Indoor Air Quality, better known as IAQ, refers to the air quality inside and around a residential dwelling that relates to the health and well-being of its occupants. It is crucial to understand indoor air quality and its effects on an individual. Research has traced indoor air pollution to be linked with reduced productivity and developmental growth. Here are some important points about IAQ that every homeowner should know from your local Beavercreek Heating & Cooling experts:
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Indoor Air Pollution?
Effects of indoor air pollution are not always immediate. Although you may not see any issues occurring in the present, being aware of the indoor air quality of your home now is crucial. Examples of long terms effects can be respiratory-related or cause heart problems. It is also important to remember that different people react to things differently. For instance, while one person may have allergy symptoms to mildew, another person may respond to varying levels of humidity instead. Therefore, it is helpful to note what causes you and your family members to react to various things.
What Are the Immediate Effects of Indoor Air Pollution?
So what immediate effects should be taken into consideration? Depending on the type of air pollutant, health-related reactions may show up after a one-time exposure or continuous exposure. Signs of immediate effects may include eye, nose, or throat irritation. Fatigue, dizzy spells, and headaches are also a few more indications that your body is reacting to IAQ right away. If you are experiencing any of these more common symptoms, you might be able to identify what pollutant you are reacting to and eliminate the problem accordingly. The chance of an immediate reaction can also be based on age and preexisting medical conditions (i.e., asthma). Examples of things you can keep an eye out for include reactions to new indoor plants, pet dander, mold, mildew, dust particles, or dry air.
How Do You Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home?
There is a wide range of air cleaners available on the market. These vary from tabletop models to complex whole-house systems. In addition, depending on the humidity levels in your home, you may need to invest in either a humidifier or dehumidifier. But don’t forget about regularly changing that air filter out, either! A dirty air filter is the most common contributor to air pollutants, and it’s such an easy thing that homeowners can do on their own to enhance the air quality in their homes. So how can these systems improve the overall air quality in your home?
- Humidifiers- These are especially helpful for dry air during the winter season. If humidity levels are too low in a home, it can cause different health issues such as bloody noses, breathing problems, sleeping issues, or dry skin. At Beavercreek Heating & Cooling, we offer a wide range of humidifiers that vary by budget or need. Keep in mind that the ideal level of humidity in your home should be between 30% – 50%.
- Dehumidifiers– If the humidity in your home is high, a dehumidifier will help with that issue. While you do not want the air in your home to be overly dry, you also do not want it to contain too much moisture. Excess moisture in a home can result in unwelcomed mold and mildew growth. Dehumidifiers will keep moisture in your home at a healthy level. In addition, they can also assist with unpleasant, musty odors.
- Air filters– Air filters play an important role in your home’s HVAC system. Its purpose is meant to capture lingering air particles. Filters capture unwanted dust, allergens, and pollen floating around the house. A clean air filter is key to high air quality in your home. As a good rule of thumb, your home’s HVAC filters need to be changed out every few months.
If you want to improve your home’s indoor air quality and are considering getting an air cleaning system, humidifier, dehumidifier, or need your filter’s changed, Beavercreek Heating & Cooling would be happy to assist you! We feel it is a privilege to serve you and your family and show you what it means to experience five-star customer service. Reach us at (937) 708-8527, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
