If the air quality outside is poor either due to smoke, smog, or other pollutants, most people heed the warnings and stay indoors until conditions improve, especially if you have little ones or elderly family members. But it’s only recently that homeowners have begun looking inward to ensure the quality of the air inside their homes is high enough to keep themselves and their family members safe. The EPA defines indoor air quality as referring to “the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.” Our technicians at NY Boiler & Air Conditioning Repair are sharing the common pollutants found in your indoor air, why it is so important to improve your air, and what steps you can take to make those improvements.
Contaminants in Your Home’s Air
Even the cleanest homes can have microscopic pollutants floating in your air which can lead to some damaging effects. In the short term, this could look like eyes, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, or fatigue. If you are continually exposed to bad indoor air, the effects become more severe, and long-term—with some including respiratory and heart disease.
Indoor pollutants can include:
- Chemicals from household cleaning products
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Pesticides
- Secondhand smoke
- Exhaust from stoves, heaters, fireplaces, and chimneys
- Asbestos
- Pet dander and pollen
- Bacteria and viruses
- Mold and mildew
- Formaldehyde
- Lead, carbon monoxide, and radon
Despite the fact that these contaminants are rarely visible, they can have damaging effects, luckily, there are things you can do to minimize exposure to these pollutants.
What You Can Do to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
One of the easiest ways to improve your indoor air quality is to increase your ventilation. By simply opening your windows for a few hours and using a ceiling fan more often, you can drastically improve your home’s air. In fact, Harvard University released a study citing that even minimal ventilation can cut down the transmission of influenza to the same degree as if half the population was immunized. The CDC has even recommended increased ventilation as a way to combat the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Another easy way to keep your space’s air quality healthy is by cleaning and maintaining your HVAC systems. These systems blow air throughout your home, so if there is debris building up in your heater, AC unit, or ductwork, you could be circulating pollutants throughout your property. Having your ducts cleaned by a professional can clear pounds of debris out of your ducts!
Installing an air filtration system in your home is another great way to improve your indoor air quality. Some models attach to your current HVAC systems, making the installation process quick, and thoroughly filter out contaminants from your air, reducing your exposure to even microscopic pollutants, including bacteria like E-coli and some larger viruses. An experienced technician can find the right type of air filter for your home and even recommend additional ways you can improve your indoor comfort and safety.
Are you looking for ways to improve your indoor air quality in Baldwin or surrounding areas? Our team at NY Boiler & Air Conditioning Repair offers a variety of solutions to help your home breathe easy. Call us today at (516) 219-1952 to learn more about our services.
