Good indoor air quality (IAQ) equates to more than just comfort. It involves safety. The Environmental Protection Agency declared that poor IAQ is a top public health threat, and this was before COVID-19 became a global pandemic. As families spend more time indoors, improving IAQ becomes even more important. Here are some common contributors to poor IAQ and some ways to make improvements.
Poor Ventilation
It’s inevitable that pollutants such as pollen, bacteria, and viruses will invade your home to a certain degree. High concentrations of these pollutants can cause illnesses. Good ventilation prevents air from stagnating and it lowers the concentration of pathogens in your indoor space. To maintain proper ventilation, leave your HVAC’s fan on the “auto” position instead of turning your system completely off when your home has reached a comfortable temperature.
High Humidity Levels and Water Leaks
High humidity and water leaks can cause mold spores to grow out of control. Mold can trigger respiratory problems such as asthma, shortness of breath, and coughing. Place water leak detection monitors in leak-prone areas of your home. Consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier.
Smoking
Smoking is harmful to your body, and it pollutes the air that your family breathes. When you smoke, you release carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other volatile organic compounds into the air. The best solution is to stop smoking. The second alternative is to install a powerful air filtration system.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic insects that get nourishment from dead skin cells that they find throughout your home. They can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes in certain people. They are easily controlled by thorough cleaning and dusting. Use eco-friendly cleaning products to avoid spraying toxic chemicals around your home.
Home Improvement Activities
Everyone loves a good do-it-yourself room makeover, but these projects often pollute the air. Activities such as painting walls, sanding wood, or applying varnish to cabinets create pollutants that irritate airways. When doing home improvement projects, replace your HVAC filter more often than normal. Try completing most of your project tasks outdoors and assemble indoors.
A Team You Can Trust
While we care about your comfort, we put an even higher priority on delivering quality HVAC services that improve your family’s health and safety. We offer an impressive selection of HVAC services from duct cleaning to advanced air filtration system installation to keep you and your family breathing a little easier. Call Comfort Energy, Inc. at (408) 560-4050 to get started.