Question 1

Can a Home Hold 40% Humidity over the Cold Temperature [Heating/Winter] Seasons?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common homeowner mistakes/misconceptions. It’s impossible for ambient indoor air to hold continuous 40% humidity on a wall or table mount gauge, as relative humidity will fluctuate according to outside temperatures. The colder the temperature, the lower the reading. Only a break in the weather will allow humidity indoors to flex mildly upwards.*

In fact, trying to do so will gradually destroy the building structure. It’ll first compromise the building's envelope (water accumulation), eventually causing significant damage to other structural components. This will also create significant health hazards due to mold/rot and dramatically increase heating bills.

*Normal winter humidity levels inside a home:
0 degrees Celsius, 35 to 40% humidity
-40 degrees Celsius, 8 to 10% humidity

Question 2

Is Adding Humidity to a Home in the Winter Even Necessary?

Accepted Answer

No, and don’t let your dry nose fool you! It’s important to understand how indoor moisture works during the heating season. Know that a family of 4 occupants produces an average of 135 to 150 litres of water per week from breathing, cooking, showering, etc. Pets and plants also contribute, as does the water table the home sits on. There are multiple, often overlooked yet significant sources of humidity.

This humidity is a moisture lost by conduction; like heat loss from hot to cold. Heat loss occurs when the humidity of a home gets trapped in the envelope of a home and more specifically at the due point inside the walls and attic where it becomes frost. This frost leads to condensation, damage to drywall, paint, wallpaper, windows and microbial/mold growth.

Question 3

Can the Chemical off Gassing of Building Materials Make Your Family Feel Sluggish and Sick?

Accepted Answer

Most definitely, and particularly for those susceptible to environmental allergies, asthma, COPD, lung diseases, breathing disorders, etc.

Question 4

Can a Ventilation System Be the Answer to Sick Building House Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

It can be the answer, but it needs to be done right, with adequate air changes in the design to clean the air of pollution. Sadly, 95% of systems in homes are too small and fail to do this.

Question 5

Can Indoor Toxins Cause the Entire Family to Repeatedly Feel Sick?

Accepted Answer

Your health depends on several factors, but it includes the quality of the air you breathe. Considering that most people find themselves indoors over 90% of the time, it’s not a stretch to say your health is a reflection of what you breathe.

Question 6

What Are the Common Health Issues Originating from Indoor Home Toxicity Creating Air Pollution?

Accepted Answer

The most common health issues include:

Ear Infections (Especially with Children)
Sinus Infections That Call for Surgery
Frequent Nose Bleeds
Tightness in the Chest
Eye and Throat Irritation
Extreme Dryness of Skin, Mouth, Throat, Eyes, Etc.
Bacterial Infections
Asthma Attacks
Persistent/Insatiable Thirst
Extreme Dry Throat
Constant Nose Blowing
Dry Eyes

Question 7

What Are Common Indicators of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Accepted Answer

The most common indicators include:

Piles of Used Kleenex, Water Bottle and Ointments by the Bedside
Frequent Trips to the ER and Drug Stores for Short-Term “Relief”
Rescue Inhalers and Puffers
Frequent Allergy Shots

Question 8

Is My Doctor or the Family Healthcare System Aware of This?

Accepted Answer

Despite having resolved multiple health issues stemming from poor indoor air quality throughout our 45 years of business and the overwhelming evidence of sick building house syndrome, referrals from family practitioners or local health units have been practically non-existent.

Despite their good intentions, doctors and the healthcare system are oftentimes reactive instead of preventative. In other words, they’re often conditioned to treat already sick patients (sometimes with drugs/pharmaceuticals) instead of eliminating root causes of diseases and sickness, continuously overwhelming the healthcare system.

Question 9

How Do Air Cleaners Compare to Ventilation Systems?

Accepted Answer

Air cleaners are meant to trap dust particles for a lower count when measured on a 0.05-micron laser particle counter. They’re more like a small dust collector. On their own, they do not provide enough.

As for ventilation systems, we would argue that as much as 90% of installed systems are undersized for proper and complete home detox. We frequently remove these systems and upgrade them to our properly sized systems that can do the job right.

Our MPIII Air Medics brand is different because our sizing is always based on proper whole house detox. Sizing is based on the square footage of a home, so naturally larger homes with attached garages need to be accounted for. A system for a garage is also important.

Question 10

Why Can’t I Just Open the Windows to Get My Air Exchanges?

Accepted Answer

Opening windows can absolutely be an asset during the summer. However, there are problems during summer with cooler basements that build up mold and mustiness. People with allergies don’t handle basement apartments very well. We’ve witnessed many basement tenants suffer from major congestion, phlegm, sluggishness, and general malaise. Proper basement ventilation, through an adequately sized ventilation system, addresses these issues.

