Sick Homes = Sick Occupants
THE AIR YOU BREATHE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO US
What occupants of better-insulated homes all have in common are various health-related problems which vary from severe allergies to sinus problems and chronic headaches. Serious breathing problems like asthma will develop among occupants of such homes.
CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES
The four major chemicals affecting indoor air quality are FORMALDEHYDE, TOLUENE, PHENOL, and ETHANOL, all common components of building materials, paints, sealant, furniture, etc... The most frequent symptoms of environmental sensitivity are chronic asthma, headaches, skin problems, and numerous allergic reactions. So far, family doctors have been led to treat symptoms of sick building syndrome. Medication can't solve all problems, especially when it's the home's environment that is sick. Doctors have good intentions but often cannot make the connections with indoor air quality problems as air pollutants are simply not visible.
THE CHANGES ARE EASY
For decades now, we have been treating water problems through the use of water treatment techniques and equipment. The solution is easy. If the home has an indoor air quality problem one needs to treat the source of the problem. Until we do just that, these familiar heath-related problems aren't going to go away on their own. As we service hundreds of homes annually, we find that puffers are becoming a standard to many households occupants. IT'S SCARY!
The real connection between indoor air quality and "sick-bugling syndrome" is the lack of natural ventilation going through homes. By replacing windows and doors with high efficiency options, ventilation is reduced and occupants become more sensitive to allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
As the energy crisis of our times is forcing homeowners to conserve valuable energy by tightening up their homes, the only way around restoring GOOD-HEALTH INDOOR AIR QUALITY is to install an MPIII Heat Recovery Ventilation system.
Humidifiers are not the answer to dry throats, nose bleeds and sinus problems. More humidity indoors will attract viruses, dust mites, and told (mildew) around the home, resulting in more health-related problems.
r&r Air Medics offer complete Indoor Air Quality Control and Improvement. Our services extend from Barrie, Orillia, The Muskokas, North Bay, Sudbury, New Liskeard, Timmins and much more. If you would like to know if we service your area feel free to contact us!
FAQ
This FAQ covers the most frequent questions we have encountered in the past years including the most common misconceptions related to indoor air quality control, poorly regulated industry failures, misleading advertising, basic humidity principles, sick building syndrome among many other important topics. There is an unspoken harmful side of higher energy efficient homes that homeowners should be aware of. We encourage you to read through this FAQ as a first step towards understanding what is required to achieve proper and long-lasting health benefits that fresh indoor air can provide.
Can introducing new windows and doors, higher insulation levels and new furnaces lead to sick occupants? All of these will play a role in sealing in air pollution to much higher levels causing what is known as “sick building syndrome”. When a home is subject to this, occupants will often suffer from multiple health problems.
What is indoor air pollution and how can it change the status of a previously non-toxic home? 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.
Can a home hold 40% humidity over the cold temperature [heating/winter] seasons? This is one of the most common homeowner mistakes/misconceptions. It is impossible for ambient indoor air to hold continuous 40% humidity on a wall or table mount gage as relative humidity will fluctuate according to outside temperatures. The colder temperature the lower 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 will first compromise the buildings envelope (water accumulation) eventually causing significant damage to other structural components, create significant health hazards due to mold/rot and dramatically increase heating bills. *Normal winter humidity levels inside a home: 0 degrees Celcius 35 to 40% humidity -40 degrees Celcius 8 to 10% humidity
Is adding humidity to a home in the winter even necessary? No and don’t let your dry nose fool you. It is 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 humidity of a home gets trapped in the envelop of a home and more specifically at due point inside the walls and attic where it becomes frost leading to condensation, damage of drywall, paint, wallpaper, windows and microbial/mold growth.
Can the chemical off gassing of building materials make your family feel sluggish and sick? Most definitely and particularly those susceptible to environmental allergies, asthma, COPD, lung diseases, breathing disorders, etc.
Can a ventilation system be the answer to sick building house syndrome? It can be the answer, but it needs to be done right with adequate air changes in the design in order to clean the air of pollution. Sadly, 95% of systems in homes are too small and fail to do this.
Can indoor toxins cause the entire family to repeatedly feel sick? Your health depends on several factors but includes the quality of the air you breathe. Considering that most people find themselves indoors, over 90% of the time, it is not a stretch to say your health is a reflection of what you breathe.
What are the common health issues originating from indoor home toxicity creating air pollution? 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 - Constantly blowing your nose - Dry eyes
What are commons indicators of poor indoor air quality? 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
Is my doctor or the family health care system aware of this? 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 a family practitioners or local health units have been practically non-existent. Despite their good intentions, doctors and the health care system are often times reactive instead of preventative. In other words, they are often conditioned to treat already sick patients (sometimes with drugs/pharmaceuticals) as opposed to eliminating root causes of diseases and sickness, continuously overwhelming the health care system.
How do air cleaners compare to ventilation systems? Air cleaners are meant to trap dust particles for a lower count when measured on 0.05-micron laser particle counter. They are 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 remove these systems all the time 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 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.
Why can’t I just open the windows to get my air exchanges? Absolutely opening windows can be an asset during the summer. There are however 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 is important to avoid opening windows during the winter as the water exfiltrating, especially on upper floors will eventually cause glass thermos seal failures and will 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.
Are there other benefits to a ventilation system than those related to good lasting health? 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, walls, avoid 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.
Who should I trust in residential indoor air quality consulting and remediation? Is there a network of “professionals” that should be avoided? It is important to be aware of trade people, especially those in the heating industry who are not trained in understanding homes as a complete system. Health issues caused by poor indoor air quality are without a doubt 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.
Who should we call for diagnosis and remediation of sick building house syndromes? Is there an established proven network? R&R Ventilation Air Medics has over 45 years of air quality expertise and knowledge. With over 5000 successful home ventilation design and installations and an extremely high customer satisfaction rating, our company has grown into a reputable air quality solutions company that people trust.
What warranty do you offer? 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.
What is the lifespan of your ventilation systems? Typical lifespan of our ventilation systems are slightly over 20 years (dependability and durability). Competing low end ventilations systems are lucky to last at most 10 years with constant high maintenance. Most of the time, these inferior products are left unplugged within the first year for many reasons.
How often should these ventilations systems be serviced? These systems should be cleaned on a 10–15-minute service, every 6 months to maintain optimal performance. It is also equally important to follow our guidance with regards to settings (ie. fan speed, continuous operation) to maximise results for a complete healthy living transition of a home.
What is your duct cleaning pricing? 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 full basement starts at $689.00* Larger 2 storey home will typically start at $789.00. A job that is completed properly will give you at least 5 years 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 sanitisation using biodegradable friendly products (ambulance/hospital grade disinfectant). *above prices assume only one furnace and vary according to home’s size and layout. Prices are also subject to change
What is your ventilation/HRV pricing? 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 to 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.
How did R&R Air Medics come to be ventilation system experts? 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 go hand in hand with occupant’s increasing health issues and that proper sized ventilation systems were the answer. It Is 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.
What types of buildings have you worked on? 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.