4 Things You May Not Know About Your Indoor Air Quality

4 Things You May Not Know About Your Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality is a common problem for both homes and residential buildings. But it’s also poorly understood. People often don’t realize they have air quality issues until they develop serious symptoms related to whatever is floating around in their air.

Below we’ve put together a list of four things you may not have realized about your home’s indoor air quality. The purpose isn’t to alarm you—although a few of these facts may be unsettling—but to get you to take action to solve the problems before they worsen. Issues with indoor air quality in Palm Springs, CA can be solved with the assistance of IAQ professionals who work with air filters, air purifiers, duct sealing, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, duct cleaning, and more.

ONE: Indoor Air Pollution Is a Top 5 Environmental Danger

According to the U.S. EPA, indoor air pollution is one of the top 5 health hazards people in the country face daily. The EPA estimates that the air quality in homes is around 3 to 4 times worse than the air outdoors. The reason for this is the many sources of air pollutants located inside a home which do not escape to the outdoors because of poor ventilation. Chances are high that your home has air quality that could be improved.

TWO: Indoor Air Quality Has Increased Pediatric Asthma Rates

Young children are at the most risk of poor indoor air quality, and asthma is the most common condition resulting from their exposure to it. Studies have shown a steep rise in pediatric asthma rates, many of which can be traced to indoor air pollutants.

THREE: There Are Pollutant Sources Everywhere in a House

One of the most frustrating parts about poor indoor air quality is that it’s difficult to stop at the source. Second-hand smoke is an obvious danger to air quality, but it’s easy to identify and reduce. But there are many common items in homes that emit airborne pollutants, and it’s almost impossible to get rid of all of them—especially when you consider that one source is the building material of the house itself! Other indoor air quality pollutant sources include hobby supplies, paint and varnishes, cosmetics, household cleaners, and byproducts from cooking.

FOUR: There Is No Single Solution to Improving Indoor Air Quality

There’s no magical device for a home that will eliminate all the pollutants circulating through it. Usually it takes a combination of air quality systems to handle the job. Air filters are an excellent place to start, since they remove the larger particles from the ventilation system. But a home can’t have a filter that’s too strong or it will put restrictions on airflow and possibly damage the HVAC system. Air purifiers are an excellent backup to catch the particles that escape filters. UV air purifiers are an option to deal with mold spores, germs, and microbes. A home that has leaky air ducts will need them sealed to stop extra pollutants from entering into the ventilation system. The best way to solve your IAQ problems is to work with experienced HVAC professionals who will see you have the ideal combination of air quality systems.

Russell’s Heating & Air Conditioning serves the Inland Empire and the Desert Communities. For exceptional customer service, please give our office a call.