Page 2 - Air Quality Standards

THE EPA is putting Indoor Air Quality at a Priority

Thursday, October 21, 2010 by Tom Ruse

Say what you want about the government and the goodness or badness of "Obama Bucks", the EPA looks like it's spending at least some of our hard earned tax dollars wisely.

Asthma triggers and other respiratory problems associates with indoor air pollution has for years been considered as a big health concern.

Particulate control, maintaining cleaner air and surfaces in the home, proper humidity levels and properly maintained HVAC systems are all good ways to help control the health of your indoor air.

Hopefully the EPA follows through and spends the resources wisely. Read more about their plans.

How much ozone does the aprilaire 5000 produce?

Thursday, September 2, 2010 by Aprilaire Team

Consumer question:

I was reading the most recent CR evaluation on air cleaners and they warn against ozone generation by some cleaners. There was no mention of ozone in your FAQ. How much ozone does the aprilaire 5000 produce?

Aprilaires' response:

Aprilaire shares our customer’s concerns about ozone, and wants to reassure you that our Model 5000 Whole Home Electronic Air Cleaner is not designed to produce a significant amount ozone.

Ozone is produced as a result of many factors, some are man-made and some originate from nature. On any given day in the US, outdoor levels can be as high as 150 ppb. More polluted areas typically have higher outdoor ozone levels because there is a greater concentration of the components that create ground level ozone.

Levels of ozone inside our homes typically range from 10 to 70 percent of the level found outdoors, primarily depending on whether windows and doors are left open. (ref. “Ozone Decay Rates in Residences”, Harvard School of Public Health, Environmental Science and Engineering Program). The reason indoor levels are lower than outdoor levels is because ozone readily reacts with other gases and surfaces.

As a manufacturer we look to government organizations to set the standards as which to develop and produce products by. As such, we offer an air cleaner that produces 2 ppb, well below the established FDA standard of 50 ppb for medical devices and the UL standard to evaluate products for consumer safety.

The high voltage power supply contained in this (and any other) electronic air cleaner produces ozone only as a byproduct of operation; the small amount of ozone generated dissipates by the time clean air filters out and into your home. In addition, the Model 5000 removes particles from the air that have proven by research to be harmful to humans.

There are a select group of people who are sensitive to ozone. For these people, we recommend using the Aprilaire High Efficiency air cleaners Model 4200 or 4400. For everyone else, the Aprilaire Model 5000 is the best air cleaner for your home.

If you have any other questions please contact us at 800-334-6011..

I am looking for a portable dehumidifier because I have FHW heating and cannot use a wholehouse.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Aprilaire Team

Consumer question:

I am looking for a portable because I have FHW heating and cannot use
a wholehouse. But, according to your discussion of advantages/
disadvantages, even your 1710A would not be recommended. Does your
portable meet the same standards as your wholehouse? and if so where I
can I purchase one.

Aprilaires' response:

Thanks for contacting us about your interest in our dehumidifiers. Our whole home dehumidifiers are best used for home that have the proper duct work. You mention that you have forced hot water heat but you do not mention if you have Air Conditioning and if so what type. If you have forced air cooling, you may be able to use a whole home unit. Can you inform me to your A/C situation?

Our 1710A is our portable unit and we recommend it for situations where you need to dehumidify a certain area without the need of ducting. But with the laws of humidity, it is impossible to allow a dehumidifier to only a given space and not effect the surrounding area. For instance, if you were to place our 1710A in your lowest level to help with humidity, you would eventually notice a change in the humidity level in the upper levels because as the air in your lower levels dry out, the humid upper level air will trickle down to the drier parts of the home. This will cause a indirect dehumidification of the whole home. You may notice that the areas furthest from the area being dehumidified are more humid however.

Hopefully, This gives a little more insight to your decision.

Please let us know if we can help you any further. I'd be happy to assist you.

What amount of ozone is generated by the Aprilaire 5000?

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 by Aprilaire Team

Consumer question:

We are building a new home and the HVAC contractor has recommended Aprilaire 5000 as a possible air cleaner because I have allergies. We have had an electronic air cleaner for many years in our current home and have been pleased with it. Newer homes are designed and built tighter, leading to a concern that small amount of ozone which most electronic air cleaners emit is potentially harmful to our health. The latest issue of Consumer Reports of September, 2010, declined to rate electronic air cleaners for that reason. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/air-purifiers/air-purifier-buying-advice/types-of-air-purifiers/electrostatic-precipitators/closeup-electrostatic-precipitator-advice.htm
What amount of ozone is generated by the Aprilaire 5000?

