Did you know that indoor air quality is often far worse than outdoor air quality? In fact, your indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside your home! At Bay Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand how important it is to you to make sure your home is healthy, and your family is safe. If you and your loved ones are suffering from poor indoor air quality, we want to help. Read on to learn more about the signs of poor indoor air quality and how you can improve the quality of your indoor air!
What Causes Poor IAQ?
Poor indoor air quality is the result of interactions between a home, the furnishings of that home, the activities that take place within that home, the materials used to build that home, and those that occupy the home. It can be caused by improper ventilation, poor circulation, humidity problems, lack of fresh air, or indoor air contaminants such as dust, dirt, dander, bacteria, mold, mildew, gas, and chemicals.
Symptoms of Poor IAQ
Unhealthy air can have a serious negative impact on your health. One of the easiest ways to tell if you have poor indoor air quality is to pay attention to your symptoms.
Below are the symptoms of poor indoor air quality:
Sneezing
Coughing
Dry, itchy eyes
Nosebleeds
Congestion
Fever
Nausea
Difficulty breathing
Headache
Dizziness
Because these symptoms are so similar to those of the common cold or flu, it can be difficult to determine the source of them. Usually, you will notice that your symptoms are alleviated upon leaving your home for an extended period of time.
Signs Around Your Home of Poor IAQ
Much like your health is affected, the health of your home can also be impacted by poor indoor air quality.
Evidence that your home is showing signs of poor air quality include:
Significant dust buildup on vents and throughout your home
Uncomfortable humidity levels
Uneven airflow (some areas in your home are warm while others are cold)
Mold and mildew growth anywhere in your home
Unpleasant odors due to mold, pets, chemicals, and more
What Can You Do About Poor IAQ?
There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable in your home. If you are noticing any of the above signs and symptoms of poor indoor air quality, you need to take action. Luckily, there are things that you can do to reduce the number of airborne contaminants in your home and help you breathe easier.
Keep Your Home Clean
Good indoor hygiene is the key to maintaining a healthy home. Without keeping on top of chores, dust, dander, and other pollutants can build up and significantly affect the quality of your air. Be sure to regularly clear away clutter, vacuum your carpets and rugs, and wash your bedding, curtains, and other items that can trap indoor air pollutants.
Purchase Indoor Plants
Because plants are natural air filters, they are a great addition to your home. They will not only make your space more inviting, but also freshen your air.
Note: Be careful not to overwater your plants. Overwatered plants can form mold, which is exactly what we want to avoid!
Change Your Air Filter
The air filter for your heating and air conditioning system is used to trap excess dust and dirt and prevent it from circulating through your home. After time, it fills up and can become clogged, rendering it unable to properly filter your air. To avoid this, you need to change your air filter approximately every three months. You should check it on a regular basis to be sure it hasn’t become full.
Use Cooking Vents
Because gas stoves are known to release so many harmful chemicals, it is really important to use cooking vents or open a window while you are cooking. This can help to remove these unhealthy pollutants from your home and keep your air clean.
Purchase Air Quality Systems
There are a number of top-performing indoor air quality systems that can significantly improve the health of your air. These include air filtration, dehumidification/humidification, purification, and ventilation systems. To determine which of these systems is best for your home, you need the help of a team of experts.
Call Bay Heating & Air Conditioning Today!
The heating and cooling experts at Bay Heating & Air Conditioning are here to take care of your home. When you call on us, we will provide careful air quality testing, assess the condition of your air, and determine the right air quality systems for you. Our indoor air quality specialists provide premium air filtration, dehumidification/humidification, purification, and ventilation systems that are guaranteed to improve your air quality. When it comes to the health of your home, you need a team you can trust on your side. Let us help you breathe easier.
Give us a call at (440) 294-4954 or message us online to schedule service.