Why Is Indoor Air Quality Important?
If a household has been experiencing ongoing respiratory issues, it might not just be a bug circulating through a family. It could be due to the home’s indoor air quality.
Indoor air quality is the air quality in a home. It can include the humidity, ventilation, temperature of the house and any exposure to mold or chemicals. If the air quality is low, it can impact a family’s overall health. It can increase allergy and asthma symptoms, leading to respiratory illnesses.
August is National Wellness Month. Homeowners should take this time to focus on themselves and their households. They can take steps to schedule indoor air quality services to improve their family’s health.
Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can negatively impact a household’s health. If exposed to poor indoor air quality, some symptoms family members might experience can include:
- Respiratory Problems: Exposure to pollutants and irritants in the air can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections.
- Allergies: Poor indoor air quality can trigger or worsen allergies. Common indoor allergens are dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen. This can cause sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, and skin rashes.
- Asthma: Indoor air pollutants like dust, smoke, mold, and chemicals can trigger asthma symptoms and asthma attacks.
- Respiratory Infections: Contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the indoor air can increase the risk of respiratory infections, such as the common cold, flu, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses.
- Eye, Nose, and Throat Irritation: Exposure to pollutants, chemicals, and irritants indoors can cause irritation and inflammation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Symptoms may include redness, itching, burning sensation, nasal congestion, sore throat, and hoarseness.
- Headaches and Fatigue: Poor indoor air quality can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Air Filter Replacement and Maintenance
Homeowners have options to improve their indoor air quality. Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance and frequently changing their air filters can help.
Experts suggest changing an HVAC system’s air filters at least every three months. These should be changed more frequently if they have pets or people with allergies or asthma. Filters collect dust, debris, and allergens. They cannot properly remove particles from the home’s air if clogged, leading to health problems.
Scheduling yearly tune-ups and maintenance services on air conditioners can also improve indoor air quality. During these routine services, technicians can clean the system and look for any leaks that could cause contaminants to enter the air.
Air Cleaners and Filtration Systems
Another way homeowners can improve their indoor air quality is by installing an air cleaner or a filtration system. These can include air purifiers or UV sanitizers. Both work to improve indoor air quality, but they also have key differences:
- Air Purifiers: These units remove dust, allergens, and other particles from the air. They commonly use HEPA and ionic filters.
- UV Air Sanitizers: These destroy pathogens and bacteria to eliminate illnesses in a home.
About City Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning
Since 1967, City Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning has provided quality services to Odessa. They provide reliable, on-time services and offer straightforward pricing. Call them today for HVAC services in Odessa, TX.
