Spring Cleaning & Indoor Air Quality Solutions
Spring cleaning can churn up some unwanted surprises. Working our way down a list that inevitably shows us the dirt, dust, and indoor pollutants we've been living with we can't help but start Googling "my indoor air quality". There's a lot of information and misinformation out there, so let's break down what is useful and what isn't.
Finding "My Indoor Air Quality"
Learn how to find your current air quality and form appropriate indoor air quality solutions. Do you know what makes air quality good or bad?
Check Your IAQ IQ
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. (EPA)
There are short- and long-term health effects from indoor air pollutants. Some, such as dizziness and throat irritation are solved as soon as you leave the environment. Others, such as respiratory disease and cancer do not show signs for some time. Reactions to indoor air pollutants depend on exposure and the individual.
Indoor air quality is determined by:
- Building materials (asbestos, formaldehyde, VOCs)
- Household cleaners (especially scented)
- Heating, cooling, & humidification systems (more ventilation, less humidity)
- Moisture in the building
- Outdoor sources (ex. radon, pesicides, outdoor air pollution)
You can test indoor air quality yourself with a monitor. They cost between $150 and $200. But you can also check the manufacturer's labels on appliances and materials in your home, and the warning labels on cleaning supplies (indoor air quality safe list from EPA). Also, watch for signs of too much moisture, like black spots on walls or a musty smell. You should always have an active carbon monoxide detector & check for radon in your home at least once.
If you feel you need help with indoor air quality solutions, get professional help. Contractors or realtors should be able to recommend someone to provide an assessment and plan.
By limiting indoor sources and sealing out outdoor sources, while maintaining proper ventilation, you should have good indoor air quality. Sounds easy, right? Well, let's look at indoor air quality solutions and how window inserts can help.
Indoor Air Pollution Solutions & Window Inserts
Some argue that by sealing your home, either to keep out pollution or for energy efficiency, you are increasing your risk of poor indoor air quality. That's because you are sealing in the sources created in your home. But, with window inserts, you are also sealing out the sources outside your home. There are pros and cons to using window inserts.
Pros
Indow window inserts primarily help by blocking outdoor air pollution. They create an airseal (where most windows have small cracks or leaks in their seal) to keep particulate matter out. "Particulate Matter (PM) is made up of particles that are small enough to be carried by the air and can be breathed in by people." (UCSF) Many customers who use Indow inserts are surprised to find a buildup of dirt and pollution behind their inserts when they remove them for cleaning.
Window inserts also stop condensation, which leads to mold and mildew. These are biological contaminants and once present, can spread to through the walls and home. Indow window inserts stop and prevent condensation by not letting any moist air touch the cold exterior glass.
Cons
Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests weatherizing your home can come with risk of poor ventilation, moisture condensation, mold and mildew growth. They warn that by adding storm windows, you are cutting down on outdoor air infiltration, thereby increasing indoor air pollution concentration.
It seems clear that a ventilation plan is needed before window inserts are installed.
What to Consider Before Installing Inserts for Indoor Air Pollution Solutions
Ensure you have proper ventilation so windows aren't your only source to outdoor air.
Have a working bathroom or kitchen hood fan installed
Add attic fans
Research air-to-air heat exchangers (available in new homes)
Decrease your sources of indoor air pollutants so you aren't trapping them in with you.
- Remove building materials that release VOCs, have lead or asbestos in them.
Temporary and intermittent air quality issues.
There are some indoor pollution sources that are constantly emitting. Others become a source only when they are in use. Items such as space heaters or cleaning solutions are only a danger while in use and a short period afterward: Indow inserts can be easily removed and reinstalled to allow for venting during this time. You might also find yourself using your space heater less often because Indow inserts insulate and help regulate indoor temperature.
Plants that improve indoor air quality. None. Recent science has proven that absolutely no potted plants help with indoor air quality. Plants are not an indoor air quality solution.
Don't let cigarette smoke inside the house and be weary of any other habits that may produce fumes.
