the symptom more than the cause and, even then, with only limited effectiveness.

Practical Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality

• Don’t smoke in the house.
• Maintain good ventilation. While maximum energy efficiency depends on a tight home, some outside air is important to maintain good air quality.
• Be sure that cooking equipment is well vented to the outside, and use those fans.
• Be sure that bathrooms have exhaust fans that vent to the outside, and use them.
• Don’t burn candles, incense or anything in the home. Combustion produces contaminants.
• Don’t use a wood stove, fireplace or space heater.
• Be a good housekeeper – vacuum and dust regularly and thoroughly.
• Have your carpets professionally cleaned at least every other year, annually in high-traffic areas.
• If you have warm air heat, have the equipment serviced regularly and change the filters frequently.
• 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.

Home Air Quality Tips

• If the quality of the air in your home is important to you, take SPRING CLEANING seriously.
• Once or twice a year, take the time to do a thorough cleaning of your home. Move the furniture, clean the corners and be thorough.
• If the garage is attached, clean the garage. Keep doormats clean. You can make a big difference in how clean the air is in your home by cleaning.

Contact Keller Engineering

To learn more about indoor air quality, please contact us today at 1-888-940-0571.