Having good air quality indoors can be key to our health and well-being. Indoor air quality is the cleanliness of the air present within buildings and homes. Poor indoor air quality can negatively impact health, comfort, and productivity. You can take several steps to improve indoor air quality, including air conditioning repair, ventilation, and air filters.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Poor indoor air quality can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, eye and throat irritation, allergies, and asthma attacks. Long-term exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease. Older adults and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma are at an increased risk of developing chronic illnesses due to poor indoor air quality.
How To Improve Air Quality in Your Home or Office
Improving indoor air quality requires identifying sources of pollutants and reducing or eliminating them. Potential sources of indoor air pollutants include combustion products from furnaces and other heating units.
Other causes are dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, formaldehyde off-gassing from carpets or furniture, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds. Improper ventilation can cause stale air to become trapped indoors and contribute to poor air quality. You can take the following steps to improve indoor air quality:
Increased Ventilation
Ventilating your living areas will flush out odors and potentially harmful toxins. Opening windows, using exhaust fans, and installing an HVAC system are also effective.
Regular home or workplace cleaning reduces allergens that cause adverse health effects. Improved ventilation also helps reduce mildew, mold, smoke, chemical fumes, and pest droppings. It also means saving money on energy bills in the long run.
Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance
Air conditioners should be regularly serviced, so they are running efficiently. Dirty air filters allow pollutants to circulate through the air, while faulty air conditioners can emit hazardous gases.
Replace the AC filter to reduce airborne allergens such as dust and pollen. If the damage is complex, call an air conditioning repair professional to replace your HVAC systems.
Control Humidity Levels
Humidity levels can affect indoor air quality in your home or workplace. Too much humidity can lead to moisture buildup, which encourages mold growth and other allergens. Keep relative humidity levels low with a dehumidifier or air conditioner. You can also fix water leaks to prevent further moisture buildup.
Install Air Filter Systems
Air purifiers are a great way to reduce pollutants in the air. They can capture particles such as dust, smoke, pollen, and pet dander that may otherwise cause allergies or respiratory issues. Choose an effective filter system that will capture your environment’s airborne particles.
Consider the size of the room, filter technology, and maintenance requirements. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can capture a large number of airborne particles. Activated carbon filters can also be effective in removing odors and chemicals.
Assess Air Ducts and Vents
Air ducts and vents can become blocked or contaminated if not appropriately maintained. Inspect for any damaged parts and check that all air ducts are properly sealed to prevent pollutants from entering the home or office.
Clean vents regularly to reduce dust buildup, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. If cleaning requires complex equipment, call a professional HVAC specialist.
Maintain Good Air Quality With Professional Help
Poor outdoor air pollution can enter homes and workplaces through ventilation systems. It can accumulate pollutants, which harm health over time. Improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks by increasing ventilation, air conditioning repair, controlling humidity levels, and using air filter systems. Assessing and maintaining air ducts and vents can also reduce contaminants entering the space. Seek professional help in maintaining the best air quality possible in your home or business.
