It’s important to know what steps to take when detecting carbon dioxide inside your home and how it affects your indoor air quality. For starters, Indoor air quality has a significant impact on our health and wellbeing. Given that we spend almost 90% of our time indoors, it’s vital that the air we’re breathing meets federal guidelines and recommendations. Poor indoor air quality can cause side effects ranging from allergy symptoms through to dizziness – and is even associated with chronic illnesses such as respiratory disease and heart disease.
There are several factors and compounds that can affect air quality. One of these is carbon dioxide (CO2).
What is CO2?
CO2 is a gas emitted by humans and other living organisms, and also occurs as a byproduct of combustion. CO2 is colorless, odorless and non-flammable.
While the presence of CO2 is normal and at regular levels is not cause for concern, high levels can indicate poor ventilation and lack of fresh air.
At moderate levels, CO2 can cause:
- A feeling of stuffiness or discomfort
- Headaches and fatigue
- Sweating and pins and needles
- Increased heart rate
At very high levels, CO2 can cause:
- Nausea, dizziness and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness.
Healthy indoor CO2 levels are between 400-1,000ppm (parts per million), while normal outdoor levels are between 350-450ppm. Note that OHSA and ASHRAE standards limit CO2 to 1,000ppm.
How does CO2 relate to my HVAC system?
In some homes and offices, ventilation is deliberately reduced to save on heating and cooling. While this often doesn’t result in anything more than a slightly “stuffy” environment, increased CO2 levels can occur, especially when combined with gas-burning appliances or heating units.
HVAC systems themselves are typically “closed” units and shouldn’t increase the levels of CO2 in the building, but poorly maintained systems may produce additional CO2 that can cause levels in the building to rise. For this reason, it’s vital to stay on top of your HVAC maintenance and upgrades. If you have a commercial building or a rental property, you may be required to monitor levels to keep them within OHSA guidelines.
How can I reduce CO2 in my home or commercial building?
If you’re concerned about CO2 levels in your home or commercial building, here’s what to do.
- Introduce ventilation. Many newer buildings feature excellent ventilation, but older buildings may need to be retrofitted to improve airflow. Airy spaces, windows that open, fans in food preparation areas, and spaces beneath doors can all help. Be especially mindful of ventilation in highly populated areas or areas where you spend a lot of time, such as bedrooms.
- Maintain your HVAC system. Have your HVAC system regularly checked to ensure there are no leaks or problems. Regularly clean air ducts and change filters, and keep windows open for 15 minutes a day to ensure optimal performance.
- Use demand controlled ventilation (DCV). These systems automatically adjust ventilation levels to maintain healthy CO2 levels.
- Introduce greenery. Plants and trees draw in CO2, reducing levels in your building and improving the breathability of air.
- Don’t smoke inside. If you must, smoke outside the property, and well away from open doors or windows.
- Install a CO2 (and CO) detector. Carbon dioxide detectors can help you track the air quality in a room so that you can make adjustments to the environment. Combine your CO2 detector with a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm for peace of mind.
If your home or building is feeling stuffy or is showing higher than usual levels of CO2, talk to the team at Shaw. We’ll inspect your HVAC system and provide recommendations for improving occupant comfort and wellbeing. To book your appointment, get in touch today!