AirGuard AirWaves - October

10 tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint by improving indoor air quality

Take action against climate change

Climate change, largely a result of greenhouse gases trapping heat in the atmosphere, is causing extreme weather events, including heat waves, droughts, floods and wildfires. It is also causing sea levels to rise, threatening coastal communities.

And?your carbon footprint is (partly, just partly) to blame in that it represents the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted as a result of your activities. So by reducing your carbon footprint, you can do your (little) bit to mitigate the effects of climate change!

The role of indoor air in climate change prevention

We all know that improving IAQ benefits your health and well-being, but did you know that it can reduce your carbon footprint? Taking steps to reduce indoor air pollution can reduce the number of pollutants released into the environment, and it can actually reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home. So what to do?

1. Reduce your reliance on air conditioning. Air conditioning is a major energy hog, so it's important to use it sparingly. Instead of cranking up the AC, try opening windows and doors to let fresh air in.
2. Invest in energy-efficient appliances. When it's time to replace your old appliances, make sure to choose energy-efficient models.
3. Seal air leaks around your windows, doors, and other openings to improve your home's energy efficiency and IAQ.
4. Ventilate your home regularly. Ventilation is important for removing indoor air pollutants. Open windows and doors whenever possible, and use exhaust fans to remove pollutants from your kitchen and bathroom.
5. Use natural cleaning products, which are safe for people and the environment. Using them can prevent exposure to harsh chemicals that can pollute indoor air.
6. Avoid using tobacco products indoors. Tobacco smoke is a major indoor air pollutant. If you or someone in your household smokes, do it outdoors.
7. Install an air purifier. Air purifiers can remove pollutants from the air, including allergens, dust mites and smoke. Choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter for best results.
8. Use plants to clean the air. Some plants, such as the snake plant and spider plant, are known for their ability to clean the air.
9. Take care of your pets. Pets can shed dander and other allergens that can pollute. Brush your pets regularly and keep their bedding clean.
10. Invest in a comprehensive Indoor Air Management System.

The good news is that we now have the technology and resources to prevent the worst effects of climate change - but we must act now, and each of us can reduce our carbon footprint by acting responsibly. We must act now to protect our planet and our future.

Keep an eye on your humidity levels to prevent mould outbreaks

As we all know, mould is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces and can even be associated with structural damage to buildings. It can cause a variety of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections.

Relative humidity (RH) levels play a key role in mould growth. Keeping the RH level in your home below 60% will go a long way to prevent it spreading - although mould can start to grow at RH levels as low as 60%, it grows best when RH is above 70%.

The above data taken from a client's premises by AirGuard's smart sensors detected high levels of RH. We were able to react in time and solve an increasing mould issue, so ensuring a safe working environment. The moral of the story is: without real-time RH data and analysis, mould growth is challenging and the problem may get out of hand.

What to do if you find mould in your apartment or office

• Identify and remove the source of moisture. This may involve repairing a leak or fixing a drainage problem.

• Clean the mouldy surface. You can use a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water to clean mouldy surfaces. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when cleaning mould.

Dry the area thoroughly. After cleaning the mouldy surface, dry it thoroughly with a fan or dehumidifier.

Choosing the right air purifier for your needs

Air purifiers can be a great way to improve the air quality in your home, but with so many different models on the market, it is hard to know which one to choose. Here are a few things to consider when selecting an air purifier.

• Room size: Air purifiers are rated for specific room sizes, so it's important to choose one that's right for your space. One that is too small won't clean the room effectively, whilst one that is too big will be "overkill" and waste energy (and probably not look good in the room). If you see CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) mentioned, that will give you a good idea as to how quickly it will clean your room: the higher the CADR rating, the faster the air purifier will clean the air.??

• Air quality concerns: What types of air pollutants are you most concerned about? If you have allergies, you'll want an air purifier with a HEPA filter that effectively removes allergens and other small particles from the air. If you live in a city with high levels of air pollution, you should consider a carbon filter to remove gases and odours such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide. Some air purifiers even use a combination of HEPA and carbon filters for optimum performance.

• Noise level: Choose an air purifier with multiple fan speeds so as to adjust airflow as needed, but bear in mind that some models can be quite noisy. So look for an air purifier with a noise level of 50 decibels or less at higher speeds so as to operate comfortably in your home or office.

• Energy efficiency: Air purifiers can use a significant amount of energy, so it's important to choose an energy-efficient model. Look for one with an Energy Star rating to ensure it's energy efficient.

• Price: Air purifiers can range in price from a few hundred US dollars to over a thousand. It's important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don't overspend.

• Warranty: As always, read the warranty before you make your purchase to ensure you're protected in case of any malfunction.

Once you've considered all of these factors, you can start shopping! Be sure to read reviews of different models before you make a purchase. This will help you to narrow down your choices and find the most suitable one to improve the air quality in your home or office and do so economically.