Signs You Have Air Quality Problems At Home
Breathing in polluted air can be unpleasant and cause discomfort. When a city is filled with heavy smog, many people choose to stay indoors. However, this may not always be a safe option. In fact, the quality of indoor air can sometimes be worse than that of outdoor air. If you suspect that your family is suffering illnesses due to poor air quality, you should know the signs to look for. Read on to find out the common indicators of air quality problems in the home.
Importance of Improved Air Quality
Contents
Check out for the following signs in your home, which, unless addressed, are likely to worsen over time.:
1. Sneezing
Particles in the air can irritate your body, making you sneeze. An occasional episode of sneezing should not be a cause for concern. However, persistent sneezing is a sign that the indoor environment is impacting your health.
2. Coughing
Breathing in high concentrations of pollutants can lead to some particles getting lodged in the lungs. In turn, you will start coughing as the body tries to remove the particles. If you have a persistent cough, this is a sign that the air quality in your home should be improved.
3. Illness
Dry air allows pathogens to circulate easily. This makes it easier for diseases to spread within a household or community. If you are experiencing frequent colds, coughs, and flu symptoms, your house’s indoor air quality may be poor. To improve the air quality, it is important to control the humidity level.
4. Fatigue
Do you often feel tired when inside your home but feel better after spending time outside? If so, this could be a sign that toxic fumes are affecting your cognitive functions. The causes of this symptom include improper ventilation and gas leaks. If you suspect this is the case, contact an HVAC technician for an investigation.
5. Headaches
Getting exposed to chemicals can lead to intense headaches. Common household products, such as cleaning agents, may emit harmful fumes. On the same note, strong odors from pesticides, pet waste, and standing garbage can also cause discomfort. Finally, excessive indoor pollution may lead to sinus and congestion headaches.
6. Allergic Reactions
Generally, airborne allergies are seasonal issues that are caused by outdoor factors. However, if you experience allergy symptoms outside of the typical period, it may be due to poor indoor air quality. To reduce the symptoms, ensure the air is cleaned regularly. Also, if you are filling ill, consider taking antihistamines.
7. Dust Build-Up
Don’t wait until your family members start experiencing respiratory issues for you to act. Start by checking the interior surfaces of your home for excessive dust build-up. If you have recently undergone a renovation or experienced other changes, there may be more dust particles floating in the air. These could eventually lead to respiratory problems.
Importance of Good Indoor Air Quality
Our environment has a major impact on our health and well-being. Since we spend a large portion of our time indoors — sleeping, eating, working, studying, and socializing — it’s crucial to ensure the air quality in these spaces is good. Prolonged exposure to harmful substances in indoor environments can be dangerous. By working to improve indoor air quality, we can maintain good health and comfort throughout the day. A high level of indoor air quality leads to a better quality of life, a lower risk of chronic illnesses, and a reduction in respiratory problems. To keep track of your indoor air quality, simply install air quality monitors and act immediately when necessary.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
If you notice any of the signs discussed above, it’s important to act fast. Even small changes can have a big impact on indoor air quality. The following are some of the best ways to improve indoor air quality:
1. Regular HVAC Filter Changes
Forced-air heating and cooling systems have air filters that aid in removing indoor air particulates. Replace the HVAC filter frequently to keep your indoor air fresh. The filters collect dirt and dust over time. Therefore, they can get clogged and, in turn, reduce airflow and decrease air quality. Changing the filters regularly can improve air quality, increase energy efficiency, and extend the life of your HVAC system. For best results, make sure to use filters with high MERV ratings.
2. Whole-House Air Filter System
Regular HVAC filters may not be able to catch all pollutants, especially the smaller particles. To further improve your indoor air quality, consider installing a whole-house air filter system. It works in tandem with your heater and AC unit. Consult a professional HVAC contractor to find the right air filtration system for your home.
3. Reduction of Pollution Sources
It’s important to identify the sources of pollutants in your home and take steps to reduce or eliminate them. For instance, you can discourage indoor smoking, use non-toxic cleaning products, and opt for solid wood furniture instead of composite wood, which can release formaldehyde into the air.
4. Allergen Control
If you are sensitive to any allergen, reduce its levels in your home. Regular bathing and brushing of pets, vacuuming, washing bedding in hot water, and using soap while removing mold can help keep allergens at bay.
5. Fresh Air with Indoor Plants
Bring fresh air into your home by incorporating indoor plants, such as ivy, peace lily, and dracaena, into your décor. These plants not only provide aesthetic appeal but also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the environment.
6. Prevent Dampness
Maintaining a dry indoor environment can prevent mold growth, VOC release, property damage, and respiratory problems. Fix leaks, use a dehumidifier, and improve ventilation to reduce dampness inside your home.
7. Safe Heating Systems
Ensure your heating systems, such as your heat pump or furnace, operates safely and effectively. Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can release carcinogens. Therefore, consider gas-powered heating systems instead. Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid leaks and schedule regular maintenance to ensure clean indoor air.
Conclusion
Don’t let bad indoor air quality make you or your family feel sick. If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s time to make some changes. Give some of these tips a shot and see if they help. If you need a little extra help, bring in an HVAC pro to tackle the big stuff. It’s worth the investment to improve the air you breathe every day. By doing so, you’ll be taking care of your health and comfort at home.
Call Lawes Company for Your HVAC Requirements
It’s time to make your indoor air clean and healthy. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, take action and implement the basic or advanced solutions to improve indoor air quality. Lawes Company offers unmatched heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. Our certified technicians have the knowledge and expertise to ensure your HVAC system is functioning optimally.
We understand the importance of quality indoor air and strive to provide the most competitive prices in the area. With our maintenance services, you can expect improved comfort, increased energy efficiency, and lower home heating and cooling costs. Need a new HVAC system? Let us recommend the best option for your home and budget. We are confident of our work that we offer a full guarantee to ensure your complete satisfaction.
So, why wait? Give us a call today for a free, in-home estimate, and start breathing easy with Lawes Company.
Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more! Click the link to view our service area.