The quality of the air you breathe in your house is pivotal to your overall health and well-being. Home is meant to be a haven where you recharge, unload, and take refuge from the busy life. It’s a place where you should feel safe and comfortable. However, with the increasing pollution levels and contaminants in the environment, this sanctuary-like atmosphere has proven to be a lot more challenging to achieve. Fortunately, there are several solutions available to improve your indoor air quality and promote a healthier living space.
Common Indoor Pollutants
Indoor air quality (IAQ) simply refers to air quality within and around buildings, particularly concerning the health and comfort of building occupants. Several factors contribute to IAQ, including particles, gases, humidity, and ventilation. Understanding these components is crucial in managing and improving the air quality in your home.
Dust and Dust Mites
Dust consists of tiny particles, including dead skin cells, fabric fibers, and dirt. Dust mites, microscopic creatures feeding on dust, thrive in warm, humid environments. Their presence can exacerbate allergies and asthma, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, and respiratory distress.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew require moisture to grow, often appearing in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. These fungi release spores into the air, which can also trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues like coughing and wheezing.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are gases emitted from products like paints, cleaners, building materials and furnishings, and adhesives. They have low water solubility and high vapor pressure, making them easily airborne and potentially harmful when inhaled. In fact, larger and longer exposures may damage your kidneys and liver and cause some nervous and reproductive system problems.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
This odorless, colorless gas results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as the natural gas that heats your home. It typically infiltrates your home when there are leaks or malfunctioning systems and appliances. CO is very poisonous, and without proper ventilation, it could suffocate you.
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into homes through cracks in floors and walls. This is why, before you move into a new home or buy land, conducting a radon test is crucial to determine whether the levels are safe. Long-term radon exposure is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.
Secondhand Smoke
Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are harmful. Tobacco smoke is known to linger in the air for up to five hours immediately after smoking; then, its particles will settle on things like walls, floors, and bedding and continue to emit harmful chemicals for months.
Pet Dander
Pet dander consists of tiny skin flakes, fur, saliva, and urine particles that pets shed. For people with allergies, pet dander can trigger sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.
The Effects of Poor IAQ on Your HVAC
Among other roles, your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system also helps to clean up your indoor air by trapping all the bad particles and pumping out fresh air. However, when your IAQ is poor, your system will not only struggle to do this job but it may also cause further damage to its components.
For starters, dust and debris accumulation can clog the air purifiers, vents, and ducts, impeding airflow and forcing the system to work harder to keep up with your comfort needs. Further, there would be a lot of wear and tear on the components because efficiency would be greatly reduced, and in some cases, the entire system could break down.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions
When it comes to improving your IAQ, there are various solutions available. Depending on your needs, a combination of strategies may be most effective. An air quality specialist can assess your IAQ and offer customized recommendations.
Ventilation
If the air inside your house feels stuffy, smelly, or too humid, the first thing you should do is open the windows to improve circulation. The outdoor air will dilute indoor pollutants and flush them out. You can add fans or exhaust systems to improve ventilation in specific areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.
Note, however, that if you live in an area with high outdoor pollution, then you should consider alternative methods like mechanical ventilation systems that filter and clean the outdoor air before bringing it in. You can also open your windows during off-peak times when outdoor pollution levels are lower.
Air Filters
Regularly changing or cleaning the air filters in your HVAC system is one of the easiest and surest ways of improving IAQ. These filters trap dust, dirt, and other particles before they can circulate back into your home. In fact, there are many different types that you can install to remove the specific type of pollutants in your home. For example, carbon filters absorb odors and gases, HEPA filters remove allergens and dust, and UV filters kill bacteria and viruses.
When shopping for a new filter, you should pay close attention to ratings such as the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) and MPR (microparticle performance rating). MERV rates the filter’s ability to remove larger particles, while MPR is more concerned with small pollutants. Filters with a higher rating are generally more effective but may also cost more.
Humidity Control
Strive to keep your indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% by utilizing dehumidifiers or humidifiers as needed. High humidity promotes the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Low humidity, on the other hand, can dry out your skin and irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.
Today, there are smart humidifiers available that can produce both cool and warm mist. They can be controlled using your phone, allowing you to set timers and adjust your humidification schedule. Some models even feature air quality sensors that automatically regulate the humidity levels according to your home’s IAQ.
Indoor Plants
Indoor plants not only add a touch of nature to your home but also help purify the air. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen while also removing harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. The top air-purifying plants include snake plant, spider plant, peace lily, and English ivy.
Although their rate of purification may not be as significant as that of an air purifier, having a few plants around your home can still make a positive impact on your IAQ. Remember that they can also improve humidity levels through transpiration and evapotranspiration, especially during the cold and dry winter months.
HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system is the first line of defense against poor indoor air quality. However, it could also be the main source of pollutants if not properly maintained. When dust, pet dander, mold, and other contaminants accumulate in your HVAC system, they will circulate back into your room with the conditioned air as their carrier.
To prevent this, schedule professional HVAC maintenance at least twice a year for duct and vent cleaning, filter replacements, and other necessary adjustments. The more efficient your HVAC system is, the better it can filter out pollutants and maintain a healthy IAQ in your home.
Source Control
Most importantly, addressing the source of pollutants is key to improving your indoor air quality for the long term. This can include simple actions like using natural cleaning products, sealing cracks and leaks in your home, smoking outside, and keeping your home as tidy as possible to reduce dust and clutter.
Call Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc. Today for Foolproof Solutions
Creating an IAQ improvement plan involves setting clear goals and establishing actionable steps. While there are things you can do on your own to get started, consulting with a professional can help you develop a comprehensive and effective strategy. At Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc., we can help you achieve clean, fresh air in your home. We offer other services as well, including HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance. You can also turn to us for duct sealing, gas piping, and more. So, if you live in Hillsboro, OR or the surrounding area, call Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc. today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our AC services.