Never open basement windows during the summer, as more outside humidity will enter and react with the cold concrete, resulting in more mustiness and mold.

It’s critical to avoid opening windows during the winter, as the water exfiltrating, especially on upper floors, will eventually cause glass thermos seal failures. They’ll also wreck window cranks and seals, as they tend to freeze when opened and require a lot of force to shut, which isn’t recommended. It would also drive a heating bill through the roof.

Thankfully, our ventilation systems are high efficiency (95%) heat recovery ventilators. Our customers are often thanking us for lowering overall operating costs, including heating/cooling loads and costs in all seasons.

Question 11

Are There Other Benefits to a Ventilation System than Those Related to Good Lasting Health?

Accepted Answer

We cannot emphasize enough that benefits are only achieved with properly sized and dependable ventilation systems. Our products and design can offer lower operating costs by preventing both surface and concealed condensation like wet frosted attics and walls, avoiding drywall nail pops and repairs.

Most homeowners don’t realise that wet insulation loses as much as 40% of its R-Value. Trust us, we know how to keep your insulation dry and efficient! Homeowners will avoid wet windows, condensation repairs, and so much more.

Question 12

Who Should I Trust in Residential Indoor Air Quality Consulting and Remediation? Is There a Network of “Professionals” That Should Be Avoided?

Accepted Answer

It’s important to be aware of trade people, especially those in the heating industry who aren’t trained in understanding homes as a complete system. Health issues caused by poor indoor air quality are undoubtedly due to undersized ventilation systems that “meet” the minimal requirements of the building code, which mandated ventilation systems in new construction since January 2017.

Unfortunately, they approve minimal ventilation requirements, which leads to many problems. When questioned, they don’t have answers but like to lead homeowners into purchasing and installing furnace humidifiers, which is wrong.

Question 13

Who Should We Call for Diagnosis and Remediation of Sick Building House Syndrome? Is There an Established, Proven Network?

Accepted Answer

R&R Air Medics has over 45 years of air quality expertise and knowledge. With over 5000 successful home ventilation designs and installations as well as an extremely high customer satisfaction rating, our company has grown into a reputable air quality solutions company that people trust.

Question 14

What Warranty Do You Offer?

Accepted Answer

Our MPIII Mold Protech 195/300 DCS has a 5-year product warranty. Reviews and testimonials reflect very high customer satisfaction on their investments in our products and services.

Question 15

What Is the Lifespan of Your Ventilation Systems?

Accepted Answer

The typical lifespan of our ventilation systems is slightly over 20 years (dependability and durability). Competing low-end ventilation systems are lucky to last at most 10 years with constant high maintenance. Generally, these inferior products are left unplugged within the first year for many reasons.

Question 16

How Often Should These Ventilation Systems Be Serviced?

Accepted Answer

These systems should be cleaned on a 10–15-minute service, every 6 months to maintain optimal performance. It’s also equally important to follow our guidance regarding settings (i.e. fan speed, continuous operation) to maximize results for a complete healthy-living transition of a home.

Question 17

What Is Your Duct Cleaning Pricing?

Accepted Answer

Most companies rush a 1-pass process, whereas we perform a 3-pass cleaning process to make sure the work is done right.

The price for an average-sized bungalow with a full basement starts at $689.00*

Larger 2-storey homes will typically start at $789.00.

A job that’s completed properly will give you at least 5 years of leeway before your next duct cleaning is required. Know and beware of the difference when the price looks too good to be true. 1-pass processes could require yearly duct cleaning work.

Optional $80.00 duct cleaning sanitization using biodegradable friendly products (ambulance/hospital-grade disinfectant).

*Above prices assume only one furnace and vary according to the home’s size and layout. Prices are also subject to change.

Question 18

What Is Your Ventilation/HRV Pricing?

Accepted Answer

Ideal for smaller homes that are 1000 square feet or less with attached garages, we offer a smaller 195 DCS system at $5995.00*

As for homes between 1000 and 3000 square feet (including basement), we recommend our 300 DCS system priced at $6595.00*. Larger homes may require double systems.

For comparison, low-end single cores that are proven undependable are installed in the range of $5000.00 and more.

*These prices reflect furnace duct system integration design and do not include taxes. Prices are also subject to change.

Question 19

How Did R&R Air Medics Come to Be Ventilation System Experts?

Accepted Answer

Since starting our company in 1978, our insulation division and experience in energy conservation has led to understanding the home as a system. It didn’t take long to understand that home deterioration goes hand in hand with an occupant’s increasing health issues and that proper sized ventilation systems were the answer.

