UNIT Devices to Control Air Quality Dehumidifier- an appliance that removes moisture from the air. Excess humidity can cause discomfort, mildew, musty odors, rust, etc. * Not as necessary if you have an air conditioner because an AC removes moisture and heat. Can be built in or portable.

Humidifier Adds moisture to the air. Dry air is a problem in some climates, especially during winter months when homes are heated. Static electricity, splits in wood floors and furniture are signs the air is dry. Can be built in or portable.

Humidity Humidity levels have a dramatic effect on comfort. To be comfortable, humidity levels should be % in winter and 40-50% in summer. Lower levels can dry out and irritate skin. Higher levels feel damp, encourage mold and mildew, cause allergies and damage to your house. Southwestern – dry most of the time Other regions – Winter heat robs the air of humidity.

Air Purifiers Remove particles from the air such as pollen, pet dander, mold, dust, smoke, mildew, organic odors and chemical vapors (formaldehyde – paneling and plywood glue) Uses ionization to clean air (particles stick to a plate) Purifiers return air fresh to the atmosphere. Plates need to be cleaned periodically.

Air Filters Air filters like this HePA filter remove harmful particles out of the air (mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, other allergens) Found in furnaces, air conditioners, air purifiers, etc.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide – the most dangerous of all indoor pollutants. A colorless, odorless gas, tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuel. Fossil fuels include natural gas, propane, gasoline, charcoal and wood. Depending on the gas inhaled, symptoms of poisoning can include: temporary headaches to permanent brain damage to death. Nausea, coughing and dizziness – (flu like symptoms)- usually first signs.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Most cases occur with the onset of cold weather (furnaces restarted without proper cleaning). Homes that are tightly caulked and weather stripped – at risk (Ideal for build up of this gas). To prevent – maintain fuel burning appliances, vent all fuel burning appliances to the outside. Install Carbon Monoxide detectors – check batteries every 6 mos. To 1 year.

Radon A natural radioactive gas. Found in high concentrations in soil and rocks containing uranium. Believed to be a cause of lung cancer. Odorless, tasteless gas Keep home well ventilated Measure level with radon test

Asbestos Fireproof, cancer- causing mineral that can easily become airborne and inhaled. Used prior to 1978 in insulation, linoleum flooring, and other building materials. When renovating older homes, asbestos needs to be professionally removed.

Home Safety Causes of Fires: Placing combustible (burnable) materials too close to source of fire. Falling asleep while smoking Being careless with flammable materials Operating defective electrical or heating equipment.

To Prevent Fires Choose more flame resistant upholstery fabric. Store flammable liquids properly. Keep matches out of reach of children. Do not overload electrical wires. Dispose of trash regularly. Have heating system inspected regularly. Burn only dry seasoned wood in fireplaces (green causes flammable tar build up in chimney). Install a smoke detector (where?)

Fire Extinguishers: Class A – for fires involving paper, wood, fabric, ordinary combustibles, plastics, etc.( Use Water extinguisher). Class B – liquids that combust into fire- overheated cooking oil in a skillet, grease fires, paint or solvents, flammable liquids (Use a dry chemical extinguisher). Class C – Electrical fires (faulty wiring in appliances and TV (Use Chemical extinguisher) ABC extinguishers can be used on all three types of fires.

The UL Seal The Underwriters Laboratories seal found on electrical items means the tool or appliance, etc meets certain safety standards.

Security from Intruders Don’t publicize your absence (most burglaries committed during the day). Leave a vehicle in the driveway. Stop delivery of mail and newspapers. Return trash cans from the curb. Used a timer for lights. Keep yard mowed. Open drapes during day, close at night. Keep a dog. Don’t let strangers into your home.

Security from Intruders Know who is at the door (use peephole- door viewer, chain lock). What if a stranger asks to use your phone? Use outside lighting at every entrance. Secure locks on all doors and windows. Install a home security system with an alarm.

Security from Intruders Rules for children Make exterior of home as visible as possible. Use dusk to dawn lights (automatic timer) Use motion detectors outside. Trim all shrubs so doors and windows can be seen clearly. Use thorny bushes.

Security From Intruders Install deadbolt locks (requires turning a knob or key without action of a spring). Best to use one with key for inside and outside (double- cylinder lock). Never leave keys in locks or hide keys near entrances (under the mat). Install strong exterior doors (metal or wood). Video door-answering system lets you see and hear a caller at your door.

Security from Intruders If door with glass pane, install a rigid transparent panel of plastic or acrylic. Mark your valuables with an identification number. (easier to trace, harder to sell). Keep valuable items such as jewelry locked away.

Home Security Systems The newest models use biometrics to determine who belongs in the home and who does not. Biometrics (identification of an individual by a unique physical characteristic)-keyless entry using fingerprints, the pattern of an eye’s iris, vein patterns in hands.

Video Door Answering System