New improved indoor air quality systems enhance homebuyer experiences and quality of life

Homebuyers can breathe easier thanks to Kaye Lifestyle Homes new indoor air quality systems and its commitment to conservation.

“Building homes that contribute to the long-term health of the occupant and the planet has been a guiding principle and core value for our company since we began in 1988,” says Stuart Kaye, founder and CEO of one of Naples’ largest family-owned homebuilding companies. “Our team focuses on energy efficiency and the adoption of energy-efficient technology like solar panels, electric appliances, and better forms of insulation,” he continues. “We address the impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) not just as an upgrade but as a standard feature of a living space.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, on average, Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. However, the experience of the pandemic --  increased time spent at home — has changed the narrative on the importance of keeping air fresh, clean and breathable in the home.

While many believe air pollution comes from factories or motor vehicles, the air inside the home can be far more harmful to health than outdoor air pollution. Indoor air may contain bacteria, mold, dust, pet dander, allergens and hazardous airborne transmissions without proper filtration and humidity controls, the concentrations of these pollutants are often two to five times higher than the air outside.

The most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate sources of pollution or to reduce their emissions. Another approach to lowering the concentrations of indoor air pollutants in the home is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors.

According to Kaye, there are six key innovative building measures it offers to improve indoor air quality so homeowners can live and breathe easier.

Snug home envelope

Kaye uses all-encompassing spray foam insulation and advanced air-sealing methods to increase energy efficiency and create a snug home envelope and draft-free indoor environment. But, once a new home is sealed tightly, it’s important to ensure a constant supply of fresh air at the desired temperature and humidity, all year round.

Proper ventilation

One of the main ways to improve indoor air pollution is by ensuring proper ventilation. When indoor spaces are not adequately ventilated, pollutants can build up to dangerous levels, especially in homes that are sealed tight to conserve energy. Inadequate ventilation can also lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide, which can cause health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Adding an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to home construction to draw clean, fresh air in and remove stale air is a great way to improve air quality without compromising on heat and energy recovery. ERVs filter and remove allergens, formaldehydes and other toxins from the indoor air and replace it with filtered, clean air from outside. This type of fresh air ventilation system also reduces AC dependency and can help lower overall energy costs over time.

HEPA filters

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and UVA filters help reduce indoor pollution by effectively removing pollutants like mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke. In fact, HEPA filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger from the air that passes through it. These filters can be used in a variety of ways, including in vacuums, air purifiers, and in heating and air conditioning systems.

Ventilated dehumidifier

Keeping indoor spaces dry helps reduce indoor air pollution especially important in areas where mold and mildew tend to grow, such as in the kitchen and bathroom. A full home ventilated dehumidifier stabilizes temperature and humidity while circulating filtered air, effectively doubling as a secondary home ventilation system.

Low-emitting building materials and furnishings

On floors, cabinetry, and wall surfaces, Kaye uses paints, adhesives and other finishes containing minimal or no formaldehyde (a major carcinogen) and low-emitting VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Some low-emitting materials and furnishings Kaye recommends include bamboo, wool carpets, and latex paint.

Air purifiers

Adding an air purifier will provide protection against indoor air pollution, eliminating pollutants like dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Air purifiers can also remove VOCs, carbon monoxide, and other harmful chemicals. While choosing an air purifier, buyers should look for a high CADR rating, which indicates the unit's ability to clean the air.

Air purifiers use cutting-edge technology to remove indoor air pollutants thanks to advances in environmental sensing technology. Intelligent home systems now use sensors to keep track of indoor air quality and notify the ventilation system before dangerous levels are reached.

“Indoor air quality systems enhance buyer experiences and quality of life across the entire building cycle in terms of heating, material selections and emission from construction vehicles,” says Kaye.  “People have a greater understanding of the relationship between quality of construction, the type of materials used, and indoor air quality.  As a result, our homes are safe and healthy places where we can spend a lot of time,” he says.

Founded in 1985 by Stuart and Jay Kaye, Kaye Lifestyle Homes is one of the largest and most recognized family-owned homebuilders in Naples, Fla. and has built more than 4,000 quality homes in its 35-year history. KLH services include luxury custom homebuilding, 11 Signature and Designer Series home designs ranging in size from 1,127 to 3,500 square feet of living space in three and four-bedroom configurations, home renovations, a collection of homesites and home financing options. KLH home designs are priced from the $300s to over $5 million.

Learn more by calling (239) 434-5293, online at kayelifestylehomes.com or visit the KLH Discovery Center at 910 39th Street SW (southeast corner of Collier Blvd. and Pine Ridge Road in Naples), daily 10 am until 5 pm.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Breathe easier with Kaye Lifestyle Homes