DIYNetwork "Sweat Equity" Show

EZBreathe was recently featured on the DIYNetwork show "Sweat Equity"! Here is the background information. The shows producers approached EZBreathe last fall after researching state of the art technologies to use in a planned basement finishing job in Minnesota. They wanted to know more about EZBreathe, and after a brief time, knew they wanted to feature EZBreathe on the show.

The episode was shot over the winter, and was shown from August 6 to August 18.

The shows producers did an excellent job of communicating the importance, both regarding health and increased value, to ensuring good ventilation in the basement. And they knew EZBreathe was the answer. We couldn't agree more!

EZBreathe and the finished basement!

We here at EZBreathe have lately been receiving calls from homeowners from several different states (Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts). What we are being told is that the code enforcement, or city inspectors, are telling them if they want to finish the basement and use it as a living space, that they have to provide mechanical ventilation. In one case, the inspector actually recommended calling us! These were new (and very welcome) types of calls. Some further investigation found that there are requirements in the International Building Code to provide for either natural or mechanical ventilation to ensure adequate fresh air for finished basements. Most states and cities have adopted the code, but not all are enforcing it. There is a somewhat cryptic allowance for ventilation with an appropriate number and size of basement windows. But lets face it, opening basement windows allows the dampest air outside to enter the basement. And, what about during the winter? So is a theoretical ventilation strategy really answering the need?

It is our position that the best strategy is to provide a mechanical means to ensure air exchange not just in the basement, but throughout the home, and the most economical and proven method for doing that is our EZBreathe Ventilation System!

Asthma and Allergy Guidelines Presentation

At the June IAQA 11th Annual Meeting and Exposition, there were a number of excellent sessions. I found the one on "Home Environmental Assessments for the National Asthma and Allergy Guidelines" to be one of the best educational sessions I've attended in years.

The Indoor Air Quality Association is taking a leadership role in partnering with physicians to provide home assessments for patients suffering from allergies or asthma. Physicians don't have the time or resources to evaluate homes, and provide realistic advice and solutions to their patients. They need professionals with construction knowledge, and knowledge of allergy and asthma trigggers, to do home assessments. The cost effectiveness of in home air quality assessments versus medical interventions (prescriptions, emergency room visits, etc.) has been shown by various medical studies. When the actual air quality issues were directly addressed, such as with better ventilation, the patients experienced relief with less need for inhalers, and fewer visits to the emergency rooms.

IAQA has sent a poster to physicians, and allergy/asthma clinics to get the word out that member organizations, like EZBreathe Ventilation, can help in this important effort!