Ventilation - Taxa Outdoors Mantis 2021 Owner's Manual

VENTILATION

overview .... good ventilation and indoor air quality is essential to long-term enjoyment of your habitat. Inadequate ventilation
can increase indoor pollutant levels. To maintain good air quality, be attentive to proper ventilation of your habitat, keep it clean,
and prevent and avoid unnecessary air pollutants. Common indoor air pollution sources include molds, pollen, pet fur dander,
secondhand smoke, carbon monoxide from burning propane and other fuels, and household cleaners.
Travel habitats are much smaller than homes. Thus, the exchange of air inside a travel habitat is significantly less than a home.
Proper ventilation is an ongoing process, occurring before, during and after use, and at times when the temperatures and
humidity are elevated. Decreasing the flow of air by sealing the travel habitat may increase the presence and/or concentration
of indoor air pollutants, such as but not limited to, molds and household chemicals. Improve ventilation by opening windows,
using fans and opening vents, running the air conditioner, or some combination thereof. We also recommend that you do not
smoke or use any type of bug or other chemical spray inside your habitat.
WARNING: Your habitat was designed for recreational use and short-term occupancy only. Long-term occupancy can
create conditions, which if not managed properly, can be hazardous to your health and cause significant damage to
your habitat.
The following are three (3) basic strategies recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve indoor air
quality:
(1) remove sources ... eliminate sources of pollution and/or reduce their emissions. Pollutants that this strategy can have an
impact upon are: (i) Biological Contaminants such as bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander, and pollen, (ii) Household
Products such as paints, varnishes, cleaning and disinfecting solutions, cosmetics and hobby products, and (iii) Pesticides.
(2) ventilation ... increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. Typically, habitat air conditioners, for example, do not
mechanically bring fresh air into the unit. Simultaneously opening doors and windows to allow fresh air in along with turning on
fans to take inside air out is an effective way to improve ventilation. Remember, if there is insufficient outdoor air entering a
habitat, pollutants may accumulate to higher levels.
(3) air cleaners ... air cleaners are designed to remove particles from the air. There are many types and sizes of air cleaners
available to you on the market. Note: Air cleaners are not generally designed to remove gaseous pollutants. The effectiveness
of an air cleaner depends on how well it collects pollutants from indoor air and how much air it draws through the cleaning or
filtering element. For more information about Ventilation, Indoor Air Quality and its effects, please refer to www.epa.gov/iaq.
MOISTURE/CONDENSATION
The relatively small volume and compact construction of travel habitats means that the normal activities of even a few persons
can lead to rapid, visible moisture saturation in the habitat, especially in cold weather. Note: some estimates indicate that a
family of four can vaporize up to three gallons of water through daily breathing, cooking, bathing and washing. Just as the
moisture collects on the outside of a glass of cold water during humid weather, moisture will condense on the inside surfaces of
the habitat during cold weather when the relative humidity of the inside air is high. Unless water vapor is carried outside, it will
condense on the inside of the windows and walls. Thus, when you observe signs of excessive moisture and condensation in the
habitat, take action to minimize the effects. Such action steps in non-extreme hot or cold weather conditions may include but
not be limited to the following: Allow excess moisture to escape by ventilating with outside air. Open windows to provide
circulation of outside, dryer air to the inside. While this ventilation may increase the heating load during cold weather, it will
greatly reduce water condensation.
Minimize moisture released inside the habitat such as steam from excessive boiling water or other use of hot water. Remove
water or snow from shoes before entering the habitat. Avoid drying wet or damp clothing, towels, gear and other items inside
the habitat.
Manage the inside temperature during cold weather. Remember that the higher the temperature inside (in cold weather) will
cause condensation to form on areas that are not insulated as well as others (windows, vents, wall studs, etc.); try to avoid
drastic, quick temperature reductions, which can increase moisture condensation inside.
Properly maintain and secure the exterior of the habitat. This will help keep a tight barrier against water intrusion. Note: using
your habitat in severe climates or weather conditions (which is NOT recommended ... see "severe weather use" section), such
as extreme hot, humid or cold weather, will require extra care, attention and maintenance of moisture-related issues and relative
humidity conditions inside the habitat.
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