All About Indoor Air Quality
Most people don’t realize how important indoor air quality is. This is unfortunate because most people spend much of their time at home, breathing in air that may or may not be healthy. So as part of National Wellness Month, it’s good for homeowners to learn about air quality. This includes the dangers of indoor air quality but also how to ensure the best air in the home without breaking the bank or bending over backward.
The Dangers of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Experts have long understood that home indoor air quality is often worse than even the most polluted city air. While this is certainly not true for every household, it is true for most. Pollutants homeowners regularly breathe while at home include everything from allergens like pollen to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that come from home cleaning products. Several dangerous pollutants are commonly found in household air. And they can have serious effects.
Short-term effects of common pollutants include headaches, trouble concentrating, dizziness, fatigue, asthma, and allergy symptoms. They also include irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. But the possible long-term health effects are even more troubling. These include respiratory disease, heart disease, and even cancer after chronic exposure over a long period. Even those homeowners who aren’t experiencing noticeable short-term effects could still be in danger from poor indoor air quality.
Maintenance and Air Filter Changes
Luckily, it’s not hard to improve air quality in the home. The two main pillars of maintaining healthy air in the home are regular filter changes and regular maintenance. How often one should change a filter depends on the filter type, how much use the system sees, and how many people (and pets) live in the house. Most disposable filters should be changed once every three months for best results. Or once every two months in a house with one or more pets.
As far as maintenance goes, twice a year is standard. When HVAC maintenance is performed by a trained professional, they can help homeowners ensure they’re taking the correct steps for clean air and an efficient HVAC system. Homeowners should schedule these maintenance visits, once at the beginning of spring and once at the onset of fall.
Ensure Healthy Indoor Air with Portable Air Cleaners
While filter changes and regular maintenance are the most important factors, some homeowners may need to use a portable air cleaner for optimal health. There are two main options for portable air cleaners: air purifiers and air sanitizers. Both can help reduce allergens and ease respiratory problems. But only one will help with some of the nastier indoor air pollutants.
Portable air purifiers generally use a filter system to remove particulates from the air. With a HEPA filter, a purifier can be extremely effective at removing dust, pollen, and other allergens from the room’s air. Air sanitizers use different methods to kill dangerous indoor air pollutants like bacteria, mold, viruses, and certain chemical compounds in the air.
For a household with relatively healthy people, a purifier will work well. But a sanitizer is probably the best option if anyone in the house has respiratory issues or is susceptible to sickness. However, before deciding, homeowners should consult a professional HVAC tech for specific guidelines on improving the home’s air with a portable air cleaner.
About Central Heating
Central Heating has been serving Barrie, ON, with pride since 2007. They offer 24-hour emergency services and employ the latest technology to complete the job quickly and efficiently. They also offer affordable pricing, financing options, and a satisfaction guarantee on every job. Contact them today for help with indoor air quality assessment and improvement in Barrie, ON.