Aprilaires' response:

Thank you for contacting us with regards to our Model 5000 Electronic Air Cleaner. Aprilaire shares our customer’s concerns about ozone, and wants to reassure you that our Model 5000 Whole Home Electronic Air Cleaner is not designed to produce ozone.

Ozone is produced as a result of many factors, some are man-made and some originate from nature. On any given day in the US, outdoor levels can be as high as 150 ppb. More polluted areas typically have higher outdoor ozone levels because there is a greater concentration of the components that create ground level ozone.

Levels of ozone inside our homes typically range from 10 to 70 percent of the level found outdoors, primarily depending on whether windows and doors are left open. (ref. “Ozone Decay Rates in Residences”, Harvard School of Public Health, Environmental Science and Engineering Program). The reason indoor levels are lower than outdoor levels is because ozone readily reacts with other gases and surfaces.

As a manufacturer we look to government organizations to set the standards as which to develop and produce products by. As such, we offer an air cleaner that produces 2 ppb, well below the established FDA standard of 50 ppb for medical devices and the UL standard to evaluate products for consumer safety.

The high voltage power supply contained in this (and any other) electronic air cleaner produces ozone only as a byproduct of operation; the small amount of ozone generated dissipates by the time clean air filters out and into your home. In addition, the Model 5000 removes particles from the air that have proven by research to be harmful to humans.

There are a select group of people who are sensitive to ozone. For these people, we recommend using the Aprilaire High Efficiency air cleaners Model 4200 or 4400. For everyone else, the Aprilaire Model 5000 is the best air cleaner for your home.

The Model 5000 and ozone?

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 by Aprilaire Team

Comment submitted on the consumer blog:

I was shocked to read the Consumer Reports story on the ozone generated by the Aprilaire 5000. If the machine only produces 2 PPB, why hasn't this information been given to CR?

Aprilaires' response:

Consumer Reports is an independent testing agency that performs unbiased testing of products. As a result they do not consult with us or any manufacturer on the performance of products so their results may remain unbiased. This is why we were unable to inform them of the amount of ozone generated by our Aprilaire model 5000 air cleaner.

Since whole-home product installations are out of the question, here’s one convenient trick that may help improve the indoor air you breathe everyday: house plants.

Thursday, July 29, 2010 by Aprilaire Team

As the new college intern beginning my summer with Research Products-Aprilaire, I had little to no idea what IAQ even stood for. Only after a couple weeks did I learn the importance of keeping home air clean and safe. It’s true that most college students and young adults could care less about the air quality in their low-rent homes. Since whole-home product installations are out of the question, here’s one convenient trick that may help improve the indoor air you breathe everyday: house plants. Plants remain the most simple and organic way to purify your air. Those of you like me who have little cash to spend on home air improvement can quickly and affordably improve your air by purchasing a few house plants. Besides making your home look nice and well-cared for, plants do a fine job at removing VOC’s and other allergy causing toxins in your home. Some recommended plants include: Aloe, snake plant, golden pothos, chrysanthemum, weeping fig, azalea, English ivy, Chinese evergreen and warneck dracaena. If you rent and aren’t quite sure what air purifying system is in your residence, I recommend visiting a nursery and picking up a few house plants!

I have a slight formeldahyde problem in a manufactured home it is 1700sq ft. Would this 8100 ventilation system work for me and if so how long after installation should I wait to have my air retested?

Thursday, July 22, 2010 by Aprilaire Team

Consumer question:

I have a slight formeldahyde problem in a manufactured home it is 1700sq ft. I had my air tested and it came back with a .12 ppm I am below government standards however I would like to reduce the level. Would this 8100 ventilation system work for me and if so how long after installation should I wait to have my air retested?

Aprilaires' response:

Our model 8100 moves 120 CFM. In an hour we can move 7200 CFH. Based on your home being 1700 sq. ft the model 8100 will provide .50 air change per hour(based on 8 ft ceiling height). Formaldehyde off gases from a variety of products. Exactly how long it will take to exhaust the formaldehyde is difficult to answer. We suggest you run your model 8100 24/7 in an effort to reduce the formaldehyde as quickly as possible.

