What Is Indoor Air Quality?
Not too long ago, “indoor air quality” was a non-existent phrase. At least the concept was fairly unimportant because people spent more time outside getting fresh air. However, as people spend more time indoors in winter, the air inside the home tends to pick up massive amounts of pollutants as it continuously recirculates. This means that people are constantly being exposed to low-quality air.
Breathing air that has the wrong humidity levels, as well as a high load of pollutants, can have serious health effects on those who are constantly exposed to it. Fortunately, there are things that owners can do to protect their air quality now so they don’t have to suffer through the winter. Here are a few expert tips to improve indoor air quality.
Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality
When it comes to thinking about indoor air quality, fish make a great example. Understanding the effects that changes within the water have on the quality of life for a fish is easy. Dirty water means unhealthy fish. Why do people expect anything different regarding their health, considering they spend hours per day breathing in air that is laden with allergens and pollutants?
The air in the home is a reservoir for everything from aerosols to residual cooking oil. Breathing in these pollutants routinely causes problems like:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Worsening allergies
- Chronic sinus infections
- Allergy attacks or COPD complications
Air Filter Replacement and Maintenance
To avoid the worst consequences of low-quality indoor air, all it takes is a few changes in habit. The most important step in improving indoor air quality is to change air filters every three months. This step alone will drastically reduce the amount of allergens and dust in the air. For extra protection, owners can invest in better filters that target certain pollutants like dust mites or odors.
The second habit to get into is to use professional HVAC maintenance. Experts recommend HVAC maintenance twice yearly, once in the spring, and once in the fall. This protects air quality by ensuring the system stays efficient to remove dust and allow it to better control humidity.
Air Cleaners and Filtration Systems
If changing a few habits isn’t enough to completely alleviate the symptoms of low-quality indoor air, owners can still take some steps. Installing air purifiers and UV air sanitizers can greatly improve indoor air quality for those who suffer during the winter. These devices target different contaminants that contribute to poor health. Air purifiers work hard to reduce the amount of pollen and dust particles in the air, while UV air sanitizers use powerful UV rays to destroy VOCs and pathogens. Both options can easily be installed in line with existing HVAC equipment and are controlled by one central thermostat. By installing one of these devices in a home or business, owners can rest assured they are constantly living in pure air, supporting their health.
About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air
Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air offers affordable indoor air quality solutions. Their memberships automatically handle HVAC maintenance and protect other vital systems in the home. Call today for prompt HVAC service in Fairhope, AL.
