Key Takeaways:
- Indoor air quality is important for our health and comfort.
- Indoor air can be up to five times more contaminated than outdoor air.
- Well-maintained HVAC systems, regular cleaning, natural air purifiers, proper humidity levels, air cleaners or filters, and regular cleaning are proactive steps to improve indoor air quality.
- Indoor air pollutants are a significant health risk found in furniture, air fresheners, and other household items.
- To improve indoor air quality, practice good ventilation habits, use air filters, and remove potential sources of pollutants.
Most of us breathe without giving it much thought, but how often do we stop to consider the air quality?
The answer is rarely – but having clean, healthy indoor air should be at the top of everyone’s priority list! After all, good indoor air quality can make our homes more comfortable and enjoyable.
Whether you’re curious to learn why improving your home’s indoor air quality matters or if you want advice on how to start making improvements today – this blog post by Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will explain why indoor air quality is so important and what you can do about it.
The Science Behind Indoor Air Quality
Inhaling and exhaling is a natural process that we do approximately 20,000 times daily. When considering the air quality in our environment, many minds quickly drift toward vehicular emissions or industrial toxins found outdoors. But there are numerous other sources of contamination inside our homes as well!
Although we may think the air inside our homes is safer, it can be up to five times more polluted than outside! Most of us are conscious of outdoor air quality and its hazardous effects on health. Still, many don’t even consider that indoor air pollution carries similar risks. This oversight could have significant repercussions for our well-being – yet by taking proactive steps towards improving your home’s atmosphere; you can protect yourself from these threats.
Proactive Steps For Better Indoor Air Quality
1. Well-maintained HVAC Systems
Your dwelling’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is the chief regulator of indoor air quality. By ensuring that your HVAC system is well-maintained and regularly serviced, you’ll go a long way towards controlling the levels of indoor pollutants.
2. Regular Cleaning
Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens commonly contribute to poor indoor air quality. Regularly vacuuming and mopping can considerably reduce their presence in your home’s atmosphere. Vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters are particularly effective at filtering out particles as small as 0.3 microns from carpets or floor surfaces.
Related – HVAC System Maintenance Steps To Perform This Summer
3. Using Natural Air Purifiers
Plants are natural air purifiers, and some varieties of plants have even been scientifically proven to absorb airborne contaminants like formaldehyde from the air. Consider adding a few plants to your living space – they’ll improve your air quality and brighten up the décor of your home.
4. Maintaining Proper Humidity Levels
Maintaining proper humidity levels in your dwelling is essential in reducing indoor pollutants. The ideal range for relative humidity is between 40% and 60%. You can purchase one easily and inexpensively at most hardware stores.
5. Installing Air Cleaners or Filters
Installing an air cleaner or filter in your HVAC system is another excellent way to reduce indoor pollutants. Filters help remove allergens, dust, and other particles from the air. Ensure you buy filters designed specifically for your HVAC system so they fit correctly and do their job efficiently.
6. Cleaning Regularly
Finally, regular cleaning is one of the most effective ways to reduce indoor pollutants. Vacuuming carpets and rugs and mopping hard floors can help eliminate dirt particles from the air. Cleaning walls and ceilings with a damp cloth or mop can also help decrease dust levels. Additionally, regularly clean any upholstered furniture to remove dirt and dust buildup. All these simple steps will go a long way in reducing indoor pollutants!
Shocking Facts About Indoor Air Quality
Everyone should be aware of these facts about indoor air pollutants and their detrimental effects on our health, especially for children, older people, and others. Learn how to guard yourself against these dangers below!
IAQ Is A Top 5 Health Risk
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified indoor air quality as one of the five most substantial environmental risks to public health. Extensive EPA research uncovered that, in many situations, pollutants indoors were two to five times more than outdoor levels! It could be attributed to various factors, including inadequate ventilation systems, burning toxic candles, or utilizing artificial fragrances from beauty products.
Your Furniture May Be the Most Dangerous Culprit
Furniture made before 2006 contained a potentially dangerous chemical called PBDEs, which were used as flame retardants. These chemicals can be toxic when inhaled and potentially pollute our air quality.
Even after this period, different forms of flame retardant compounds continued to be utilized in furniture production – including chlorinated tris (a carcinogen outlawed for use in children’s pajamas back in 1977). Furthermore, recent studies suggest that other newly-used fireproofing ingredients may bear similar risks. Inhalation has been identified as the primary means of exposure to these toxins.
Air Fresheners Are Poison
The NRDC uncovered that most air fresheners contain phthalates. These dangerous substances hinder hormone function in babies and children, damage reproductive development, and worsen breathing problems like asthma. A recent study also revealed that the terpenes released by these products interact with ozone to produce compounds, including formaldehyde and acetone, at concentrations leading to respiratory irritation and difficulty respiring.
A Final Thought
To keep indoor air clean, the best thing to do is practice good ventilation habits and utilize air filters and dust with a damp cloth to remove particulate matter. Additionally, consider removing sources of potential pollutants, such as furniture or home decorations, treated with hazardous chemicals and avoiding using artificial fragrances in your space. Lastly, remember that fresh outdoor air has incredible benefits – regularly stepping outside into natural sunlight is always beneficial!
Let The Pros From Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Help You Out!
At Daigle Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we provide the best HVAC installation and maintenance services to residences and businesses throughout Windham, NH. Our team has been delivering outstanding quality work for years in New Hampshire’s various cities – from air conditioning repairs to commercial ventilator servicing.
We want nothing more than to guarantee you a pleasant experience with our extensive range of offerings that include: Air Conditioning Services & Repairs, Heating Services & Repairs, Ventilation Services & Repairs, as well as Commercial HVAC Services. Get your free estimate today.
