Signs Of Poor Indoor Air Quality
A lot of people will pay much attention to the look and the appearance of the house. However, many of them do not take time to think about the air quality in their homes. Indoor air quality can be the main difference between good and bad health and should be taken very seriously.
In the minds of many people, pollution only happens outdoors. However, research suggests that indoor air in some enclosed spaces can have a higher concentration of pollutants than outdoor air. Unfortunately, the effects of low-quality air on your family’s health may not be evident immediately. But in the long run, the effects could have dire consequences.
You don’t have to wait until it is too late to make changes to your home’s air quality. Here are some signs that your home’s air quality is poor.
1. Dust Build-up
The average home will have dust to some extent; however, excessive dust should concern every homeowner. Dust particles can comprise many components, including soil particles, pollen, heavy metals, asbestos, dander, and plant materials. Fine dust particles can float in the air for long periods and cause significant respiratory problems when inhaled.
If you start noticing an unusual build-up of dust around your house, it is probably time to check into your air cleaning system’s efficiency and have it repaired. The best place to start is to check the air filters and change them if necessary.
2. Unpleasant Odors
Unpleasant odors are the most common indicators of indoor air quality problems and one of the most difficult to trace. There are many possible causes of foul odor in a home, including mold and mildew, chemicals, smoke, and decomposition. Other common causes include air fresheners’ scents and perfumes used in poorly ventilated spaces.
You must narrow down the foul odor’s cause before addressing it because different causes call for different approaches. For example, the presence of a mold or mildew smell indicates excessive humidity in the house. A quick fix for foul odor is to open up your house’s doors and windows to let out the stale, stagnant air and allow in some fresh air. Additionally, make sure that your HVAC system is working correctly to control the level of humidity in your house.
3. Mold Growth
The growth of mold and mildew is one of the common side effects of low air quality inside your house. Other than being smelly and unpleasant, mold growth poses a significant health risk to your family and should never be ignored. Mold spreads and does not go away on its own.
The presence of mold in your living space indicates high levels of humidity. The most likely areas where mold may grow are the basement, the bathroom, and your kitchen. Ensure that the surfaces in these parts of your house are dried sufficiently. Managing the humidity levels in your house can also help in reducing mold growth. Investing in a dehumidifier can be effective in lowering the levels of humidity in your home.
4. Health Complications
Regular health problems among the members of your household could be a sign of low air quality, which is among the main culprits in many flu-like symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, nausea, dizziness, and irritated nose and throat. If you notice that these signs keep recurring, you are most probably dealing with a case of low air quality. If your family members are experiencing regular illnesses, make sure that you consult your doctor for treatment and then contact your HVAC service provider to have the air quality issue looked into and resolved.
5. Allergic Reactions
Most people usually attribute episodes of allergies to change in seasons and weather patterns. However, the main culprit may be poor air quality inside your home. Many allergies are triggered by exposure to a wide range of pollutants such as pollen, dust, and other contaminants found in enclosed spaces. If your home has poor air circulation, these particles can remain suspended in the air for long periods. As you inhale, the contaminants may get access to your lungs, triggering allergic reactions.
Opening your house’s doors and windows can be a cheap and easy way to get rid of the contaminated air. Additionally, investing in a sound air conditioning system or having your existing one repaired can drastically improve your air quality and prevent allergic reactions and other respiratory complications.
6. Inconsistent Air Distribution
If you notice that some spots or rooms in your home are hotter or colder than others, you have poor air circulation. This issue may result from having a heating and cooling unit that’s too small for your square footage. Other culprits include clogged ducts and poorly maintained AC systems.
Poor circulation of air means that the air is not getting cleaned as efficiently as possible and might pose a potential health risk. Once you realize that there are some inconsistencies in air distribution in your home, contact your HVAC technician to check your unit and make the necessary repairs.
7. Uneven Humidity Levels
The ideal relative humidity for your home should fall between 30% and 50%. Anything above that will encourage mold and mildew, posing a health risk. Besides, higher humidity levels can also cause wood to rot and even invite unwanted insects and termites.
On the other hand, lower humidity levels can cause your skin to feel dry and itchy. It can also cause some respiratory problems like wheezing, coughing, and even breathing difficulties. If you face humidity problems in your house, you can resolve this problem by investing in a good humidifier or dehumidifier based on your prevailing circumstances.
Final Words
The home should be comfortable for every homeowner, but that is not always the case. Poor air quality can be a significant source of discomfort and infections in your home. However, you do not have to wait until someone in your household falls sick to fix your air quality issues. The list above highlights some of the common signs you can use to determine if your home’s air quality is safe. These tell-tale signs can help you identify the source of your air quality problems and have them resolved before things get out of hand.
Do you need help in identifying and resolving your air quality issues? Integrity Heating & Cooling is your most reliable partner in air quality services. Regardless of the source of your air quality issues, our dedicated and professional technicians will walk with you every step of the way towards achieving a safe and comfortable home environment.
We also offer a number of different services, including 24/7 emergency repairs, furnace repairs, heat pump services, AC maintenance, and commercial HVAC solutions. We hire NATE-certified technicians and are a Lennox- and Trane-preferred dealer that has been serving our community for over 35 years. If you live in Charlotte, NC, or the surrounding areas and are interested in our services, contact us for tailor-made solutions that can help to keep you healthy in your home.
Tags: IAQ, Signs