What is your suggestion for ventaltion in an installation for a home with two HVAC units in the attic?

Thursday, July 15, 2010 by Aprilaire Team

Consumer question:

What is your suggestion for ventaltion in an installation for a home with two HVAC units in the attic? Can I use just one Aprilaire 8126 unit and control somehow?

Aprilaires' response:

Thank you for contacting us with regards to our Aprilaire Model 8126 Ventilation Control System. This system is designed for use with just one HVAC system. It will ensure that your home receives the proper amount of fresh air each hour to meet ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation requirements. Calculations are done based on distance between the HVAC system and the fresh air intake, the measured air flow resistance and type of duct used. A fresh air delivery rate can be calculated and then compared to the volume of air required to meet the ASHRAE standard. If the delivery rate exceeds the required air, one system can be used. If the requirement exceeds the delivery rate, more than one system will be needed.

Zoning and Stats, oh my!

Monday, June 28, 2010 by Aprilaire Team

We need to use the 8870 thermostats to work with our automation system, but we also need them to work with a dampering system in our home. Our second and third floor run off the same unit.

How can this be done?

Aprilaires' response:

Based on the information provided, you're referring to a zoned system. A Zone Control Board ties multiple thermostat inputs into a common location and forwards the heating/cooling/fan call. It also controls dampers for each zone so that when a mode is requested, any non-calling zone closes, directing that air flow only to the floors that need it. Our thermostats work as any standard thermostat would in terms of equipment control, they simply add another level of communication so that a home automation system has access.

Does the Aprilaire 5000 generate ozone? What is the MeRV rating of the Aprilaire 5000?

Friday, June 25, 2010 by Aprilaire Team

Blog question:

Does the Aprilaire 5000 generate ozone? What is the MeRV rating of the Aprilaire 5000?

Aprilaires' response:

Thank you for contacting us.

Aprilaire shares our customer’s concerns about ozone, and wants to reassure you that our Model 5000 Whole Home Electronic Air Cleaner is not designed to produce ozone.

Ozone is produced as a result of many factors, some are man-made and some originate from nature. On any given day in the US, outdoor levels can be as high as 150 ppb. More polluted areas typically have higher outdoor ozone levels because there is a greater concentration of the components that create ground level ozone.

Levels of ozone inside our homes typically range from 10 to 70 percent of the level found outdoors, primarily depending on whether windows and doors are left open. (ref. “Ozone Decay Rates in Residences”, Harvard School of Public Health, Environmental Science and Engineering Program). The reason indoor levels are lower than outdoor levels is because ozone readily reacts with other gases and surfaces.

As a manufacturer we look to government organizations to set the standards as which to develop and produce products by. As such, we offer an air cleaner that produces 2 ppb, well below the established FDA standard of 50 ppb for medical devices and the UL standard to evaluate products for consumer safety.

The high voltage power supply contained in this (and any other) electronic air cleaner produces ozone only as a byproduct of operation; the small amount of ozone generated dissipates by the time clean air filters out and into your home. In addition, the Model 5000 removes particles from the air that have proven by research to be harmful to humans.

Unfortunately the Model 5000 does not have an actual MERV rating. The reason is because the MERV test is performed with a carbon-like dust. As we all know, carbon cannot and does not conduct electricity. If we were to perform a MERV test on the Model 5000, the carbon dust would cause the unit to short out and not operate properly.

Therefore, we conducted our own MERV-like test in our facilities by using a synthetic dust. The results show that the Model 5000 Electronic Air Cleaner can be compared to a MERV 16.

Wet Weather

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 by Tom Ruse

Below is and interesting article about the wet weather and enjoying the outdoors.

To better enjoy indoors in damp, sticky weather, make sure your a/c is tuned and dehumidfying adequately. Adding a large-capacity dehumdifier can help......

Wet Weather Means More Mosquitoes
Avoiding bites and enjoying the outdoors

Madison, WI, Wednesday, June 22, 2010 — The mosquito season in Dane County started this past May but mosquito activity has been relatively low until now. Recent rainfall has spurred the emergence of a extra large crop of pesky mosquitoes that are causing problems in many parts of Dane County. The majority of the mosquitoes that are pestering us are the floodwater mosquitoes, which generally don’t carry disease such as West Nile virus but can be a significant deterrent to our enjoyment of the many outdoor activities in Madison and Dane County.

