Iaq

[Hugh jayness]

What can be done to improve the iaq in a home where the husband smokes 2 packs a day & the wife doesn't smoke at all?

[BBeerme]

Used to be bars would use electronic air filters. They needed to be cleaned once a month.

Fresh air changes are perhaps the best, but that will show up big time on the utility bill. Perhaps both an electronic air filter and some more fresh air would be the best in your situation.

[teddy bear]

There are levels of improvement. Start with the basics.

If this is an air tight home locate a green climate in with three mild seasons, you must start with getting mechanical fresh filtered air that meets the recommended air change rate and merv 13 air filter. The system must be installed in a way that the home gets a fresh filtered air change in 3 hours and the fesh air is circulated through out the home when occupied. Also the a/c needs to be setup to provide dehumidification to maintain <50%RH during significant sensible cooling periods, +50% run cycles. Most green grass climate also require supplemental dehumidification to maintain <50%RH during evenings and rainy days to avoid mold, musty odors, and dust mites. Also occupant comfort is an issue if humid for extended time. Today you can purchase a small whole house dehumidifier that includes Merv 13 air filters and controls that can be easily connected to your well setup a/c like Santa Fe Ultra.There are others. Many states suggesting this type of setup even for non-smokers to improve health and comfort. Most suggest a fresh air change in 3-5 hours when occupied to purge indoor pollutants and renew oxygen.

This will improve indoor air quality and improve comfort during the mild seasons of the year.

There several other improvements providing a smoking area with focused exhaust and/or local activated charcoal/HEPPA air filtering that be added. Being a past smoker, consider none of these things helps the smoker enough. Even the non-smokers need all these fixes we have described. Take another shot at stopping. We a did.

Keep us posted.

Regards Teddy Bear