How to Address Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can have immediate and long-term effects on your family’s health. From seasonal allergies and asthma attacks to elevated cancer and heart disease risks, households have every reason to seek cost-effective ways to improve indoor air quality.

Luckily, tackling polluted indoor air doesn’t have to be an expensive or overwhelming challenge! Follow these tips for identifying and mitigating common causes of poor indoor air quality in Elizabethtown homes without breaking the bank.

What Is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution includes airborne irritants present at various levels in most homes. Airborne contaminants include a range of natural and artificial particulates, including:

• Dust mites
• Formaldehyde
• Mold and mildew
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Many common household compounds can be harmful when too many irritants are in the air. Indoor air pollutants are measured in parts per million (ppm), which shows how concentrated they are in our homes.

What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?

Organic and chemical indoor air pollutants are caused by different sources inside your home and out. The concentration of these airborne particulates ultimately impacts the severity of symptoms, and it’s important to remember that concentrations can vary seasonally or with the introduction of a new source of pollution.

Chemical Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

It might surprise you to learn that common household products are a common source of chemical-based indoor air pollutants. Paint, solvents, cleaning products, upholstery, and furniture are common sources of VOCs.

Another chemical, radon, is a natural radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground.

Biological Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Airborne contamination often comes from natural sources in our environment. One major source of indoor air pollution is household pets, whose dander and hair can easily float in the air. Tiny dust mites thrive in many homes, feeding on organic materials like dead skin cells. People shed millions of skin cells daily, providing a steady food supply for these pests. This can lead to various respiratory problems for those sensitive to allergens.

Other Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants

Did you know that the quality of the air outside can significantly influence what you breathe indoors? Communities near factories, busy roads, or wildfire-prone areas may face challenges with indoor air quality. Air pollution can sneak in through tiny cracks or open windows, making it crucial to ensure proper ventilation to keep your home healthy and fresh.

Seasonal allergens and pollen are additional outdoor airborne irritants that impact indoor air quality – ask any one of the80 million American adults with seasonal allergies. That’s roughly 26% of the population!

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Improving indoor air quality requires a considered, holistic approach, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are five ways to breathe better quickly!

1. Tackle sources of airborne irritants.

Avoid using harsh cleaning products and try to use paints and solvents only outdoors. If you need to paint inside, open the windows and use fans to keep the air circulating. When shopping for furniture, look for items that do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Maintain a regular cleaning routine to keep your home and its contents clean. Mopping, dusting, and vacuuming are some of the most effective and straightforward ways to manage biological sources of airborne irritants!

2. Increase airflow and ventilation.

Let in fresh air when seasonally appropriate to remove potentially harmful contaminants. Use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking and a bathroom exhaust fan when showering or bathing to encourage airflow and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

3. Take care of your HVAC system.

A well-maintained HVAC system is your best defense against poor indoor air quality. In addition to regular maintenance, replace your air filter every 1-3 months. If you’re unsure how often to swap out your filter, consult your furnace or boiler’s owner’s manual. Individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma or allergies, may need to replace their filters more often.

4. Keep an eye on indoor humidity.

Elevated indoor humidity levels can foster the proliferation of mold and mildew, exacerbating allergic responses. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% to ensure optimal indoor air quality.

Utilizing dehumidifiers, whether integrated or standalone, presents a cost-efficient solution for regulating humidity levels, particularly in summer months or humid climates. These devices effectively reduce the moisture content in the air, thus preventing mold growth and mitigating potential allergic reactions associated with high-humidity environments.

5. Consider using an air purifier.

For individuals with allergies or respiratory issues, picking up a portable or whole-home air purification system can be a great investment. High-quality air purifiers start at approximately $50 and effectively mitigate airborne pollutants. Placing pet beds or items near open windows can help reduce irritants in the indoor air. This arrangement makes air purifiers more effective.

Read more: Smart Home Technology Tips

Let’s Talk About Indoor Air Quality!

Did you know that the air quality inside your home plays a big role in your overall health? As your friendly local HVAC expert, we’re here to help you improve your indoor air quality. With reliable service and helpful recommendations, we’ll work together to make your home healthier. Take a step toward better respiratory health and schedule your service with us today!

Contact Elizabethtown’s Indoor Air Quality Experts

Allen’s Air Conditioning - Heating & Duct Cleaning is your trusted partner for all your home service needs in Fort Knox, Columbia, and the greater Elizabethtown area. Our expert technicians help you address indoor air quality issues in your home and recommend changes to help your family breathe easier. Contact us onlineor call 270-946-1525 to schedule an appointment!