Three Ways To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am.  Have your most pressing home improvement quandaries addressed by calling or texting 651-461-9226.  Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus shared on 1.21.23.  

Those in the Wisconsin and Minnesota may not think much about their home’s indoor air quality (IAQ).  It’s important to know that poor indoor quality can lead to many issues including:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation
• Cancer
• Asthma

If you’re questioning how clean the air is in your home, here are three upgrades you should consider making.

1. A Bath Fan Install

A bathroom exhaust fan will remove excess moisture, humidity, pollutants, and odors.  An exhaust bath fan also removes condensation from walls and mirrors.  The bath fan exhaust size should take into consideration the size of the space and the number of plumbing fixtures.

How To Tell If A Bathroom Fan Vent Is Clogged

A bathroom fan can become clogged with dust.  Bathroom fan loudness is often the first sign.  To be sure, turn the bathroom fan on, and hold a piece of toilet paper up to it.  The bath fan installation should suck the toilet paper up to it.  If the paper falls, it’s a sign the bathroom exhaust fan is not removing any humidity.

What’s The Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan For Humidity?

A Panasonic Whisper fan is a favorite among homeowners for its energy efficiency and quietness.  Many homeowners opt to include a bathroom fan timer with their installation so that the fan does not run longer than 15 minutes after a shower.

2. Installing & Running A Range Hood

Not all states have building codes that dictate that kitchen exhaust must be present. The absence of a kitchen exhaust fan can cause exposure to:

• Carbon Dioxide
• Formaldehyde
• Nitrogen Dioxide

Repeated exposure to these toxins can increase the likelihood of asthma and allergies.

Considerations Before Buying A Kitchen Range Hood

When possible, steer clear of duct-free range hood systems.  They circulate air through the home, rather than sending it outdoors.  Be sure to invest in a range hood that’s the appropriate size.  Too small of an exhaust hood won’t be able to filter out all the fumes produced.

Bonus Read: A Guide To Shopping For Range Hoods

3. Home Insulation Upgrades After Attic Animal Infestation

Attic insulation acts as a giant filter and is a major contributor to a home’s air quality.  Animal entry to your attic through your home’s soffits can spell real trouble.  Common attic animals can include squirrels, raccoons, mice, and bats.  The winter months are particularly hazardous because the stack effect is often present.  The attic ventilation stack effect will draw air from your attic to your basement.  This circulation promotes the inhalation of toxic chemicals found in animal fecal matter.  The most dangerous is bat guano which dries and converts to a powdery substance.  Inhalation can lead to lung infections and even death.

Insulation Contractor Services After Animal Attic Clean-Up

After the attic infestation cleanup has occurred, all new attic insulation should be installed.  In Wisconsin and Minnesota, the goal should be to get to R-60 in the attic.  The best way to achieve this is by applying two to four inches of spray foam after the old insulation is removed.  A spray foam insulation contractor can attic air seal areas where heat loss can occur.  These can include:

• False Soffits
• Attic Access Door
• Can Lights

After this, the insulation contractor can blow-in cellulose insulation.  Unlike fiberglass insulation, cellulose has a fire retardant that deters rodents.  Cellulose does not experience the same movement that fiberglass insulation does.  While cellulose insulation may settle over time, the crust it develops restricts air movement.  This creates a more energy efficient space.

Bonus Read: Four Reasons to Shy Away from Fiberglass Insulation

Watch A Home Insulation Project:

Trusted Local Experts Since 1979

For over 40 years, we’ve been helping Wisconsin and Minnesota residents improve their home’s energy efficiency and air quality.  We offer home insulation and ventilation services.  Contact us to learn more or request your complimentary estimate today.