Signs You Have Poor Air Quality in Your Home & How It Affects Your Health
The EPA claims that indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Do you feel that your home isn’t as comfortable as you originally thought?
You may notice that your home feels dustier, or maybe there are lingering odors from cooking the night before. These signs can indicate that your indoor air quality, or IAQ, is low.
We likely have much more concentrated pollutants in our homes than we do outside. People with asthma, allergies, or lung conditions may notice poor air quality much faster, and it’s important to take these concerns seriously.
The Effect of Poor Air Quality on Your Home
We’ve discussed how poor indoor air quality can affect your health, but how can it affect your home? You may notice squeaky floors, cracking furniture, mold or mildew, and other issues with your belongings.
Humid air or air that’s too dry can adversely affect your home, and poor air circulation can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system. Installing air filters and purifiers can help circulate fresh air, along with dehumidification or humidification systems to keep the climate of your home just right.
How Whole-Home Comfort Systems Can Freshen Your Home
Whole-home comfort systems are one way to add freshness back into your home. While new homes are built tightly to provide more efficiency, that means they also tend to seal out fresh air, leaving your home’s air feeling stale.
Whole-home comfort systems can provide:
- Better ventilation
- Humidification
- Better zone control to keep fresh air circulating through your home
It’s important to note that whole-home comfort systems can’t completely prevent bacteria and other pollutants from getting in, but they can help to control and regulate air and trap most bacteria.
Childers Air Plumbing & Electric works with Honeywell and Trane® equipment to provide exceptional results for homes and businesses. If you notice that your current comfort system isn’t working as it should, call us right away. Our technicians are available 24/7 to make sure your equipment is functioning properly.
Simple Ways To Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
Your home should be a safe place for you and your family. If you don’t have a whole-home comfort system to regulate and promote better air quality, there are many other ways to take charge and give your home the fresh, healthy air it needs.
Duct cleaning: Regular duct cleaning will remove dust, dander, and mold spores, helping your family breathe easier. Duct cleaning can also help your HVAC system run more smoothly, lowering energy costs.
Clean or replace air filters: Air filters help clean and purify the air in your home. If your air filter is over two months old, it’s best to vacuum it to remove dust or call your technician for a replacement.
Clean and dust your home: Chemicals can linger in carpets, clothing, drapery, and other household items. Steam cleaning carpets, dusting, doing laundry, and keeping up with regular cleaning can help control dust and pet dander, can limit the amount of off-gassing, and will keep your home feeling fresh and comfortable.
Source control: If you know your home has asbestos, do your best to seal it off from your living space (if possible). Decreasing the use of gas appliances or increasing ventilation around them can also help lower emissions that may linger in your home.
Don’t smoke in your home: Those who smoke in their home can leave behind second-hand smoke and allergens that linger in the air.
It’s hard to imagine that chemicals in your carpets, clothing, or other household items can make such a great impact on your health. To learn more simple ways to improve your indoor air quality, visit the EPA or the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, or contact Childers Air Plumbing & Electric in Beckley, WV. Our team can work with you to find the best way to improve your indoor air quality.
For more information on how to improve your home’s air quality, contact Childers Air Plumbing & Electric today.
