Poor House Ventilation – How It Can Affect Your Family’s Health

Leafy Inner West means excellent shade in summer but can also mean your house doesn’t get enough sunlight to help get rid of the damp after rain. Combine damp with poor ventilation (common in older Inner West homes) and the perfect environment exists for mould growth.

xchangeair has been in the ventilation industry for a long time. They have seen numerous houses where poor ventilation allows moisture to build up. This leads to musty smells, mould growth and potential health issues.

Why Ventilation Matters

There are many reasons why a properly ventilated home is essential. Here are a few reasons from xchangeair:

Controls condensation – reduces damp, mould and mildew
Creates a drier, healthier home – filtered air cuts down on dust mites and odours
Supports health – helps reduce triggers for asthma, hay fever and allergies
Protects your property – prevents termites and warped floorboards
Improves comfort & security – you can lock up while still enjoying fresh air
Energy efficient – helps your air conditioning work more effectively
Mould and fungal spores

Mould is more than an eyesore, xchangeairpoints out that it releases fungal spores that can impact your family’s health. Spores are so tiny that they can be breathed deep into the lungs, and some moulds even produce toxins that irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system.

Why Just Cleaning Mould Isn’t Enough

When most people see mould, they reach for bleach or sprays. However, both NSW Health and xchange air caution that this is usually just a temporary solution.

If mould is cleaned improperly, it can release spores into the air that spread the mould and can cause health problems – i.e., allergic reactions, asthma attacks and irritation to eyes, skin and lungs. Some mould spores can produce toxins that are even more harmful. Mould is likely to return unless you also take steps to treat the cause of the problem.

xchangeair echoes this warning:

“Just cleaning mould does NOT get to the source of the problem. Combining this with adequate ventilation gives you the best chance possible to beat your mould issues and not having the mould return.” (xchangeair)

Mould cleaning products can help your walls look better, but unless you tackle the underlying dampness and poor airflow, the mould will simply come back.

Who is xchangeair and how can they help?

Martin Haley founded xchangeair in 2003. Before that, Martin had been in the home ventilation industry since 1997. Their team has inspected over 100,000 homes across NSW and prides itself on offering long-term solutions rather than quick “band-aid” clean-ups. Martin is an expert in his craft and his family business is one of the longest standing subfloor ventilation companies in Sydney. Contact xchangeair to discuss:

Mechanical ducted sub floor fan systems – For sub floor damp, mould and musty smells
Positive input and whole home ventilation systems – For condensation control
Powered roof fans – For heat extraction
Underfloor Insulation

Solutions range from subfloor ventilation (for musty odours, mould and termite protection) to full-home systems that replace damp air with dry, fresh air.

What Makes xchange air different?

Full home assessments – they actually check under subfloors and into roof spaces before quoting.
Clear appointment times – no waiting around all day.
Fast quotes – often provided on the spot.
Fully Licensed and Insured – experienced, meticulous and professional.
Top quality systems – quiet, energy-efficient products designed to last.

Ensuring fresh, healthy air

As well as opening doors and windows (when possible), it’s a good idea to:

Give your ventilation system an annual maintenance check if it’s been a while to check if it’s all running as it should be
Avoid using recirculated air and increase the outside air intake
Disable any settings that automatically turn off air supply based on temperature or occupancy – you want to keep systems running for maximum air flow.

Do you want to see how your home’s air health can be improved?

xchange air offer a free home assessment (within the Sydney metro area) to check your home’s ventilation and to provide quotes on a range of ventilation systems to help increase your air flow. Phone 02 9427 8800 to make a booking.

For your peace of mind, get a free assessment by one of xchange air’s qualified technicians.

Licence Number 182572C

E: reception@xchangeair.com.au
P: +61 (02) 9427 8800