Customer Reviews
4.49 Average 1505 Reviews
Anonymous
WE just took delivery of the two window inserts we ordered. they both fit perfectly. The most difficult part of the process was me trying to hold the laser measuring device still while taking the diaginal measurment! The Indow team was helpful and the ordering process was catch free. the finished product is just as they described. once installed, you can not even tell that they are there. I will warn you, if you have larger sizes they will come in a pretty large packing crate/box to protect them so be prepared. The only reason for 4 stars insted of 5 is they have just been istalled and we shall see how effective they are at reducing cold air, but they fit so snug that I anticipate they will be very effective. Just in time too, because our area is in a low temp/low wind chill pattern at the moment.
Craig F
The Indow I ordered was a perfect fit. It looks great and is an extremely well made product. The ordering process was seamless.
Catherine J
Noise reduction by at least 50%! I cannot hear most car that drives by now. My bedroom is so quiet! Thank you!
Walter M
Easy to order and install.
Dianne F
Window inserts help with sound since I live facing the street and the highway
Dianne
This is a 5 star company from beginning to end. I purchased the I inserts in 2017 because the bedroom on the second story faced the street. These are very effective for street noise. Noticed a problem on one of the windows recently and they quickly took care of it due to their warranty. Customer service personnel are very helpful. The price of the windows was acceptable for top quality of sleep and less noise during the day
Charles C
Recently purchased the acoustic window inserts for a couple of old windows facing a busy street and they've made a huge difference in terms of noise reduction! The measuring process was relatively easy with the laser measuring tool that Indow sent and the windows were delivered faster than expected. Martin was easy to work with and we would highly recommend Indow to those looking for window inserts.
Dean C
Installed noise canceling acrylic Indow window inserts to deal with the road noise at my condo, 4 lane state road is 40 feet from the condo. Expensive custom fit, but oh my gosh, they cut the noise by 75%! Decibel meter app I trust shows a 6 Decibel noise reduction, average Db over 30 minutes. Turns out 6 Db is letting only 25% of noise through! I am one happy camper…
Harry T
The Indow team was great from start to finish! They were very clear about each step. After installing the inserts my home has been significantly while still preserving the fabulous city views. For anyone who lives in a noisy street or city like NYC I would highly recommend it. Leave the chaos outside and come home to piece and quiet.
Paula S
From start to finish, we were very pleased with our rep, Reed, and the other staff at the PDX will call! The inserts themselves are stupendous! We purchased six total for the noisiest, road side(s) of our home. The outcome was beyond our expectations! Not only did the three rooms that bordered the road become at least 70% quieter, the other end of our home did as well! I cannot recommend Indow inserts more! The technology makes sense to add the inserts rather than purchasing new windows. Great results and thank you! Paul and Paula Spilsbury
JD
Brian was very helpful & informative. He helped me order the correct windows for my needs. They were shipped with the utmost of care & arrived ahead of schedule. Ultimately, the Indow Windows have been very helpful in muffling unwanted noises & they have helped save on our energy costs. Thank you, Indow Window!
Cynthia M
Very happy with the reduction in noise. Easy to install and use. Great customer service.
Juli E
We are thrilled with our Indow window inserts! I'd been on the lookout for a more permanent solution to leaky windows in our third floor living space. I discovered Indow on social media but since then have learned of friends who'd had Indow recommended to them by their rennovation contractor. The entire process went smoothly with friendly reps at hand to talk through questions during measuring, etc. They fit perfectly and help us to maintain the beautiful design of the windows on our 100 year old home! Highly recommend!!
Jen F
Worth the money!
Elizabeth H
For townhouse living, this solved my problem with noise from my neighbor's with my kitchen window. A considerable decrease of noise indeed! Measurements were a bit frustrating so I recommend using a laser measurement device and following directions to use a string for the diagonal. They look great and were easy to push into place. I highly recommend as an alternative to buying a new window.