A silent enemy, poor IAQ (indoor air quality) can dangerously impact the health of you and your family, from the off-gassing of toxic VOCs to annoying allergens. Luckily, whether you live in an old or new apartment or single family home, there are an array of ways to easily and affordably protect and improve the air in your home.
What Causes Poor IAQ?
A tight building envelope, inadequate ventilation, poor indoor environmental conditions, and more can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Who’s Most At-Risk?
Seniors, children, and those with disabilities and pre-existing health conditions are most at-risk. Parents and young children who spend most of their time at home are also at increased risk, suffering problems from irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, increased incidence of allergy and asthma, and with prolonged or repeated exposure, respiratory diseases, heart disease and even cancer.
How Can You Protect IAQ in Your Home?
- Start with your air filters.
A must for asthma and allergy sufferers, upgrading your air filter (which needs to be changed regularly) can help reduce harmful airborne particles in your home like viruses, bacteria, mold, pollen, dander, and even toxins from cleaning chemicals. Be sure to contact your friendly HVAC contractor before making the switch, however, as some HEPA filters may strain your system. - Fight back with UV lights.
Germicidal or UV lights are extremely effective at eliminating bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms, and are a snap to incorporate into your HVAC equipment. - Amp-up purification with an air purifier.
Standalone air purifiers as well as whole house systems that work in conjunction you’re your heating and air conditioning equipment can help remove additional harmful contaminants from the air. - Keep humidity levels in check.
Indoor humidity levels are best between 30 and 50 percent, as levels can affect the concentration of some pollutants. Dust mites and mold love moisture. However your body can react negatively to overly-dry conditions, suffering dry eyes, nose, and throat, experiencing skin irritations, and suffering from an increased susceptibility to upper respiratory infections and colds. - Keep an eye on carbon monoxide.
Colorless, odorless carbon monoxide from improperly ventilated or poorly maintained combustion appliances or fireplaces can quickly buildup in your home, causing headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, confusion, loss of coordination, and ultimately, unconsciousness and death. Regular annual maintenance and carbon monoxide tests and detectors are essential for safety. - Stop VOCs at the source.
Replace off-gassing pressed wood furniture, carpet, cleaning chemicals, air fresheners and synthetic candles with more natural alternatives: Solid wood furniture, natural hard floor surfaces, inexpensive and homemade chemical-free cleaning alternatives, essential oils, and beeswax candles…. Changing your buying habits to create a healthier, happier home.
This blog was originally posted at https://www.delcohvac.com/sneezing-wheezing-help-with-indoor-air-quality/.
