Indoor Air Quality

Impacts of Poor Indoor Air Quality

If you or your family members suffer from allergies, poor IAQ can affect breathing. With dust and other air particles in the air, it is imperative your HVAC system is working to keep the air as clean as possible. There may be dust mites, mold, bacteria, and viruses in unfiltered air that comes from contaminated ducts.

Also, your level of comfort can be significantly reduced due to poor indoor air quality. If you find it hard or uncomfortable to breathe, you may need to assess the quality of the air in your home. Poor indoor air quality can cause dizziness and headaches, which can affect your your guide to fitness quality of daily living. A wide range of concentrated indoor pollutants can cause discomfort and sickness. If your HVAC equipment malfunctions, the air can become toxic. In severe cases, it can result in dizziness, autoimmune problems, and cognitive issues as well as more serious diseases.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

There are many potentially harmful indoor air contaminants. These pollutants can also be several times more concentrated than outdoors, which puts occupants at even greater risk. The most common IAQ concerns are:

• Volatile Compounds: Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, include toxic ingredients found in many common household products. Whether they spill or evaporate, these can get into an HVAC system, build up, and circulate through indoor air over and over again.
• Mold & Bacteria: Mold colonies that build up in ductwork and A/C components can release spores and toxins that can cause anything from mild allergic symptoms to severe respiratory problems. Harmful bacteria can fester as well and be blown into rooms through vents.
• Carbon Monoxide: This odorless, colorless gas is a deadly indoor air pollutant. Carbon monoxide is produced by burning fossil fuels, so malfunctioning furnaces and heating equipment can dangerously affect IAQ.
• Allergens: Pollen, pet dander, and general dust can build up and contribute to allergies. The typical symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, cough, dry and/or sore throat, itchy eyes, and sometimes skin rashes.
• Dust and Fine Particles: Particulates less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter can include byproducts of wood burning, combustion, forest fires, industrial processes, and even motor vehicle emissions.
• Asbestos: If airborne, asbestos can get trapped in the lungs and lead to various long-term health problems. We specialize in asbestos testing and sampling as well as providing asbestos abatement where necessary.

Common Causes of Poor Air Quality

The most common causes for indoor air pollution include:

• Dirty Ducts and Filters: Any dirt that collects in air ducts can reach your living space. Along with clogged filters, they’re major contributors to poor IAQ.
• Faulty Units and Furnaces: Faulty equipment can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, and formaldehyde, especially with older systems.
• Lack of Ventilation: An airtight home is energy efficient, but can be prone to poor air quality as there are fewer means for pollutants to escape.
• High Humidity Levels: Excess humidity can create dampness that allows mold to develop; a properly functioning HVAC system will control moisture levels to avoid this.

Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Poor indoor air quality can be addressed by improving ventilation and ensuring the air that comes into your home is clean. Here are some of the most effective solutions to make sure your home’s air quality is protected: 

• Air Filters: Making sure your air filters are clean and up to date helps reduce the number of irritants circulating in your home. Air filters should be cleaned and/or changed on a regular basis.
• Air Purifiers: Air purification systems, especially those with HEPA filters, are very effective at removing particulates, allergens, smoke, and a variety of substances from the air.
• Air Duct Cleaning: Professional cleaning services involve the use of special equipment to inspect and clean air ducts, removing unhealthy contaminants without putting your home at risk.
• Air Duct Sealing: Tears and holes in ductwork can allow outdoor particulates to collect inside and reach your home’s interior; this can be mitigated or prevented with duct sealing.

Contact The AC Hero for Air Quality Services

Our comfort specialists at THE AC HERO can ensure your home is well-equipped to allow the proper circulation of clean air. Following an in-home assessment of your indoor air quality, we can provide solutions that ensure your indoor air is safe for you and your family to breathe. Call us today at 817-587-0634 or schedule service online.