little girl with dog

What’s Hurting My IAQ?

Are you concerned about the air quality in your home? The quality of the air we breathe indoors can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. These days, we spend considerable time inside, making indoor air quality (IAQ) an essential aspect to consider. Understanding what factors could harm your IAQ may help you create a healthier environment for yourself and your loved ones. In this blog post, we will discuss three common factors that might be hurting your indoor air quality: the increase in spring allergens, infrequent filter replacements, and a lack of a consistent cleaning routine. Keep reading to uncover ways to improve your home's IAQ.

Increase in Spring Allergens

When springtime rolls around, allergies seem to follow suit. Pollen levels rise, and those allergens can easily drift into your home with your windows open. Pollen isn't the only allergen in the air, as mold and dust mite levels can increase during the warmer months. Seasonal changes in humidity can contribute to indoor air quality issues by creating a more suitable environment for allergens to thrive. Keep an eye on the indoor humidity levels and consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help reduce allergens in your home.

Infrequent Filter Replacements

Your home's air filters play a vital role in maintaining good indoor air quality. It's easy to forget to change them, but allowing your filters to become dirty and clogged can harm your IAQ and your HVAC system. A clogged filter reduces the airflow through your heating and cooling system, causing it to work harder and less efficiently. This increased strain can lead to costly repairs or even a system breakdown. Be sure to regularly replace your air filters (typically every 30-90 days) and consider upgrading to a higher-efficiency filter that can capture smaller particles and further improve your IAQ.

Lack of Consistent Cleaning Routine

Cleaning is essential to maintaining good indoor air quality. Allergens and pollutants can accumulate on surfaces, furniture, and flooring, only to be redistributed into the air as you move about your home. Regular cleaning can help you combat allergens and minimize the impact on your IAQ. Vacuum your floors and carpets using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, dust your home with a damp cloth to capture allergens, and wash your bedding and curtains regularly. Maintain a consistent cleaning routine to help keep allergens and pollutants at bay.

Poorly Ventilated Spaces

Most homes are designed to be energy efficient and keep outdoor air from infiltrating. While these measures can help save on heating and cooling costs, they can create stale air inside the home. Adequate ventilation is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality, as it helps to remove pollutants from your living space. Make sure to use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom and open your windows as often as possible to ensure proper airflow.

Harmful Chemicals and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Many household products contain harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can negatively impact indoor air quality. Household products such as cleaning agents, paint, and furnishings can release VOCs into the air, leading to respiratory issues, headaches, and allergies. Limit your exposure to these substances by choosing low-VOC or VOC-free products, and avoid using harsh chemicals for cleaning.

Maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for the health and well-being of you and your loved ones. You can create a healthier and more comfortable environment by identifying and addressing the factors that can hurt your IAQ, such as the increase in spring allergens, infrequent filter replacements, and lack of a consistent cleaning routine. Take action today, and breathe easier knowing that you are actively working to improve the air quality in your home.

Reach out to our team to learn more about our services through our website or by calling us at R. Brooks Mechanical.

Categories
Contact Us