Utilizing our decades of experience in building science we can help develop and implement a strategy that will help reduce pollutant levels and create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment for residential and commercial building owners.

Air Quality Monitoring

To start, there are three main pollutants that can be measured. They are particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (Co2), and total volatile organic compounds (tVOCs). Temperature and humidity are also included.

Carbon Dioxide – (CO2) Every time we take a breath, we exhale carbon dioxide.  When CO₂ is inhaled in high concentrations, it impedes our brain’s ability to metabolize oxygen. Elevated levels of carbon dioxide indicate that an insufficient amount of fresh air is being delivered to occupied rooms. It is a good indicator of healthy or unhealthy conditions that might affect the transmission of viruses. 

CO2 is monitored and reported in parts-per-million (PPM). Outdoors, CO2 levels are typically just above 400 parts per million. A well ventilated room will have around 800 or less PPM of CO2. Any higher than that and it is a sign the room may need enhanced ventilation.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) – Due to serious negative health effects of fine particulate matter in outdoor air, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a nationwide program that monitors what they define as PM2.5, air-born particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter. There are about 25,000 microns in one inch.

The EPA has set a short-term 24-hour exposure limit at 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air. A microgram is one millionth of one gram. Long-term exposure should be no longer than 12 micrograms per cubic meter. The limits are for outdoor air. At present, there are no exposure limits for indoor air. The outdoor limits will have to be our guide for now.

PM2.5 can be measured, but its relative accuracy needs to be understood in a broad context of equipment performance and household conditions.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – VOCs are compounds in liquid or solids surface that volatilize or become air-born at room temperature. VOCs are numerous, varied, and ubiquitous. VOCs are emitted by many common building materials, furniture, paint, varnish, and cleaning products and can cause short- and long-term health effects.

VOCs are best measured by laboratories with expensive equipment, but homes can be monitored as an indicator that more investigation may be needed.

Temperature & Humidity – Monitoring temperature and humidity along with the direct measurement of pollutants is important and helps give a more complete understanding of the dynamics that may be effecting air quality in a home or business.

Data Interpretation – Once monitoring has been conducted for about a two-week period a picture appears of where and to what extent indoor air quality issues exist. Understanding what the data means and what is does not mean in important. Looking at absolute values is helpful. However, changes in relative air quality is more likely the best way to understand issues as indicated by monitoring equipment issues.

Remediation Strategy – Once air quality issues and their likely sources are identified, we can help develop a strategy to reduce pollutant levels and create a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment. There are a wide range of measures that can be taken depending entirely on the problem identified. Some of the remedial actions may include enhanced ventilation, improved filtration, adding ultraviolet-c radiation, air duct cleaning, upgrading heating and cooling systems, behavioral changes, and others.

Implementation & Continued Monitoring – Ace Energy Services will assist in the implementation of strategies and work with facility managers and continue to monitor and verify results.  We are flexible in how we work with each client. Our goal is to help ensure healthy indoor air and comfort.