What Indoor Air Quality Is – And Why It Matters
The term indoor air quality describes the level of airborne contaminants or pollutants in a given indoor space. The higher the concentration of pollutants and the more harmful they are, the lower the indoor air quality—and vice versa.
And given that most homes and indoor spaces are well-insulated to maintain a steady, comfortable temperature across all seasons, airborne pollutants tend to build up indoors to alarmingly high levels of concentration. Unfortunately, these pollutants can negatively affect the health of everyone living and working in these spaces. This article will explain the undesirable health effects of poor indoor air quality and what homeowners can do to make their indoor air cleaner and healthier!
How Poor Indoor Air Quality Affects Health
The effects of poor air quality on one’s health can vary widely depending on the type of pollutants in the air, the concentration level, the duration of exposure, and the individual’s sensitivity. Things like dust, dirt, pet dander, and pollen can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and exacerbate allergy or asthma symptoms.
Some mold spores can cause these symptoms and, worse, potentially even cause a respiratory infection. Some dangerous chemical pollutants and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) found in household items can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. Some of the more dangerous contaminants (radon gas, asbestos, carbon monoxide, etc.) can cause long-term illness, cancer, and even death at certain levels of exposure.
Regular Maintenance & Air Filter Replacement
Knowing the health risks of poor indoor air quality, it’s easy to see why every homeowner should do what they can to improve their home’s air quality. The easiest way to start is by changing the HVAC air filters regularly—every 1 to 3 months, depending on how dusty the home gets, whether pets are present, and the respiratory sensitivities of the family members.
The AC and furnace filters (in homes with heat pumps, these may be one and the same) capture airborne pollutants as the HVAC system circulates air throughout the home. Regular air filter replacement ensures that the filters don’t get so dirty that they hinder airflow or prevent the filtration system from doing its job.
Routine maintenance from a qualified professional will help keep the HVAC system clean and working at peak efficiency, helping the filters keep the air clean. Generally, AC maintenance is best done once every spring, and heating maintenance is best done once every fall.
Air Cleaner Systems
Regular maintenance and air filter replacement are vital, but they can only do so much – some pollutants can still get through the air filters used in most homes. This is why installing a dedicated air cleaner, such as a UV air sanitizer, is a good idea.
Whole-home UV air sanitizers are typically installed in line with the air handler unit and use ultraviolet light to neutralize harmful pollutants that make it past the air filtration system. This can help eliminate the vast majority of pollutants in the home’s air, making it cleaner and safer to breathe. In humid climates like Florida, homeowners may also consider installing a dehumidifier, which can help discourage mold growth, dust mites, and bacteria, contributing to poor air quality. By implementing these habits and tools, homeowners can breathe easy knowing that their air is clean, healthy, and safe!
About Boutwell’s Air Masters
Boutwell’s Air Masters has proudly handled Pensacola’s air quality and HVAC needs since 1973. Their trustworthy, licensed technicians always arrive on time and provide personalized solutions to fit every customer’s unique needs and budget. They offer competitive up-front pricing, financing, and a money-saving membership maintenance plan, so there’s no better choice for AC services in Pensacola, FL!
