Things That Affect Indoor Air Quality
Could your dusty, old books be making you sick? Maybe.
Most of us know about the dangers of contaminated outdoor air. However, have you ever considered that the air quality in your home might also be unhealthy? Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the air quality inside homes, offices, and other enclosed environments such as hotels, offices, and schools. Poor IAQ can potentially harm health. Airborne pollutants inside the building can compromise indoor air quality.
It is imperative to know what affects indoor air quality to ensure that the air we breathe isn't dirty and unhealthy. Here are some of the most common IAQ factors:
Bad ventilation
Ventilation is one of the most significant factors in deciding indoor air quality. Proper ventilation indoors is critical to healthy, fresh air. It prevents contaminants from getting stuck inside the home. The optimal way to ensure ventilation is to put in fans in the kitchen and bathroom and open the doors and windows every so often.
HVAC
Heating and cooling equipment affects indoor air quality as well. Things like dust or dirt in the ductwork, poor fresh air distribution, dirty air filters, or microbe accumulation in coils, humidifiers, and other parts of the HVAC system can pollute the air circulating the home. These problems can be avoided by routine maintenance of the HVAC system and regularly changing the air filters.
Humidity levels
The key to clean air is maintaining the right humidity levels between approximately 30 and 50 percent. Low humidity can create rashes, dry skin, sore throat, and irritation.
It is also imperative to frequently check and repair any leaks in the house. Consider buying a humidifier depending on the home's need to maintain appropriate humidity levels.
Dust and allergens
Dust can affect indoor air quality and become a problem for people who suffer from asthma and allergies. Additional allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, rodents, cockroaches, and pollen can also affect air quality for those afflicted with allergies resulting in respiratory issues.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)
All homes have some chemicals drifting in the air. They are unavoidable because they are present in many products such as new paint, furnishings, flooring, glues, personal care, and cleaning products. These chemicals' impact can vary from person to person, ranging from mild irritation to horrible diseases like cancer. The optimal way to deal with VOC's is to use non-toxic products and cleaners and buy a good-quality air purifier.
Outdoor sources
The indoor air quality is also influenced by what is happening outside the home. A few outside sources of contaminants include pollen, road traffic, pesticides, garbage dumpsters, radon, fires, and industrial pollution that can dramatically impact air quality.
Inhaling good quality air is critical for our general health and well-being. If you aren't sure about your indoor air quality, hire an HVAC expert to perform an assessment. They can provide you with solutions to improve air quality. You can get services specific to your requirements to ensure your home is a healthy place to breathe.
When you need heating or refrigeration service, maintenance or repair, call us at Affordable Comfort A/C and Heating 602-574-1205.