The best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites is by keeping mosquitoes out of your house, wearing long pants and long sleeves while outside, and using a repellant that contains Deet, Picaridin (KBR3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The US Environmental Protection Agency has a new tool to help pick the repellent that may work best for you. The tool can be found at:

http://cfpub. epa.gov/oppref/ insect/index. cfm#searchform

While we cannot completely exclude mosquitoes from our outdoor activities, you can reduce their presence by eliminating standing water on your property that can provide excellent locations for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. These small stagnant water sources around our homes are especially attractive to the Culex mosquitoes that are most likely to be carrying West Nile virus in our area. To decrease your chances of being a mosquito nursery:

·         Clean out clogged rain gutters,
·         Change the water in birdbaths, wading pools, and pet water dishes every three to four days,
·         Properly dispose of old tires, see the Recyclopedia<http://www.cityofmadison.com/ streets/pdfs/ Recyclopedia2005 .pdf> for more information.
·          Make sure that items on your property (boats, pool covers, pots, bird baths, etc) do not hold water for more than 3 – 4 days.

For more information on what works and what doesn’t work to keep the mosquitoes at bay, visit the UW Integrated Mosquito Management website at:

http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/ mosquitosite/ topicalrepel. html

Our house is too well insulated, the AC hardly runs and it's about 60% humidity in the house. Which Aprilaire dehumidifier unit would you recommend?

Monday, June 21, 2010 by Aprilaire Team

Question submitted to Aprilaire:

We have a new home almost 10,000 sq ft of living space. The house is too well insulated, the AC hardly runs and it's about 60% humidity in the house. Which unit would you recommend and how much electricity do they use? Will we need a dedicated electric line?

Aprilaires' response:

Thank you for contacting us with regards to our Model 1770A Dehumidifier. Based on the size of your home, you will likely need more than one unit. The 1770A requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit at 120v. It's capable of handling up to 7400 sq ft assuming a standard 8' ceiling height. Taller rooms will need to be recalculated to determine an equivalent square footage. Please review this document for more information.

Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Friday, June 18, 2010 by Justin Randall

“There’s always ways to improve your indoor air quality”…that’s the title of this article and it’s the truth. From using non toxic cleaning agents in your house to having an Aprilaire whole home air cleaner installed and everything in between; insuring clean, healthy air in your home requires a series of simple changes, but the payoff is huge. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The first wealth is health.”

USGBC LEED Program Criticized-Lack of IAQ

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 by Justin Randall

For a home to be green and healthy not only does it have to be energy efficient, but it also NEEDS to address indoor air quality. The LEED certification, the leading green certification program in the U.S., has come under attack by industry experts who claim that getting a LEED certification doesn't ensure a healthy environment. Read the article where LEED buildings are dubbed "killing machines" due to there inadequate air quality control. Most newer houses need to have air quality products installed to insure a healthy environment; check out Aprilaire.com for more information.

Ducting a humidifier into the living space, will the Model 350 Aprilaire Humdifier work?

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 by Aprilaire Team

Consumer question submitted to Aprilaire:

Can Air Humidifier Model 350 be connected by ducting to living space? What
standard size ducting can be used? Does model have an integrated
blower? If not, please recommend a blower or air handler.

Aprilaires' response:

Yes, the model 350 humidifier is ducted into the living space. Typically, this unit is mounted in the basement, on the ceiling, in the rafters of the basement. It has an internal fan that draws in the air to be humidified, then expels the air into the duct that sends the humidified air into the living space. Usually this is on the main floor level, through a wall.

The ducting comes out of the humidifier, goes up into the ceiling of the basement, (floor of the main floor) and goes into a wall. It will then vent out of the wall, at floor level, on the main floor, in the living space.

The duct from the humidifier that exhausts the humidified air is seven inches.

Poor IAQ Can Be Deadly?

Thursday, May 6, 2010 by Justin Randall

A Canadian family’s poor indoor air quality almost led to tragedy. This article is prime and extreme example of how poor indoor air quality can lead to oodles of health problems not excluding death. According to the EPA “In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.”

