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i.a.q. terms and definitions

IAQ books imageIAQ books linkindoor air quality (IAQ):There are many diverse definitions of the term "Indoor Air Quality". The EPA terms it as "air quality within and around buildings ... as it relates to the health and comfort of building's occupants". ASHRAE defines it as "air in which there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations as determined by cognizant authorities and with which a substantial majority (80% or more) of the people exposed do not express dissatisfaction". A common definition would be: indoor air conditions that include humidity, temperature, air exchange and air filtration as it relates to the building's occupants' health. Other adverse effects, that affects each individual differently (hypersensitivity), would include, but not limited to; chemicals (VOCs), allergens, mold, ozone, dust/dirt, viruses, and living organisms.
IAQ air filtration imageIAQ air filtration linkmerv rating:(abbr. for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) An engineering standard rating for filtration. MERV ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 20 (highest). A MERV rating correlates to the percentages of contaminant particles a filter can capture. For example, a MERV 16 filter can trap 95% of contaminant particles. MERV 6 or higher is recommended for residential applications. (see MERV Rating Chart for more details)
air purifier imageair purifier linkwashable air filters:Air filters composed of a synthetic material or an aluminum, fiberglass or nylon woven mesh that can be washed with water or vacuumed and reused. Washing with water consists of spraying or hosing filter with water. A mild cleaner can be used in the process. Allow filter to dry or remove excess water by shaking out droplets and patting filter with absorbent towel. Caution: aluminum mesh can be very sharp. Some washable filters can be cleaned in a dishwasher. Check packaging instructions or with manufacturer or seller.
IAQ monitors imageIAQ monitors linkvolatile organic compounds (VOC):Compounds that become a gas at room temperature. Common sources include housekeeping and maintenance products.
allergy solutions imageallergy solutions linkallergens:A substance that causes an allergic reaction. Pet dander and pollen are examples of allergens.
custom air filters imagecustom air filters linkcustom air filters:An air filter that has been sized to properly fit in a system's filter rack or return vent housing. A filter should never have any gaps that dirt could pass by and into the indoor unit
dehumidifier imagedehumidifier linkdehumidification:To decrease moisture from the air in a space. A portable dehumidifier removes moisture and exhausts the drier air back into the same space. This accelerates the dehumidification process because the drier air is recirculated. An air conditioning system dehumidifies the air as it passes through the indoor (evaporator) coil, but at a slower rate because it transfers the heat to the outside coil (condenser). Air conditioning systems are controlled by temperature and not humidity. Spaces that tend to be constantly moist will need its own dehumidifier.
duct cleaning imageduct cleaning linkantimicrobial:Applied substance that kills microbial growth. Can (but not always) be associated with a disinfectant or sanitizer.
IAQ HRV imageIAQ ERV linkair exchanger:Defined as a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) and Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), these systems bring in a percentage of outdoor air and exhaust a percentage of indoor air. The exchanged air is transferred to the HVAC system connected to it. In the heat mode, a HRV uses the indoor air to heat a small exchanger. The outside cold air is conditioned before entering the HVAC system. An ERV does the same as a HRV except it also acts a humidifier in the winter and a dehumidifier in the summer. The percentage of humidity it transfers depends on your climate and the amount of humidity being drawn into the system. Check with the seller or manufacturer to find out what system would be ideal for your area.
germicidal uv bulbs imagegermicidal bulbs linkmicron:(also called micrometer) The millionth part of a meter.
HEPA filters imageHEPA filters linkhepa filtration:(abbr. for High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) Term for a type of filter that must remove 99.97% of contaminant particles 0.3 microns or greater that pass through it.
humidifier imagehumidifier linkhumidifier:In HVAC terms, this is a unit that is installed on an HVAC system to increase moisture in the air. A properly installed and sized humidifier will effectively increase and maintain humidity levels during the heating season. Every unit should be controlled by a humidistat. An initial humidistat setting should be about 38%-42%. If you notice water droplets forming on your windows, the humidity level should be lowered. If the air starts getting drier, the levels needs to be raised until you find the right percentage for your comfort level. Every humidifier needs to be checked for proper operation at the beginning of each heating season.
mold remediation imagemold remediation linkmold spores:Microscopic, multi-celled organisms that grow in an environment with a constant source of moisture. Mold spores undergo chemical reactions as they grow that cause fumes to be released. Airborne mold spores can cause severe allergic reactions and other sinus and respiratory illnesses.
ultraviolet sanitizer imageultraviolet sanitizer linkparticles:Substances measuring less than 100 microns in diameter.
ULPA filters imageULPA Filters linkulpa filtration:(abbr. for Ultra Low Penetration Air) Term for a type of filter that must remove 99.99% of contaminant particles 0.1 microns or greater that pass through it.
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Go to the indoor air quality index here. Search faster using our direct links

indoor air quality direct-link index

air cleaner parts imageair cleaner parts linkair cleaner / air purifier replacement parts
IAQ purifiers imageIAQ purifiers linkair purifiers (portable) and accessories
IAQ monitors imageIAQ monitors linkair quality monitors and meters
allergy relief imageallegy relief linkallergy solutions and relief products
custom air filters imagecustom air filters linkcustom sized air filters
dehumidifier imagedehumidifier linkdehumidifiers
duct cleaning imageduct cleaning linkduct cleaning equipment and supplies
IAQ air recovery imageIAQ air exchanger linkenergy recovery ventilators / air exchanger systems
uv bulbs imageuv bulbs linkgermicidal (uv) replacement bulbs
hepa filters imagehepa filter linkhepa air filters
humidifier imagehumidifier linkhumidifiers
mold remediation imagemold remediation linkmold remediation products
ultraviolet units imageportable ultraviolet units linkportable, ultraviolet air sanitizers
ulpa filters imageulpa filters linkulpa air filters
When it comes to your indoor air quality, do the research and ask questions. You'll be happier and healthier you did.
go to indoor air quality direct links