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Healthier Indoor Air | 2019 Idea House

New construction homes are being built tighter than ever for energy efficiency, which is a good thing. But that can also keep pollutants trapped inside, which is not such a good thing. Here’s how Panasonic ventilation solutions work to create better indoor air quality and a healthier indoor environment.

by This Old House
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Common Indoor Air Quality Concerns
Indoor air pollutants such as mold, formaldehyde, and pet dander can cause real health concerns. These pollutants lurk in items like furniture, flooring, and household cleaners. Fireplaces, candles, and cooking vapors can release gasses that cause high levels of harmful particulate matter. Mold and mildew can trigger asthma symptoms. And even everyday items, like toiletries and vinyl shower curtains, can emit harmful contaminants into the air.

1. Ventilation Fans The result of excessive moisture in any building envelope is condensation—and condensation creates mold and mildew. Mold spores can provoke allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma and other health conditions. The best way to prevent mold and mildew is to stop it before it starts with an exhaust fan for proper ventilation, ducted to the exterior. But a fan only works if you use it, so be sure to run your fan for at least 20 minutes after every shower. 2. Range Hoods/Exhaust Fans A ventilation hood above the stove will serve to exhaust contaminants, moisture, grease, smoke and odor from cooking vapors. Clean your filters regularly to keep your fan running smoothly and effectively. Looking for a model that combines power with peace? Check out Panasonic’s WhisperHood IAQ™; it provides 86% less noise output than other models in its class. TIP: your hood should be at least as wide as your cooktop, but an extra three inches on either side can drastically improve efficiency. 3. ERV Systems An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a balanced solution. It exhausts stale, polluted air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air, without wasting energy. Panasonic’s Intelli-Balance 100 ERV uses four integrated dual 4″ or 6″ round duct adaptors – two to exhaust stale air, and two to supply fresh air. Its low, continuous run ensures consistent and controlled ventilation throughout the day. | Nat Rea
Now we know a healthy home requires proper ventilation—but it also requires the homeowner to initiate venting as the need arises. That’s why the experts at Panasonic have created the Cosmos™ Healthy Home System. The built-in sensors in the Cosmos system continuously monitor your indoor air quality and humidity levels. Sensors can be placed anywhere in the home, such as on a desk, in the kitchen, or on a bedside table. When air quality levels are compromised, Cosmos will activate your ventilation system to bring the air quality back to normal. Once achieved, the fans automatically turn off. Cosmos gives you the flexibility to run the system on autopilot (as described above) or manual operation. In auto mode, Cosmos can automatically correct undesirable indoor air. In manual mode, you can turn fans on and off as the need arises. For greater convenience and peace of mind, the user-friendly Cosmos app allows you to remotely monitor and control system activity and air quality. In addition, the app notifies you of compromised air quality and the action Cosmos is initiating to return the air quality to its proper levels. For more information on how Cosmos can help improve the health of your home, visit cosmoshealthyhomesystem.com. Panasonic is proud to sponsor the TOH 2019 Idea House. Click here to see more. | Photo by JEN FABRY

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