What You Need to Know About Indoor Air Quality
When people talk about air pollution, most usually refer to the quality of air in the atmosphere and outdoors. We think about wildfires, automobile exhaust, secondhand smoke, and the like, making people assume that the best way to avoid contracting respiratory issues, as a result, is by heading indoors, not realizing that indoor air has its own set of contaminants and can also affect respiratory health if not managed properly.
This is what is referred to as indoor air quality or IAQ, a term used to talk about air quality in enclosed spaces. This post will discuss the health effects of poor indoor air quality and some tips and services that will help improve indoor air quality and the health of those in the home.
Indoor Air Quality: How It Affects Our Health
Many people may not be aware, but indoor air quality is one of the most critical factors that can determine the health of the occupants of a home or commercial building. People who breathe in air that is of poor quality can be plagued with a host of respiratory symptoms and other related illnesses as a result.
These symptoms can range from mild to moderate such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Asthma and aggravated allergic episodes are also severe health effects that could be attributed to poor indoor air quality. If someone is frequently experiencing poor health while indoors, the air quality can be to blame and needs to be addressed.
A Well-Maintained HVAC System Improves IAQ
A home’s HVAC system may be responsible primarily for heating and cooling the air. Still, in the process, it also becomes involved in recirculating the air indoors, which means that the HVAC system plays a significant role in achieving better indoor air quality. To maximize its air cleaning potential, homeowners should replace their air filters on time, typically at least four times a year or once every quarter.
Regular air filter replacements ensure dirt and debris are trapped effectively, and the unit works efficiently. HVAC units will also benefit from regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance from a licensed technician to keep them clean and in excellent condition. Routine maintenance and filter changes will help homeowners maintain good indoor air quality.
Using Technology to Your Advantage
Technology can be very helpful when it comes to cleaning the air indoors. These days, plenty of appliances in the market can be used to improve indoor air quality, such as air purifiers and UV air sanitizers. While both are excellent options for cleaning indoor air, each device does so in very different ways.
An air purifier is designed to remove larger pollutants that contaminate the air by passing room air through a series of filters that trap these particles, allowing clean air to return to the room. Homeowners constantly troubled by allergens like dust, dirt, pollen, mold, and mildew will find that air purifiers are a great way to keep their asthma or allergies in check.
UV air sanitizers, on the other hand, don’t have filters. Instead, they employ UV-C light, which is effective in killing smaller microorganisms that tend to be airborne. UV sanitizers can eliminate air contaminants such as bacteria, germs, viruses, and other biological pollutants that may be too small to be trapped in filters. Either way, homes can benefit from the cleaning power of these kinds of devices.
About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air
Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has been serving the Jupiter community and the surrounding areas since 1988. They offer upfront pricing, on-time arrival, and same-day service. Call them today for indoor air quality services in Jupiter, FL.