All homes breathe during the extreme weather conditions of the region. When outdoor temperatures are low and the wind is blowing, most homes get enough fresh air to be “healthy.” However, it is more accidental than controlled. Here are some guidelines for helping customers achieve the kind of IAQ they want, in a controlled way.

Steve Lauten, president of Total Air & Heat in the suburban Dallas area, seems to focus the company primarily on energy conservation measures such as home efficiency and energy conservation. But intertwined with the company’s systems-based approach is a belief that good IAQ must be part of the result.

With increasing numbers of customers making green and energy-efficient decisions, it’s becoming even more important for HVAC contractors to pay attention to their customers’ air quality. “Adequate fresh air should be an equal priority to energy savings,” said Allen Rathey, president of the Healthy House Institute (HHI).

In one sense, it’s almost comforting to think of radiation as an IAQ problem - a very big one - but whose first line of defense could be a HEPA filter. In another sense, it’s disconcerting to think of its likelihood due to the number of existing nuclear plants. The earthquake-tsunami events in Japan have drawn attention to defense against radiation.

High humidity within homes creates numerous problems. Despite the many home-related humidity issues, there has been little to no measured data available on actual indoor humidity levels in U.S. households. That is why the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded Steven Winter Associates Inc. (SWA) to collect data from homes on interior humidity levels.

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency, the General Services Administration, and the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Veterans Affairs have joined forces to launch the Federal Radon Action Plan. The goal is to reduce exposure to radon and mitigate this public health risk.

Indoor air quality is something that can’t be seen or heard - but it can be measured. And the better the method of measurement, the better the chances of reducing contaminant, allergen, and dust levels in the environment.

HVAC contractors tell their customers there are many reasons for properly maintaining their furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, and add-on equipment. A well-running system is efficient and provides greater comfort while saving on energy costs. It is a no-brainer. But an added bonus is the healthy ramifications.

The first Habitat for Humanity house built as part of the Build Smart, Breathe Easier national asthma education program was dedicated in Detroit.

AtmosAir Solutions, which produces bi-polar ionization indoor air purification products for businesses and homes, has received U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) approval to sell its products to government agencies, including the military.