What is the difference between IAQ and Ventilation?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of air within a space. Ventilation is the method of diluting indoor air with air from outdoors or with cleaned indoor air, which is a key component of improving indoor air quality. Dilution works by mixing ventilated air with the air in the space. Then an amount roughly equal to the amount of ventilated air introduced into the space is removed from the indoors. In effect, ventilation refreshes the air and reduces the concentration of smoke and odors in the indoor space.

How does ventilation work to accommodate non-smokers and smokers?
First, enough outdoor air has to be supplied into a space to maintain overall indoor air quality. Second, the movement of air in the space must be controlled to help prevent smoke from drifting into non-smoking areas. Third, air should be filtered to remove particles from the air. If these three principles are properly applied, successful accommodation of non-smokers and smokers can be accomplished.

What kind of filtration can accommodate non-smokers and smokers?
Typical filters in use today are only 20 percent dust-spot efficient. This means that 80 percent of the particles pass through the filter and into the supplied air. HVAC professionals recommend filters with a minimum efficiency of 65 percent dust-spot, however filters rated above 95 percent efficient, including HEPA filters, will have the best results for comfort and can have real economic payback in addition to improving IAQ.

What are mold and mildew and how do they relate to heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment?
Mold and mildew are part of a group of plants called fungi which lack chlorophyll. These plants can cause odor problems and in some cases are irritating to people. Mold and mildew can grow in damp places or when the relative humidity is above 60 percent. Appropriately selected HVAC equipment can help keep moisture from accumulating within the system and can help manage humidity levels throughout the building. Poor or improper HVAC systems can increase humidity, producing high amounts of mold and mildew. This can contribute to the deterioration of building components and encourages other biological growth. Moisture-laden air can condense in or on walls, windows, and ceilings of a building. This can destroy insulation and other building components, costing the establishment money and business.

Is there a quick fix to mold and mildew problems?
No. There are no quick fixes. Most temporary "solutions" to mold/mildew problems generally don't work. Painting over problem areas, installing air fresheners, and cleaning ducts in a building with major problems is not a permanent solution, and may make the problems worse. The only way to correct the problems is to identify the causes and fix them by doing the following:

• All contaminated materials need to be removed. Sources of water incursion must be eliminated and sufficient outdoor air must be brought into the HVAC system.
• Well-maintained, high-quality filtration should be used to remove particles from the HVAC systems on which mold and mildew can grow.
• Create positive pressurization and control of airflow to reduce outside pollutants and prevent moist air from entering the building.

What are the service and maintenance costs associated with state-of-the-art technology options available to hospitality business owners?
There are costs involved with servicing and maintaining any HVAC system. However, routine service and maintenance of state-of-the-art technology options is comparable to that of conventional systems. First, much of the equipment is familiar heating and cooling equipment, with the same kinds of operation and maintenance concerns. Simple inspections can show if the equipment is working, if it is clean, and if air is moving. Every building owner should have this type of inspection performed on a regular basis. A good guideline for maintenance visits is once a month. For the more advanced technologies, manufacturers provide operating instructions that give the simple inspection check points that can be done on a regular basis. Building owners should set up a checklist and have their building inspected at least twice a year by someone qualified to look at their equipment, their service contractor, for example. This inspection can take care of spotting any bigger problems. Operating and energy costs, and emergency repair bills greatly exceed the cost of this type of inspection.

It is important to know that the highest level of technology is not always attainable, or even sensible for a business owner. There is a range of Options available to business owners. Visit the Philip Morris Options website" for more information.

Where can I get more information about assessing my indoor air quality?
In addition to the links provided on our information and resources page, you can call the INvironment Hotline at (800) 643-7040 for a free telephone consultation with an IAQ specialist.