Even when your house seems to be clean and free of dust, your indoor air may still be polluted. With the effects your indoor air quality can have on your health, knowing the answers to these frequently asked questions can be important.
Does My Indoor Air Quality Affect My Health?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person spends approximately 87% of their entire life indoors, meaning you are mostly breathing the air inside your home.
The EPA also states that levels of indoor air pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels.
When spending most of your life indoors, the air you breathe is important and can have immediate and long term impacts on your health.
What Pollutants Contribute to My Indoor Air Quality?
The most common indoor air pollutants include:
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Moisture
- Humidity
- Carbon monoxide
- Asbestos
- Inadequate ventilation
- High temperatures
- Chemicals from cleaning products or paint
- Uncleaned air filters
- Formaldehyde
- Smoking
- Pets
- Pollen
- Radon
What Are Common Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality?
When your indoor air quality is poor, some signs are obvious and others may be hidden.
If you are noticing uneven temperatures and humidity levels, poor circulation, weird odors, and the presence of dust, mildew, or mold, you may have poor indoor air quality.
Other signs are directly related to your health, including dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, headaches, dizziness, sneezing, or shortness of breath.
If you only feel these symptoms while in your home, it may be a sign of poor indoor air quality, but remember that some of these symptoms can be caused by other health conditions and not your indoor air. If you are concerned, it’s a good idea to call an HVAC company to request an indoor air quality assessment.
How Can I Improve My Indoor Air Quality?
Improving your indoor air can be rather simple. Here are some tips:
Ventilation
Having proper ventilation throughout your home can help dilute indoor air pollutants that are coming from indoor sources.
Simply opening a window or a door can be a start. Be sure outdoor pollutants such as smoke are not nearby when doing so, they can then decrease the quality of your indoor air.
IAQ Devices
Improving your indoor air quality can help ease your mind. Devices like these can help get the job done. They include:
- UV Air Sanitizers
- Dehumidifiers
- Humidifiers
Depending on the time of year, or the current indoor air quality in your home, one device or system may be more beneficial than the other. By calling an HVAC professional from HRC Climate Services, you can find what device can best benefit your household and lifestyle.
Plants
Although they do not do all the work to keep your air clean, plants are another way to help improve your indoor air quality. They can be decorative and help clean your air at the same time.
Does My Air Filter Impact My Indoor Air Quality?
A dirty air filter makes it harder for the filter to catch all the pollutants, such as dust, mold, and bacteria. When your filter is clean, enough air is able to flow through to keep your system working efficiently.
Typically your air filters should be changed at least once every two to three months to ensure your system is working at peak performance.
HRC Climate Services, are experts within the Utah area and can provide top-notch assistance with your indoor air quality. Call us at (801) 373-9440 for all your heating and cooling needs!
