Top Subtle Things Affecting Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

The air quality inside your home is something that has a significant impact on overall health, comfort, and well-being. It can be difficult to detect changes in indoor air quality, as most of the subtle factors that affect it are invisible to the naked eye.

In this article, we will discuss some of these factors and how they can affect your home’s indoor air quality. By understanding the causes of poor air quality, you can take proactive steps to improve it.

We’ll also explore common solutions for improving indoor air quality and reducing airborne contaminants. With this knowledge, you can create a healthier environment for yourself and your family.

Temperature

Temperature is an essential factor when it comes to indoor air quality. If the temperature of your home falls below or rises above comfortable levels, your air can become stale and stagnant.

Higher temperatures also encourage airborne contaminants such as dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander to proliferate more quickly.

Humidity is another major contributor to poor air quality. When humidity levels are too high, it increases the risk of condensation and encourages bacteria and fungi growth which could lead to health problems like allergies or asthma attacks.

On the other hand, dry air can cause dryness in the skin, eyes, and throats, which can be uncomfortable and potentially damaging to health over time.

Using a humidifier or dehumidifier can help you keep the humidity levels in your home within a healthy range, as well as improve overall comfort and air quality.

Carbon Dioxide and Volatile Organic Compounds

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a natural byproduct of human respiration, but it can build up to unhealthy levels in poorly ventilated rooms. CO2 buildup can cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms of carbon dioxide poisoning.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released from paint, carpeting, furniture, cleaning supplies, and more that can have adverse effects on indoor air quality. VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat as well as headaches, nausea, and other health issues.

To reduce the presence of CO2 and VOCs in your home’s atmosphere, use low-VOC paints or sealants when renovating, open windows to allow for better ventilation, and use air purifiers or HEPA filters to reduce the number of pollutants in the air.

Particulate Matter

Particulate matter is an umbrella term for tiny particles that float in the air like dust, pollen, and smoke. These particles can be irritating to the lungs if inhaled, so it’s important to try to keep them at a minimum indoors.

Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can help remove some of these particulates from your home and reduce their presence in the air. Additionally, washing curtains, rugs, and other fabrics regularly can keep dust levels down.

Smoking indoors is one of the most significant contributors to indoor air pollution, as secondhand smoke contains numerous pollutants that can cause serious health issues. For this reason, it’s essential to not smoke inside your home or any enclosed areas.

Lighting

The type of lighting you use in your home can also have an impact on air quality. Traditional incandescent bulbs emit a small amount of ozone, which is an irritant to the lungs.

Switching to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs instead can help reduce exposure to this pollutant.

Additionally, natural sunlight has been shown to help improve overall mood and energy levels as well as reduce stress levels.

Noise

Noise pollution can be just as detrimental to air quality as physical pollutants. Unwanted noise from outside sources, such as traffic or construction, or even inside your home from appliances and electronics, can cause stress and insomnia.

To reduce noise levels in the home, consider investing in soundproof curtains or windows if needed, turn off unnecessary electronics when not in use, and insulate walls with acoustic insulation materials for better sound dampening.

Contact Access Heating & Air Conditioning

At Access Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the importance of having clean air in your home. That’s why we provide a variety of services to help improve indoor air quality, such as installing air purifiers, vents, and dehumidifiers.

If you need help with your indoor air quality or would like more information on our services, contact us today! We look forward to helping you breathe easier.