What Is Indoor Air Quality - And Why Does It Matter?
The term indoor air quality (IAQ) generally refers to the level of airborne pollutants in a given building or structure. High levels of contaminants make for poor indoor air quality, while a lack of pollutants typically means higher air quality. Over time, pollutants can become trapped inside a building and build to high concentration levels, especially without adequate filtration and ventilation.
Some airborne pollutants may come from outdoor sources, such as pollen, mold, vehicle exhaust, smoke, and radon gas. Others may come from everyday household sources, such as pet dander, carbon monoxide, natural gas leaks, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be found in many cleaning products, paints, and even cooking fumes.
Exposure to these contaminants can carry serious health risks. Since August is National Wellness Month, this article will give homeowners the information they need to improve their indoor air quality for a safe, clean, and healthy home.
How Poor Indoor Air Quality Affects Health
The health effects of poor indoor air quality can range from mildly unpleasant to downright deadly. The severity will ultimately depend on the nature of the pollutant, the level and duration of exposure, and the individual’s specific sensitivity to the contaminant.
Short-term exposure to indoor air pollutants can have immediate health effects such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and aggravation of asthma or allergy symptoms. These symptoms often go away on their own when the individual is no longer exposed to the pollutants that caused them, but in some cases, they require additional treatment.
Chronic long-term exposure to certain indoor air pollutants can have long-term health effects such as heart disease, respiratory diseases, and even cancer. This is why it’s so important to get a handle on poor indoor air quality as soon as possible.
The Impact of Maintenance and Air Filter Replacement
One of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is to schedule bi-annual (typically spring and fall) maintenance with a professional HVAC service company. Professional maintenance typically involves cleaning any dust or debris out of the unit, inspecting the ducts for leaks or signs of mold/vermin infestation, and ensuring the system is functioning properly regarding airflow and humidity control. This is crucial in humid regions like Florida, where excess moisture is a leading cause of poor indoor air quality.
Another critical maintenance task that homeowners can tackle on their own is replacing the filter at least every three months. A clean air filter is essential for adequate airflow and capturing pollutants. It’s also a good idea to get an air filter capable of capturing a wide range of contaminants without hindering airflow. Homeowners can ask their HVAC technicians for recommendations that will work for their specific system.
How Portable Air Cleaners Improve Indoor Air Quality
On top of routine maintenance and air filter replacement, homeowners can also turn to portable air cleaners to help reduce air pollutants in their homes. Portable air cleaners come in two main forms - air purifiers and sanitizers. Both can help improve indoor air quality, but there are key differences between the two.
Portable air purifiers typically use some sort of filtration to remove particles from the air and trap them. The models that use a combination of HEPA and carbon filters tend to be the most effective, as they can capture dust, dander, pollen, and even some gases. Portable air sanitizers use methods such as UV light to kill or neutralize pollutants such as bacteria, mold, viruses, and certain chemicals/VOCs, rendering them inert.
Which option to go with ultimately depends on what the homeowners need. If anyone in the home is prone to illness or has any pre-existing conditions or respiratory sensitivities, an air sanitizer may be the best bet. If mild allergies or respiratory irritation are the main concern, an air purifier may do the trick. In some cases, a combination of the two may be a good idea. In any case, it’s always best to consult a trusted local HVAC expert to determine the ideal solution to suit the household’s needs.
About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.
Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has two decades of experience serving Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer transparent pricing, financing, on-time arrival, and a membership plan. Call them today for indoor air quality services in Daytona Beach, FL.
