Many of us take great care to maintain the things we can see — our homes, cars, and gardens. Yet, it’s easy for what’s invisible, like the air inside our homes, to be overlooked. However, the air we breathe indoors is just as crucial to our well-being as the food we eat and the water we drink.
In this blog, we’re diving deep into the impact of indoor air quality on health and comfort, shedding light on why this unseen aspect of our lives deserves our attention.
What Is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) pertains to the condition of air inside and surrounding buildings and structures, particularly in terms of how it affects the health and comfort of those who occupy them. Understanding and combating common indoor pollutants can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns. The health effects of poor indoor air quality can show up shortly after exposure or, possibly, years later.
How Indoor Air Quality Affects Your Health
Many of us don’t realize that the air inside our homes can be more polluted than the air outside. This is due to various sources, including building materials, indoor pollutants like dust mites and pet dander, and household cleaners that release gases. The health effects of poor indoor air quality can range from short-term irritations such as eye and throat discomfort to long-term respiratory diseases and even lung cancer.
Immediate Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality
When discussing how indoor air quality affects your health, it only makes sense to start with the immediate health implications you and your family might experience. The immediate impact of indoor air quality on health and comfort can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. These symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like colds or allergies. However, if you notice that your symptoms improve when you leave a particular building, it could be a sign that indoor pollutants are the cause.
Long-Term Health Risks
The long-term health effects of poor indoor air quality can be severe. Over time, continued exposure to harmful pollutants can lead to respiratory diseases, heart disease, and chronic lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are especially susceptible to the negative effects of polluted indoor air.
Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollutants
It can be hard to fathom, but believe it or not, your home’s indoor air quality can be worse than outdoor air quality. This is because numerous indoor air pollutants can accumulate in your indoor environment without your knowledge.
Understanding the sources of indoor air pollution is the first step toward improving air quality and preventing health problems. Here are some common sources:
- Building Materials: Paints, varnishes, and pressed wood furniture can release volatile organic compounds (otherwise known as VOCs) into the air.
- Household Cleaners: Many everyday cleaning products contain chemicals that can contribute to poor air quality.
- Air Fresheners and Tobacco Smoke: These can release harmful chemicals and particulate matter into your home’s air.
- Mold and Dampness: Wet surfaces and high relative humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth, releasing spores that can impair air quality.
- Combustion Byproducts: Appliances like stoves, heaters, and water heaters can emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other harmful gases if not properly ventilated.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Improving the air quality inside your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some effective strategies:
Use Air Purifiers and Filters
Air purifiers and high-efficiency air filters can capture particulate matter and other indoor pollutants. For example, at PGA Inc., we install the iWave-R, a state-of-the-art air purifier that reduces pathogens, allergens, particles, smoke, and odors in the air, creating a healthier indoor environment.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
One of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. Using air conditioners with air exchange rate systems, opening windows, and making sure that ventilation systems are working correctly can greatly reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning your home on a regular basis can help reduce dust, pet dander, and various other allergens. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can trap these harmful particles, keeping them from circulating in the air. Additionally, maintaining humidity levels around 30 to 50% can help hinder the growth of mold and dust mites.
Opt for Natural Products
Purchasing natural and non-toxic cleaning products and avoiding synthetic air fresheners can significantly reduce indoor pollution. Natural alternatives such as baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils can be effective and safer for your indoor environment.
Check Your Appliances
Check that all combustion appliances are properly vented to the outside and are in good working order to prevent the build-up of harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Why Professional HVAC Services Matter
Maintaining optimal indoor air quality is not just about individual efforts; professional HVAC services play a crucial role. At PGA Inc., we specialize in all things HVAC in Wausau, WI, and the surrounding areas. Our expert team can help improve your home’s air quality with modern solutions and regular maintenance. By choosing professionals like us, you get:
- Expert Installation and Maintenance: From air purifiers like the iWave-R to efficient HVAC systems, professional installation guarantees optimal operation and air quality.
- Custom Solutions: We can assess your specific needs to provide tailored solutions that address your indoor air quality challenges.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your HVAC system is in top shape, contributing to healthier indoor air, lets you breathe easier — literally.
Breathe Easier With Better Indoor Air Quality!
The impact of indoor air quality on health and comfort cannot be overstated. By understanding and mitigating the sources of indoor air pollution and adopting strategies to improve air quality, you can guarantee a healthier and more comfortable living environment for your family. Remember, the air you breathe has a direct effect on your health and quality of life.
Now that you know how indoor air quality affects your health, are you ready to take the next step towards healthier indoor air? Contact PGA Inc. today, and let us help with your indoor air quality needs. Let’s make your indoor environment a healthier place together!
