American Aldes Indoor Air Quality User Manual

							In an effort to reduce energy cost and use, construction methods have changed over the past few decades. These 
changes result in buildings that are tightly sealed to prevent conditioned indoor air from escaping. The unintended 
consequence of a tightly sealed building is that stale indoor air cannot get out of the building and fresh outdoor air 
cannot get in. This lack of air exchange can cause an unhealthy indoor environment. Studies of human exposure to 
air pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be 2-to-5 
times – and in extreme cases more than 100 times – higher than outdoor pollutant levels.
There are two key methods to improving the indoor air quality in your home:
1.Reduce or eliminate the sources of indoor air pollution
a.Major sources of indoor air pollution include chemicals that we introduce into our homes such as cleaning
products, laundry products, hair spray, perfume, air fresheners, candles, and insecticides. Chemicals are also
introduced into our homes from some unlikely sources that include carpet, furniture, and even dry-cleaned
clothes. Another major source of chemical pollution in our homes is the attached garage. Every time the door
between the home and garage is opened, chemicals from vehicles, fertilizer, insecticides and other toxic materials
that are stored in an attached garage enter the home. Additionally, any air leakage around the garage door or
through the shared wall will result in these chemicals entering the home.
b.Another major source of indoor air pollution is caused by human activity inside the home. Smoking, cooking,
showering, walking across the carpet, and even breathing causes indoor air pollution. Additionally, the pets
that live with us are a source of pollution.
2.Remove indoor air pollution that is present
a.A continuously operating whole-house mechanical ventilation system is the best method to ensure a proper
amount of ventilation. The amount of continuous ventilation that is required for a home varies with the size of
the home, number of occupants, and the activities, lifestyle and any special needs of the occupants. ASHRAE
Standard 62.2 2010 is a good source for the minimum amount of continuous whole-house ventilation that is
required based on the size of the home and the number of occupants. Always check local building codes for
additional requirements. American ALDES Ventilation Corporation offers a full range of continuously operating
whole-house ventilation products. This allows us to provide the best solution based your location, type of
construction, lifestyle, and special needs.
a.In areas that produce high levels of pollution, local mechanical ventilation is also necessary to provide good
indoor air quality. The areas that require local ventilation include bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. The amount
of ventilation required for these areas varies based on the size of the room, the type and size of appliances/
fixtures in the room, and how the room is used. As an example, a bathroom with a high-capacity shower or
a whirlpool tub will require more ventilation than a standard bathroom. Additionally, a kitchen with a large,
professional-style cooking surface or a kitchen that is used for indoor grilling or other non-typical cooking
will require additional ventilation. ASHRAE Standard 62.2 2010 is a good source for the minimum amount of
local ventilation that is required for bathroom and kitchen applications. Always check local building codes for
additional requirements. American ALDES Ventilation Corporation offers a full range of ventilation products
for bathrooms, kitchens, and garages.
Introduction to Indoor Air Quality
APPLICATION GUIDE 
						

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KEY
Biological Contaminants
Carpet
Combustion
Pesticides
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Formaldehyde
Household Products
Humidity                        
						

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American ALDES Ventilation Corporation  •  4521 19th Street Court East, Suite 104  •  Bradenton, FL 34203 – USA
941.351.3441  •  800.255.7749  •  941.351.3442 (fax)  •  [email protected]  •  www.aldes.us
© 2013 American ALDES Ventilation Corporation.  Reproduction or distribution, in whole or in part, of this document, in any form or by any means, without the express written consent of American ALDES Ventilation Corporation, is strictly prohibited. The information contained within this document is subject to change without prior written notice.
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