Signs You Need Better Air Quality At Home
Air pollution makes breathing hard and uncomfortable. People don’t want to go outside when heavy smog covers their city. Some may stay inside until it passes, but this strategy doesn’t mean safety is a certainty. Your indoor air quality (IAQ) may be just as bad or even worse, impacting your family’s health. Keep reading to explore the signs of air quality problems at home.
Symptoms Of Air Quality Problems
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Watch out for different signs. They usually recur and worsen as time passes unless you do something about it. Be proactive and see if the following symptoms are present in your home:
Sneezing
Pollutants irritate our bodies. It will try to get rid of these particles as soon as possible by sneezing them out. It isn’t a concern to have occasional sneezing episodes, but you should take it seriously if it doesn’t stop. This response may be due to the indoor environment.
Cough
High particulate concentration generates even worse results. Breathing them in may result in some particles getting lodged in the lungs, causing problems. The body tries to expel these foreign substances by coughing them out. It will continue until the indoor air is cleaned.
Illness
Dry air lets airborne pathogens move around quickly, leading to illness spreading faster throughout your home. This is partly the cause of frequent coughs, colds, and flu symptoms during winter. You need to control the humidity if you want better indoor air quality.
Headaches
Chemical exposure can cause intense headaches. Cleaning agents and other household products may produce harmful fumes. Pet waste, standing garbage, and pesticides also emit strong smells that can cause nausea. Excessive indoor pollution can also result in sinus headaches and congestion.
Fatigue
Do you feel tired when you stay inside your home? Does stepping outside help shake the tiredness away? If so, your home may have toxic fumes affecting your cognitive functions. Common causes are improper ventilation and gas leaks. Hire an HVAC professional to investigate.
Allergies
Airborne allergies are typically seasonal problems resulting from the outdoor environment. Check your indoor air quality if allergy symptoms emerge outside the usual periods. Cleaning more often may lessen the severity of the symptoms. It may also help to take medication like antihistamines.
Dust
Don’t wait for your family to get sick before doing something about it. Examine the surfaces inside your home. Is there dust build-up? Was there a recent renovation or change in your home? More dust particles are floating in the air, and they will eventually cause respiratory problems.
The Importance Of Good Indoor Air Quality
Our environment impacts our well-being and health. Most of our time is spent inside sleeping, working, studying, eating, and socializing. It is dangerous to be in polluted interiors because of extended exposure to harmful substances. Improving indoor air quality lets us stay healthy and comfortable as we do our daily activities. High indoor air quality means you have a better quality of life, fewer respiratory issues, and a lower risk of chronic illness. Installing air quality monitors and acting quickly when needed help you stay on top of the situation.
How To Improve Indoor Air Quality
Take swift action if you notice the signs listed above. Even small steps can have a significant impact. Here are several steps you can take to achieve a higher IAQ:
Change Your HVAC Filter Frequently
HVAC systems have air filters that can block pollutants. However, the surfaces get clogged with dirt as time passes, making them ineffective. Replace the filters often to promote good airflow while keeping the indoor air quality high. This can also help prolong the system’s lifespan, improve system performance, and increase energy efficiency. Ensure that you buy filters with high MERV ratings to have better IAQ.
Install a Whole-House Air Filter
Pollutants have different sizes. HVAC filters may not capture the smallest particles. Install a whole-house air filter if you want better protection against airborne irritants. Consult an HVAC technician regarding getting the best system for your home.
Reduce the Sources of Pollutants
Determine the reason for air contaminants in your home. Get rid of the sources when you find them. For instance, ask people to stop smoking inside and switch to non-toxic cleaning products. Consider selecting solid wood furniture over composite wood because the latter will likely release formaldehyde in the air.
Control the Allergen Levels
If you have allergen sensitivities, you should minimize their presence in your home. This doesn’t mean saying goodbye to your pets. You only need to brush and bathe them regularly. Vacuum all the pet dander and dust in your home. Use hot water to wash bedding to kill dust mites. Soap up the tiles to remove mold as well.
Use Indoor Plants for Fresh Air
Humans inhale oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, while plants do the opposite. Plants utilize carbon dioxide for internal processes and emit oxygen into the environment. As a result, indoor plants can help make your home more pleasant with relaxing visuals and fresh air. The best plants to have at home are dracaena, peace lily, and common ivy.
Reduce Dampness Indoors
Damp surfaces promote VOC release, property damage, respiratory illness, and mold growth. Fix leaky roofs and cracked pipes to reduce dampness. Improve ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms by opening a window and using an exhaust fan or a dehumidifier.
Curb Heating System Risks
Is your home equipped with a wood-burning stove or a fireplace? They can release carcinogens into the air. Furnaces and other gas-powered heating systems are less harmful. However, install CO detectors to watch out for possible carbon monoxide leaks. Book heating system maintenance to achieve cleaner air.
Conclusion
Don’t let your family suffer from breathing in contaminated air. Make the needed changes to achieve relief if you notice persistent signs and symptoms. Try the basic methods and check the results. Ask for professional assistance from an HVAC contractor to do advanced solutions as needed. It is a worthy investment. You provide better comfort and health to your family when you improve indoor air quality.
Call Point Bay Fuel For All Your HVAC Needs
Point Bay Fuel offers high-caliber heating and cooling services in the cities and towns of Ocean County and Monmouth County, New Jersey. We employ the best professionally certified technicians who can perform excellent HVAC services, such as air conditioner replacements, boiler repairs, furnace maintenance, and more. Each of our techs is experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable in servicing your HVAC system correctly.
Are you looking for the most affordable HVAC service prices in the area? Look no further than Point Bay Fuel. We offer maintenance services to help improve your indoor air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency while lowering heating and cooling expenses. If you require an HVAC repair or replacement system, we can recommend the most suitable one for your home within your budget. Our work comes with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. Call Point Bay Fuel today to schedule a service appointment or an in-home estimate.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists! Click the link to view our service area.