In our last post we talked about different types of plenums, their benefits, and so forth. Feel free to read about it here to get a better understanding of plenums. Today, we want to discuss some building mistakes that could hinder a plenums performance, but also the health of your home. Unfortunately, a building code is not a construction guide, only a mere standard, so “building to code” still leaves questions on the table.
While most commercial buildings (like offices, schools, and even clinics) have used the ceiling for return air plenums for quite some time, most new residential spaces are starting to follow a similar building pattern. Unfortunately, this practice can be quite unhealthy, as heaven knows what (dust and debris for sure) accumulate there throughout the years, and this area isn’t often thought of when cleaning. Just think about it, when was the last time you cleaned the other side of your ceiling? In addition to the cleanliness aspect, it’s also a rather small space to work in, which makes it even harder to maintain. People think that the filter will do all the work. But when the filter becomes filthy and doesn’t get replaced, it does more harm than good, as it starts contaminating the space instead by circulating toxins it once was trapping.
The health of our lungs is extraordinarily important, and often has a large effect on our well-being as a whole, so pay special attention to the air in your home and keep it clean. People oftentimes don’t think about the construction choices that are made when it comes to the air they breathe, simply because they don’t see it, but if they truly understood the importance (and that a good handful of their symptoms may be caused by poor air quality), they would pay better attention.
Common Building Issues in NY & NJ That Lead to Poor Air Quality
Don’t be naive as the consumer. Hire an inspector or keep the below things in mind when moving into your next home. Don’t be under the illusion that the “building code”, municipal inspectors, or the homeowners association are looking out for your best interest. With that being said, here are some construction practices that lead to the downfall of your air quality:
In-Wall Non-Ducted Returns
They simply don’t work. They struggle to move the needed air back to the furnace, and the furnace in turn ends up pulling air for redistribution from wherever it can, even if it’s bacteria and mold filled.
Having a Combustion Furnace
Let’s put it this way, both the combustion furnace and you want, or rather need, clean air to properly function. And in a match as to who would get more clean air from the same room, it’s probably going to be the furnace. The issue is that combustion furnaces are poorly installed and there’s no fresh air intake, plus the furnace isn’t in an enclosed room, hence it’s going to pull your clean air and give you exhaust fumes instead.
Basement Pink Fiberglass Insulation
It simply shouldn’t be used as insulation in a basement, period. Fiberglass is a great habitat for mold growth, and being that your basement comes in contact with the ground, any water activity (like watering your lawn) can lead to a saturation of the fiberglass, and ultimately mold. Polyurethane is a much better option.
Poor Air Handler/Air Conditioner Practices
One of the most common issues here is improper placement. For example, placing the air handler/air conditioner in the ceiling plenum is not a good idea. This area is typically filled with construction debris, and things like plaster dust, plus pink fiberglass insulation can be close by. The air handler sucks in the particles that are nearby and distributes them to the house. Needless to say, you wouldn’t want fiberglass floating around your living room, as microscopic dust from fiberglass is a probable carcinogen and is typically not caught by the filter. Another poor placement for the air handler/air conditioner is the attic, as there is inevitably going to be condensation since the equipment can’t be properly insulated, which in turn will result in poor air quality.
Protecting Your Indoor Air in NY & NJ
Don’t fall victim to these poor building practices. Know better and do better. Make sure plenums, and any other air units are properly installed and are correctly ventilated. We’ll be happy to help with all your air needs. Whether cleaning, installation, or maintenance, or team has a wide array of skills, so don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll be happy to provide you with a quote, just give us a ring at 888-334-1612
