diagnostic

Do you have concerns about the air quality inside your home?

Better air - Better health - Peace of Mind

We will perform a diagnostic test using our AirAdvice™ Monitoring System which can pinpoint air quality problems that may be contributing to health problems for you or your family.

High quality air means you sleep better, breath better, and will enjoy better health.

Before you purchase a new air quality system, schedule an IAQ assessment of your home. Identify what you need before you buy. Make sure you select the right filtration system to improve your health and comfort.

Quiet - Easy to use.

The AirAdvice™ Monitor is small, unobtrusive, quiet, and does not interrupt current phone or internet usage. It continuously samples recording sensor readings every minute and can store up to 2 weeks worth of readings.

It uses a toll free access number and with its built-in modem to send the accumulated data to Knueve & Sons. It plugs into your existing phone line and requires no new wiring. It will not disturb your normal daily activities because it communicates for only 30 seconds, once a day, between midnight and 5 am.

What does AirAdvice™ Monitor?

The AirAdvice™ Monitoring System continuously measures fine particulates, low-level carbon monoxide, relative humidity and temperature. AirAdvice™ has interpreted the existing guidelines published by a variety of agencies with differing regulatory scope (ASHRAE, WHO, EPA) to determine the level or levels that are cause for concern across most indoor air quality (IAQ) environments.

Particulates

Particulates are very small (less than 10 microns) airborne particles that are either suspended in the air or deposited on surfaces. Particles can be organic, inorganic, or biological.

They are comprised of materials from a variety of sources, including solid materials (e.g., dust, soil, soot, plant and insect fragments, fungi, pollen, substances in tobacco smoke) or liquid materials (cleaning formulas, cooking sprays, and un-vented gas or kerosene heaters).

Some biological agents (molds, mildews, fungi, and dust mites) may release spores that contribute to particulates. The sizes of particles vary, as does their composition and level of toxicity.

Particulate matter can harm your health depending upon the quantity, chemical composition, and size of the particles. The frequency and duration of exposure and your individual sensitivity to the particles are significant factors.

Smaller (less than 1 micron) breathable particles may cause acute or chronic illnesses because they penetrate deep into the lungs; larger particles may cause allergic reactions or lead to restricted breathing. Reducing exposure to fine particulate matter is very important for sensitive individuals especially: children, pregnant women, elderly, or immune-compromised individuals.

The AirAdvice™ monitor measures particles in the range of 0.7 to approximately 20 microns in size using a light-based system that detects particles as they pass through the monitor sensor. Scattered light effectively measures particle size and distribution.

Particulate levels measured above 40 micrograms per cubic meter are considered reason for concern. This level could be from brief spikes or from sustained periods at elevated levels. Particulate levels that measure consistently high indicate a local pollution source.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a gas naturally found in outdoor air at concentrations of approximately 350 PPM. Indoor CO2 levels are generally higher than outdoor level as a result of building occupant respiration.

Carbon dioxide levels serve as an indicator for the amount of fresh-air ventilation being supplied to the location under test. Adequate fresh air ventilation maintains low CO2 levels, dilutes contaminates such as particulates, odors and other gasses and contributes to a comfortable environment. Knueve & Sons will be able to asses and remedy general ventilation issues identified by this test.

The AirAdvice™ system uses a NDIR type sensor to measure Carbon Dioxide levels between 0 - 2500 PPM.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gaseous byproduct of incomplete combustion from carbon-based fuels. It is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and a very toxic (poisonous) gas that can be emitted from malfunctioning heating or cooking appliances.

Sources of carbon monoxide include but are not limited to cigarette smoke, gas water heaters, vehicle exhaust, improperly operated or poorly vented gas stoves, furnaces or fireplaces. Outdoor sources of carbon monoxide can elevate indoor levels.

Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is rapidly absorbed by the lungs and inhibits the body's ability to carry sufficient oxygen to body tissues and critical organs. Because CO is lighter than air, it can readily mix and easily diffuse throughout a home or workplace. CO is difficult to detect without a measurement device.

Excess concentrations or extended exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause headaches, lack of concentration, fatigue, nausea, confusion, irritability, poor vision, dementia, retardation, memory impairment, heart arrhythmia, heart pain, brain damage, body tissue damage, convulsions, unconsciousness and even death. In the US, accidental CO poisoning kills over 3,800 people per year; and CO inhalation injures an additional 10,000 people per year.

The AirAdvice™ Monitor uses an electrochemical type sensor to measure CO levels between 0 PPM and 150 PPM. The AirAdvice™ Monitoring System reports cautionary notices for levels between 9 PPM and 25 PPM. These cautionary levels are based on guidelines and regulations set forth by the EPA and WHO for indoor and outdoor air.

AirAdvice™ does not claim to provide a substitute for an carbon monoxide alarm. Our system is designed to help prevent the levels from reaching carbon monoxide alarm levels by diagnosing carbon monoxide problems early.

Relative Humidity

Relative humidity is an approximate measure of the amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity is the ratio of the actual amount of moisture in the atmosphere relative to the amount of moisture the atmosphere can hold. Therefore, a relative humidity of 100% means the air can hold no more water; rain (precipitation) or dew (condensation) is likely.

A relative humidity of 0% indicates there is no moisture in the atmosphere. Warmer air can hold more moisture than cooler air.

Excessive humidity may feel uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous. It can encourage the growth of molds, mildews, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and dust mites, all of which release toxic substances. These biological contaminants may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, digestive problems, asthma, fever, influenza or other infectious diseases.

Low humidity also has adverse effects on the body. Breathing dry air can cause asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, nosebleeds, and dehydration as body fluids are depleted during respiration. Skin moisture evaporation can cause skin irritations and eye itching. Low humidity has irritating effects such as static electricity, and can make the body "feel" colder.

The AirAdvice™ monitor measures humidity by a captive type sensor in the range of 10-90%. The AirAdvice™ Monitoring System uses cautionary notices for humidity above 55 - 60% and below 25%.

Temperature

Temperatures that are too high or too low can cause personal discomfort. High temperature, when coupled with high relative humidity, may promote mold and fungal growth.

Temperatures that are too low can increase humidity problems. Excessive heating or cooling consumes extra energy and leads to high heating or cooling bills.

The AirAdvice™ Monitor measures temperature using a thermistor type sensor for the complete range of indoor environments. AirAdvice™ can provide analysis on temperature levels that uses basic interpretation of the ASHRAE thermal comfort standards.

Call Knueve & Sons today for a free AirAdvice™ diagnostic monitoring. Make sure the air quality in your home is fresh and healthy for your family's peace of mind.