Everyone knows about the dangers of outdoor air pollution, but did you know that the air circulating in your home can be two to five times more hazardous to your family’s health?
The Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Indoor pollution comes from a variety of sources and can undermine health in many different ways:
- Allergic reactions – Pollen, mold and mildew, pet dander, dust mites can cause itchy/watery eyes, congestion, itching, sneezing and other allergy symptoms in anyone with sensitivities.
- Respiratory problems – Smoke particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust and pest debris can worsen asthma, emphysema and bronchitis and cause other respiratory complaints such as coughs, sinus irritation and sore throats.
- Unexplained health complaints – Pollutants such as black mold and noxious chemicals from common household products can cause chronic or intermittent symptoms including nausea, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning – Fuel-burning devices such as a gas range, furnace and water heater all produce carbon monoxide (CO). Exposure to small amounts of this lethal gas can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting. High levels of CO can quickly cause a loss of consciousness and death.
- Lung cancer – If naturally-occurring radon in the ground underneath a home seeps inside undetected, everyone in the household is at greater risk of developing lung cancer.
Pollutants and particles can also build up inside the HVAC system. The equipment has to work harder to compensate, so energy consumption rises. The extra strain can make the equipment wear out faster or fail prematurely.
How to Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality
There are a number of effective ways to combat indoor pollution:
- Increase ventilation – Add kitchen and bath exhaust fans, install trickle vents on windows or doors, or invest in a whole-house ventilation system.
- Maintain fuel-burning equipment and appliances – Schedule yearly service for the HVAC equipment and any gas-burning appliances.
- Control humidity levels – If the HVAC system isn’t removing excess moisture effectively, consider adding a whole-house dehumidifier.
If you need advice about reducing the effects of poor indoor air quality in your Wichita Falls area home, contact us at James Lane Air Conditioning & Plumbing Co. today.
