Why Is Indoor Air Quality Important?
Most people spend a good amount of time indoors each day. While inside a building, humans are breathing in the same air over and over again. Proper ventilation helps keep indoor air clean by filtering out contaminants. In this blog post, HVAC experts discuss why indoor air quality is so important and how to improve it.
Air is as essential as food or water. The quality of the air matters too. Allergens, pollutants, and contaminants in the air can result in allergy attacks and serious illnesses. Improving indoor air quality can help homeowners to have more energy, feel better, and keep a cleaner home.
Long-Term Health Effects of Bad Indoor Air Quality
Breathing in dust, pet dander, pollen, ashes, or other indoor pollutants can eventually cause permanent damage to the respiratory system. The most common health effects people notice from bad indoor air quality are increased allergy symptoms like coughing and sneezing. People with allergies may suffer more from being in a space with bad indoor air quality.
In some serious cases, chronic exposure to pollutants such as mold can cause serious health problems such as cancer or heart disease. The elderly and children are more susceptible to bad reactions to allergens in the air. Air quality negatively impacts health due to irritation of the eyes, fatigue, difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny nose, and frequent asthma attacks.
HVAC Maintenance and Air Filters
The best thing that homeowners can do to improve their indoor air quality is to have a schedule for HVAC maintenance and changing the air filters. Air filters are placed over the central air intake of the heating and cooling system to prevent contaminants from getting sucked into the machine. Homeowners need to change their air filters every one to three months.
In addition to changing the air filters on time, homeowners may also want to invest in duct cleaning services. Dust can build up in the ductwork and recirculate throughout the air until the ducts are cleaned. Professional duct cleaning services can instantly improve indoor air quality. During maintenance appointments, the technician will have a chance to inspect the HVAC system and recommend ways to improve air quality.
How to Get Rid of Indoor Air Pollutants
In addition to changing air filters on time, there are also other ways that homeowners can improve their indoor air quality. Many different types of air purifiers, air sanitizers, and portable air cleaners are currently on the market. The biggest difference between the types of air purifiers is the particle size they filter out. Small particles are the most dangerous to inhale, and the most difficult to filter out.
Air sanitizers are different from air purifiers in that they do not use a typical filtration system but use a UV light to kill bacteria and germs in the air. Air sanitizers do not remove dust or airborne particles but neutralize the threat of inhaling a virus or bacteria. Portable air cleaners make it easier for homeowners to have total control over their indoor air quality.
About 360 Air Tech
360 Air Tech is a trusted local HVAC company with a team of expert technicians. They are available for hire for heating, cooling, and indoor air quality control services. Homeowners in Williamsburg, VA can rely on 360 Air Tech to care for their home’s indoor air quality needs. Call them today for indoor air quality maintenance in Williamsburg, VA!
