Indoor Air Quality

Common Causes of Indoor Air Problems

Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues can significantly impact your health and comfort. One of the more common causes of indoor air problems is an HVAC filter that’s not cleaned or changed as recommended. It’s generally best to do this every 3 months or so. According to the EPA, the five main causes of IAQ issues include:

1. Tobacco Products: Smoking indoors releases harmful pollutants, including nicotine and tar, which can linger in the air and settle on surfaces, negatively impacting the quality of indoor air.
2. Household Cleaning Products: Many cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be released into the air, causing respiratory irritation and other health issues. These chemicals can accumulate and reduce air quality, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
3. Excess Moisture: High humidity levels can promote the growth of mold and mildew, which release spores into the air. These spores can trigger allergies and respiratory problems. It’s important to control indoor humidity, keeping it between 30-50%.
4. Fuel-Burning Combustion Appliances: Appliances such as stoves, heaters, and fireplaces that burn fuel can produce harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Proper ventilation and regular maintenance of these appliances are essential to prevent the buildup of these dangerous gases indoors.
5. Outside Sources: Pollutants from outside, such as pollen, dust, and vehicle exhaust, can enter your home through open windows, doors, and ventilation systems. These pollutants can exacerbate allergies and asthma, making it important to manage the flow of outdoor air into your home.

Addressing these common causes of indoor air problems can help improve the overall air quality in your home, promoting a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

Let Us Improve Your Indoor Air Quality: Our Services

Instant Aire Heating and Cooling will get you started with indoor air quality testing. This is important as our technicians can make recommendations specific to what’s likely affecting your IAQ. Whole-house purification systems or dehumidifiers are possible solutions we may recommend. Improving ventilation throughout your home is another way we may improve air quality. In some cases, we may recommend adjustments to your home’s ductwork or HVAC system.

Duct Cleaning

Over time, dust, debris, and allergens can accumulate in your ductwork, reducing the efficiency of your HVAC system and affecting your indoor air quality. Our professional duct cleaning service removes these contaminants, helping to improve air circulation and reduce allergens. Regular duct cleaning can also enhance the performance of your HVAC system, potentially lowering your energy bills.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation helps maintain good indoor air quality by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This process reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful substances. Effective ventilation also controls humidity levels, preventing mold growth and reducing the likelihood of respiratory issues. In homes with fuel-burning appliances, good ventilation is crucial to avoid the buildup of dangerous gases like carbon monoxide.

UV Lights

Ultraviolet (UV) light systems are effective at eliminating bacteria, viruses, and mold spores from your indoor air. By installing UV lights in your HVAC system, we can help reduce the risk of respiratory infections and allergies. These systems work by disrupting the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them harmless and preventing their growth, keeping the air in your home cleaner and safer.

HVAC Filters

High-quality HVAC filters are necessary for removing pollutants from your indoor air. These filters capture dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles that can trigger allergies and respiratory problems. By trapping these contaminants, HVAC filters help maintain a cleaner and healthier indoor environment, reducing the incidence of asthma attacks and other health issues. Improved air filtration also enhances the efficiency of your HVAC system by preventing the buildup of debris that can hinder airflow and strain the system.

Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers

Maintaining the right humidity levels in your home is key to comfort and health. When the air is too dry, it can lead to dry skin, irritated respiratory passages, and static electricity. Conversely, excessive moisture can create an environment conducive to mold growth and increase allergens.

By adding moisture with a humidifier or removing excess moisture with a dehumidifier, you can maintain an optimal humidity level, improving indoor air quality and protecting your home’s structure and furnishings. Proper humidity control can also help reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria, as many pathogens thrive in low-humidity environments.