Understanding Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality, often referred to as IAQ, describes the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially concerning the health and comfort of the people living and working in these enclosed spaces. Homes and places of business with excellent indoor air quality are great places to live and work, as they allow occupants to breathe easily and comfortably without encountering any respiratory issues.
Places with poor IAQ, on the other hand, may be hounded by some of the most common indoor air pollutants, which may include things like asbestos, biological pollutants (such as viruses, pollen, dust, and bacteria), carbon monoxide, lead, pesticides, secondhand smoke, and other indoor particulate matter.
There is a long list of pollutants that can adversely affect the health of residents, and even more possible causes or sources of these pollutants, but the good news is that awareness of their existence as well as what causes them can help homeowners prevent their spread indoors to keep all who live there safe and healthy.
How Poor Indoor Air Quality Affects Your Health
Keeping indoor air at its highest quality should be a top priority for homeowners, seeing as people spend a lot of time indoors, in their own homes, especially in extreme weather that drives people to shelter at home. If indoor air quality isn’t kept at an optimum level, a home’s occupants may start to experience health effects that can be minor irritations at best or cause severe reactions at worst.
Some of the ways poor indoor air quality affects a person’s health include:
- Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
- Constant and recurring headaches
- Feeling dizzy or fatigued
- Aggravated asthma
- Worsening symptoms of allergies
Benefits of Replacing and Maintaining Air Filters Regularly
Despite the prevalence of indoor air quality, homeowners should rejoice in the knowledge that poor IAQ doesn’t have to be something they can take lying down. There are many things homeowners can do to keep air quality levels at their highest, the easiest of which is to simply engage in regular HVAC maintenance. This means conducting air filter replacement regularly to prevent indoor pollutants from building up.
Air filters improve indoor air quality by trapping solid particulates, pollutants, and microorganisms in a fibrous or porous material that would otherwise float in the air and cause respiratory irritation. Changing the air filter at least once every 3 months and contracting professional indoor air quality services to maintain the HVAC in its best and cleanest condition can keep IAQ at its optimum level.
Best Devices To Help Clean Up The Air
Aside from regular HVAC maintenance, homeowners can also augment their efforts at keeping indoor air clean by investing in devices that perform this specific function. Most of these devices will fall under either the air purifier or UV sanitizer category, both of which perform the job of cleaning indoor air in two entirely different ways.
An air purifier cleans the air by passing it through a series of filters that trap airborne contaminants, while UV air sanitizers do the same thing using UV-C light or aerosol vapors. While they both do a great job of cleaning the air, homeowners may want to take note of their specific strengths to address a home’s specific needs. Homeowners prone to allergies may find the air purifier better captures larger allergens. At the same time, those who want to get rid of germs and other smaller particles like viruses and bacteria may want to invest in an air sanitizer, which does this job better.
About Bedell Home Services
Bedell Home Services has been providing expert plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services to the communities of Carmel, IN since 1988. This family-owned and operated company is licensed, bonded, and insured, employing highly trained and trustworthy professionals who can get any job done right the first time. They also offer competitive pricing and easy financing options for their customers. Call them today for HVAC services in Carmel, IN.
