Healthy Home Solutions
We are Christchurch's Residential Heat Pump Specialists
When we think about air pollution, our minds often drift to images of smog-filled skies and traffic jams. However, the quality of the air inside our homes and offices is just as crucial, if not more so, for our health and wellbeing.
In Christchurch, a city known for its beautiful landscapes and clean environment, it's easy to overlook the importance of indoor air quality—yet, with the right knowledge and tools, you can ensure that the air you breathe indoors is as fresh and clean as possible. Here are some practical tips for improving air quality from our expert team.
Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air within buildings, particularly as it relates to the health and comfort of the people inside. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, from minor irritations like dry eyes and headaches to more severe respiratory problems and chronic conditions such as asthma. Common indoor air pollutants include:
Particulate matter: Dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Biological contaminants: Mould, bacteria, and viruses.
Chemical pollutants: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products, paints, and building materials.
Carbon monoxide and radon: Dangerous gases that can seep into homes from the ground or fuel-burning appliances.
In Christchurch, where seasonal changes can really affect air quality, it's essential to be proactive in managing these pollutants.
How can you tell if your home's indoor air quality needs improvement? Here are some warning signs:
Musty odours: A persistent damp smell could indicate mould growth.
Frequent dust: Dust accumulation can be a sign of poor ventilation and increased levels of dust mites.
Respiratory problems: If allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues seem worse indoors, poor air quality could be the culprit.
Headaches and dizziness: Frequent headaches or dizziness without a clear cause could be related to poor air quality.
Use Air Purifiers
Portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can be an excellent addition to your home, especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time, like bedrooms and living areas. These devices can significantly reduce allergens and airborne particles, contributing to a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.
One of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality is by installing a heat pump. Ensure that your heat pump and other HVAC systems are regularly serviced and cleaned, and replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer to keep the system running efficiently and effectively.
Install Home Ventilation
New Zealand homes are getting more air tight than ever. As a result, in addition to the need for adequate heating and cooling, fresh air is also key to overall better health and well-being. Lossnay Fresh Air Home Ventilation is the ideal solution to bring fresh filtered air in, with the added benefit of heat recovery.
Add Houseplants
Some houseplants, such as spider plants and peace lilies, can help improve indoor air quality by absorbing pollutants. However, be mindful of potential allergies and ensure that the plants are well-maintained. Regularly dust and water your plants to keep them healthy and effective at purifying the air.
Control Humidity
Use dehumidifiers or humidifiers as needed to maintain a balanced humidity level. In Christchurch, where the climate can vary, this is particularly important. Keeping humidity levels between 30-50% can prevent the growth of mould and mildew, creating a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Opt for natural cleaning products and avoid using harsh chemicals that can release VOCs. Look for products labelled as low-VOC or VOC-free. Additionally, consider using homemade cleaning solutions with ingredients like vinegar and baking soda to further reduce chemical exposure.
Radon Testing
Although it’s not a common occurrence in New Zealand, it’s important to test for radon since it’s a natural gas that can enter homes through the ground. If radon is detected, you’ll need to take steps to mitigate it.
Heat pumps are not only energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, but they also offer several benefits for maintaining clean air in your home:
Modern heat pumps come equipped with advanced filtration systems that can capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating through your home.
The advanced Plasma Quad Plus Filtration System by Mitsubishi Electric can be retrospectively fitted to all Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps and also features, as standard, on models. This filtration system features high-performance two-stage plasma technology, and filters the air to clean away smells, dust, moulds and other common household allergens.
Maximise comfort by combining a ducted heat pump system with Lossnay Ventilation. Mitsubishi Electric Lossnay Ventilation can be integrated with a PEAD Ducted Heat Pump System offering a complete home heating, cooling and ventilation solution.
The Lossnay Ventilation System recovers energy from the stale, damp air it extracts from your home—and then uses that energy to pre-warm or pre-cool the incoming filtered fresh air. This means that when Lossnay is combined with your ducted system, your home can be brought to the desired temperature faster because the heating system is not required to work as hard to do so.
By having a well-ventilated home the air is also much drier, further speeding up the efficient heating process. In addition, because fresh air is brought in from the outside and not from the attic, air quality is maximised. When these two systems are combined to work together, it will ultimately create a drier, healthier environment for you and your family.
While it might be tempting to save money with a DIY approach, professional installation by the team at DC Installation Services offers several advantages:
Expertise: Our professional installers have the knowledge and experience to ensure your system is correctly installed and optimised for your home.
Safety: Improper installation can lead to safety hazards, such as electrical issues or gas leaks. That’s why our installers adhere to strict safety standards.
Warranty: Many heat pump manufacturers offer warranties that are only valid if the system is installed by a certified professional.
Efficiency: A professionally installed heat pump operates more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and reducing your environmental footprint.
Improving indoor air quality is essential for your health and comfort, and a heat pump installation can play a significant role in achieving this goal. By understanding the factors that affect indoor air quality and taking proactive steps to address them, you can create a cleaner, healthier living environment for you and your family.
If you're in Christchurch and considering a heat pump installation, trust the professionals at DC Installation Services to help you breathe easier. Contact us today to find out how we can help you and your family improve the indoor air quality of your home.
