Energy efficient homes with Sunrise Homes Tasmania are healthy homes
Asthma is the most widespread chronic health problem in Australia affecting
one in four children, one in seven teenagers, one in ten adults, hospitalising more children
than any other illness and resulting in 15 deaths a week in Australia.
Research shows that in homes where allergens are reduced asthma symptoms often improve and the
chances of infants becoming allergic and developing asthma are less.
An energy efficient home is a healthier home also. However the most significant area of conflict
between healthy and energy efficient homes is the requirement in energy efficient homes to 'seal
the building up' to prevent warm/heated air from escaping and cold air from entering your home (or
vice versa). This can be addressed through a suitable ventilation system.
Beating Asthma in Your Home
Designing and maintaining a low allergen home will help beat asthma. Minimise dust flow and allow
for easy dust removal will help reduce dust mite breeding areas. Three areas that can be addressed
straight away in your home to make it a healthier place include:
- Floor finishes.
- Heating.
- Ventilation.
Floor Finishes
Smooth, hard floor finishes are preferred over carpets. Mites cannot breed on timber, cork or
linoleum floors. Hard floors are much easier to keep clear of dust and other allergens.
Regular cleaning of your floors is important. The aim is to remove allergen material without
putting it into the air. This can be achieved by using a damp cloth to clean surfaces.
Steam cleaning of carpets temporarily removes surface allergens. Regular steam cleaning is required,
as regular vacuuming removes dust but not the live mites. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has an
effective filtration system to keep allergens out of the air. A built-in ducted vacuum system is
preferable, since it doesn't redistribute dust around the room.
If carpet is your preferred floor covering then choose a short pile with synthetic fibre and a rubber
underlay.
Heating
Asthma Tasmania recommends electric heating as the best choice for asthma sufferers. Electric
heaters do not need oxygen to operate (even wood and gas heaters, which are filtered, burn oxygen).
Electric heaters don't create extra moisture in the air, therefore helping prevent mould growth.
Wood heaters release tiny particles into the air both inside and out, which are known causes of
respiratory problems. They are so minute that they can lodge within the respiratory system and
remain there for life. If you are sensitive to dry air, choose an electric heating model which
does not distribute heat by using a fan.
Fan heaters have a tendency to dry out the air and they can move dust around a room. There are
plenty of models and styles to choose which don't blow air around, for example Panel Heaters,
Radiant Heaters, Oil Filled Column Heaters, Radiant Ceiling Heating, Under Carper Heating, Off
Peak Storage Banks or Under-floor Heating.
Some heat pump models and most ducted electric heating systems are fitted with fitters to trap
dust. These filters should be changed as recommended by the manufacturer to eliminate dust problems.
Generally radiant, natural convection electric or slab heating is preferred - it doesn't consume
room oxygen or generate moist combustion fumes, and doesn't use fans, which can circulate dust
and dry the air.
Ventilation / Condensation
Condensation is a surface dampness which will result in black mould growth. All homes have some
level of condensation - on bedroom windows on a cold winter morning for example. It is when levels
remain high for extended periods that problems can occur. The first thing to check is that a high
moisture area is not caused by a leaking roof or by rising damp.
Minimising condensation and preventing the mould from spreading around your home can be as simple
as keeping lids on cooking pans, drying clothes outside not inside, and keeping the bathroom door shut.
If condensation is a serious problem, increased ventilation will help keep your home dry. Extractor
fans in your bathroom, kitchen and laundry will remove excess moisture from the rooms. Damp houses
have more mites, moulds and bacteria, all of which contribute to respiratory problems.
Large, opening north-facing windows maximise light, ventilation and sun. Where possible you should
blinds instead of drapes to minimise the build up of dust and mites.
Air vents should allow one air-change per hour to maintain fresh air in your home.
For further information contact:
Sunrise Homes Tasmania Pty Ltd
phone: 03 6231 4106
| 
