When we breathe air in the greater outdoors, we are aware that we are ingesting smog as well as other pollutants. Most of us think that when we make the transition indoors, into our homes or workplaces, that we breathe higher quality air. However, it is a mistake to believe that the indoor air quality inside of a home or office is perfectly safe. If indoor air is not adequately cycled with the proper HVAC equipment, it can pollute the air that we breathe in for the majority of the day.
How to Know if You Have an Indoor Air Quality Issue
There are some common warning signs of indoor air pollutants. If you find that you are often sick while at home and feel better when you are away from the house or office, the quality of your indoor air could be compromised. Be on the lookout for extra dirt, dust and other particles around your home or office heating and cooling units. If you spot mold, notice that air doesn’t circulate properly through the house, have humid air that results in condensation, stuffy or smelly air, damage to your chimney or flue or overly tight construction, you could be breathing in low quality air. You can perform tests to determine if specific air pollutants have made their way into your home and are affecting your health. Ideally, you’ll have a HVAC technician inspect your heating and cooling units along with the quality of your air for a thorough analysis.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
If you decide to test the air quality of your home or office, you should be on the lookout for a number of common indoor air pollutants. These include radon, asbestos, lead, lead dust, formaldehyde, household chemicals, mold, dust, carbon monoxide, cockroaches, rodents, pet hair and dander.
How Pollutants Invade Your Indoor Environment
These pollutants typically find their way into your home or naturally occur when materials or chemicals already inside of the building emit particulates or gases. Sometimes a lack of circulation or ventilation from faulty HVAC equipment can actually trap contaminants within the building. Those indoor environments that are extra humid are typically a breeding ground for such pollutants. Be on the lookout for malfunctioning space heaters, the improper use of pesticides, the use of household chemicals and solvents in inappropriate spaces, pesticide use in your area, a poorly ventilated stove or furnace, insulation made with asbestos and carpets, rugs and furniture treated with chemicals.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Poor indoor air quality can cause more than just a temporary sickness. Indoor air pollutants can impact the health of an entire family or office staff. If you don’t have a state of the art central heating and air conditioning unit to remove unwanted particles from your air, you could suffer from a number of respiratory illnesses like asthma, chronic respiratory diseases, heart disease and even cancer. The longer you are exposed to these pollutants, the greater your chance will be at becoming ill.
Purify Your Air Today
It is helpful to properly ventilate your home to prevent pollutants from becoming trapped inside. Proper ventilation also decreases humidity levels and stops the growth of mildew and mold. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to ventilate the home by opening the windows and doors due to temperature extremes and precipitation. Keep your indoor air as clean as possible with an air heating, cooling and cleaning system that removes all important pollutants from your home. Once your new system is installed, you’ll likely notice the difference in indoor air quality right away.
Frequently Asked Questions about Indoor Air Quality
1. What are the signs of poor indoor air quality?
If you often feel unwell at home but better when you’re outside, you might have an indoor air quality issue. Look for signs like excess dust around your HVAC units, visible mold, poor air circulation, high humidity, condensation, stuffy or smelly air, and any damage to your chimney or flue. These indicators suggest that the air you’re breathing might be compromised by indoor air pollutants.
2. How can I test my home’s air quality?
To test your home’s air quality, you can use DIY test kits available for specific pollutants like radon, mold, and carbon monoxide. However, for a comprehensive analysis, it’s best to have a professional HVAC technician inspect your heating and cooling systems. They can conduct thorough tests and provide a detailed report on the air quality and any necessary actions to improve it.
3. What are the common indoor air pollutants?
Common indoor air pollutants include radon, asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, household chemicals, mold, dust, carbon monoxide, pet hair and dander, cockroaches, and rodents. These pollutants can enter your home through various means, such as building materials, household products, or even from outdoor air that gets trapped inside.
4. How do indoor air pollutants enter my home?
Indoor air pollutants can invade your home through several channels. They might come from building materials like asbestos insulation or lead-based paints. Household chemicals and improperly ventilated appliances can also emit harmful gases. Poor ventilation can trap these pollutants indoors, exacerbating the problem, especially in humid environments.
5. Why is indoor air quality important for health?
Good indoor air quality is crucial because prolonged exposure to pollutants can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory illnesses like asthma, chronic respiratory diseases, heart disease, and even cancer. Ensuring clean air in your home or office helps maintain better overall health and reduces the risk of long-term illnesses.
6. How can I improve indoor air quality?
Improving indoor air quality involves several steps. First, ensure proper ventilation to reduce pollutant levels. Use air purifiers and HVAC systems with high-quality filters to remove contaminants. Regularly clean your home to minimize dust and use non-toxic cleaning products. Additionally, control humidity levels to prevent mold growth.
7. Can poor indoor air quality cause allergies?
Yes, poor indoor air quality can trigger allergies. Pollutants like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen can cause allergic reactions, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and respiratory issues. Maintaining clean indoor air is essential to reduce these allergens and improve overall health.
8. What role does an HVAC system play in indoor air quality?
An HVAC system is vital for maintaining indoor air quality. It helps circulate and filter the air, removing pollutants and controlling humidity levels. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system ensures it operates efficiently, providing clean and healthy air throughout your home or office.
9. How often should I change my HVAC filters?
You should change your HVAC filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on the type of filter and the level of pollutants in your home. Regularly changing the filters ensures that your HVAC system functions properly and continues to provide clean air by trapping dust, allergens, and other contaminants.
10. Are there natural ways to improve indoor air quality?
Yes, there are natural ways to improve indoor air quality. Houseplants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants can help filter the air. Regularly opening windows to allow fresh air to circulate, using natural cleaning products, and keeping your home clean and free of dust can also enhance indoor air quality.