Further, there are many studies done by accredited agencies that have proven that poor indoor air quality can lead to poor health. Poor IAQ can increase the risk of developing asthma and other illnesses and diseases, especially in young and elderly people.

It is important to have the proper ventilation, air filtration and humidity in your home to make it healthy. Your local Aprilaire contractor is a great source to help you determine if your home lacks any of the above mentioned aspects of IAQ.

State of the Air 2010

Friday, April 30, 2010 by Justin Randall

The American Lung Association released it’s annual “State of the Air” report for 2010. Although there is some good news the nation’s air is still a major health issue. The ALA states “that over 175 million people—roughly 58 percent—still suffer pollution levels that are too often dangerous to breathe”.

There are things you can do to help improve the outdoor air quality…go to the ALA website to find out how.

Americans spend most of their time indoors so insuring the air in your home is clean is especially important and even more so if you live in an area with high air pollution. The best way to remove pollution from your homes air is by having an Aprilaire Whole Home Air Cleaner installed. Find out what the air is like where you live.

Indoor Air In Newer Homes Can Be Unhealthy

Friday, April 16, 2010 by Justin Randall

The importance of proper ventilation, filtration and humidification in our homes is more important then ever. The Portland Press Herald takes an interesting look at how new innovations in building materials can sometimes have serious effects on our health. A good example of this is about 100 years ago asbestos was used in building materials; another example is the use of lead paint.

Most of the innovations and improvements to building materials and process have a significantly positive effect to the comfort and efficiency of modern homes, but on the other hand there can be negative effects too. New homes are much “tighter” then older homes which means less of the hot or cold air from outside is allowed to get in subsequently reducing energy usage. On the other hand a negative to this is that the air inside can become highly polluted because there’s no fresh air, so new homes often require mechanical ventilation.

Even the newest homes can be unhealthy. The best thing to do is educate yourself about indoor air quality and take action to insure your home has proper filtration, ventilation and humidification. To learn more about IAQ go to www.Aprilaire.com and visit the EPA’s website.

Aprilaire Dehumidifiers Make Spring More Pleasant

Thursday, April 15, 2010 by Dennie Plomedahl

Did you hear that? Birds chirping, the pitter patter of rain drops as they fall on the roof, and children playing outside again. These are all the pleasant sounds of spring. What about the unpleasant sounds of spring? One of them is that humming noise from the basement. Yes, it's your sump pump. All that extra water from melting snow and spring rain needs to be removed before it ruins your home. What about the water you can't see? The high levels of relative humidity (RH) that create musty smells and leaves you feeling cold and clammy need to be controlled as well.

Aprilaire to the rescue
A whole-house dehumidifier from Aprilaire is your solution to the unpleasant sounds of spring. It works in conjunction with your home’s HVAC system to control moisture throughout your entire home. Unlike portable dehumidifiers that sit in your living room and make lots of noise, an Aprilaire dehumidifier is tucked away and works quietly. The only thing you'll notice is fresh air and comfort.

Call you local Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your whole-house dehumidifier today. This indoor air quality (IAQ) expert will recommend the Aprilaire model that best meets your needs, along with other quality IAQ products that can improve your health and comfort.

Aprilaire - Bringing pleasure to all the sounds of spring!

Invest Your Tax Return With Aprilaire

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 by Dennie Plomedahl

The income tax filing deadline is almost here. Have you thought about what you're going to do with your refund yet? If investing it is on the top of your priority list, investing in the health of your family and home with a purchase of quality indoor air quality (IAQ) products from Aprilaire is a wise decision.

Aprilaire pays dividends on your health and home
Aprilaire has a full line of IAQ products to ensure your family remains healthy, comfortable, and protected every season of the year including products like thermostats and whole-house air cleaners that ensure your home has the cleanest air at the temperature you desire. Whole-house humidifiers protect you and your home from excess dryness that can cause dry, cracked skin, static electricity, shrinking and cracking woodwork and more. Whole-house dehumidifiers take out the excess moisture and protect your home from that mold and mildew.

Don't wait for that refund check! Call your Aprilaire dealer and schedule an appointment with your local IAQ expert today and find out how you can invest your health and comfort.

Aprilaire - the best investment in your health!

Air Quality Standards