It’s important to remember that fresh clean air inside a home needs to be provided by a properly designed ventilation system and according to the tightness of renovated or newly built homes to prevent home toxicity health effects.

Question 20

What Types of Buildings Have You Worked On?

Accepted Answer

We have serviced many different industries and buildings including but not limited to: residential homes, offices, schools (over 100 individual classrooms), sports venues, dental offices, animal shelters and dog kennels, churches, cottages, attached and detached garages, lofts over horse boarding stable, barns, car washes, military bases and government buildings, chiropractic offices, post offices, old age senior and retirement homes, hair dressing shops, medical clinics and nursing stations.

Question 21

Can Introducing New Windows and Doors, Higher Insulation Levels and New Furnaces Lead to Sick Occupants?

Accepted Answer

All of these will play a role in sealing in air pollution to much higher levels, causing what’s known as “sick building syndrome”. When a home is subject to this, occupants will often suffer from multiple health problems.

Question 22

What Is Indoor Air Pollution, and How Can It Change the Status of a Previously Non-toxic Home?

Accepted Answer

When fresh air is prevented from entering the home, especially throughout the heating season, occupants become vulnerable to home toxicity or chemical sensitivities from the off gassing of the building materials, which contaminates the air of your home.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can a Home Hold 40% Humidity over the Cold Temperature [Heating/Winter] Seasons?

Is Adding Humidity to a Home in the Winter Even Necessary?

Can the Chemical off Gassing of Building Materials Make Your Family Feel Sluggish and Sick?

Can a Ventilation System Be the Answer to Sick Building House Syndrome?

Can Indoor Toxins Cause the Entire Family to Repeatedly Feel Sick?

What Are the Common Health Issues Originating from Indoor Home Toxicity Creating Air Pollution?

What Are Common Indicators of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Is My Doctor or the Family Healthcare System Aware of This?

How Do Air Cleaners Compare to Ventilation Systems?

Why Can’t I Just Open the Windows to Get My Air Exchanges?

Are There Other Benefits to a Ventilation System than Those Related to Good Lasting Health?

Who Should I Trust in Residential Indoor Air Quality Consulting and Remediation? Is There a Network of “Professionals” That Should Be Avoided?

Who Should We Call for Diagnosis and Remediation of Sick Building House Syndrome? Is There an Established, Proven Network?

What Warranty Do You Offer?

What Is the Lifespan of Your Ventilation Systems?

How Often Should These Ventilation Systems Be Serviced?

What Is Your Duct Cleaning Pricing?

What Is Your Ventilation/HRV Pricing?

How Did R&R Air Medics Come to Be Ventilation System Experts?

What Types of Buildings Have You Worked On?

Can Introducing New Windows and Doors, Higher Insulation Levels and New Furnaces Lead to Sick Occupants?

What Is Indoor Air Pollution, and How Can It Change the Status of a Previously Non-toxic Home?

Still have questions?
Get in touch with R&R Air Medics today!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can a Home Hold 40% Humidity over the Cold Temperature [Heating/Winter] Seasons?

Is Adding Humidity to a Home in the Winter Even Necessary?

Can the Chemical off Gassing of Building Materials Make Your Family Feel Sluggish and Sick?

Can a Ventilation System Be the Answer to Sick Building House Syndrome?

Can Indoor Toxins Cause the Entire Family to Repeatedly Feel Sick?

What Are the Common Health Issues Originating from Indoor Home Toxicity Creating Air Pollution?

What Are Common Indicators of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Is My Doctor or the Family Healthcare System Aware of This?

How Do Air Cleaners Compare to Ventilation Systems?

Why Can’t I Just Open the Windows to Get My Air Exchanges?

Are There Other Benefits to a Ventilation System than Those Related to Good Lasting Health?

Who Should I Trust in Residential Indoor Air Quality Consulting and Remediation? Is There a Network of “Professionals” That Should Be Avoided?

Who Should We Call for Diagnosis and Remediation of Sick Building House Syndrome? Is There an Established, Proven Network?

What Warranty Do You Offer?

What Is the Lifespan of Your Ventilation Systems?

How Often Should These Ventilation Systems Be Serviced?

What Is Your Duct Cleaning Pricing?

What Is Your Ventilation/HRV Pricing?

How Did R&R Air Medics Come to Be Ventilation System Experts?

What Types of Buildings Have You Worked On?

Can Introducing New Windows and Doors, Higher Insulation Levels and New Furnaces Lead to Sick Occupants?

What Is Indoor Air Pollution, and How Can It Change the Status of a Previously Non-toxic Home?

Still have questions? Get in touch with R&R Air Medics today!

Still have questions?
Get in touch with R&R Air Medics today!