Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a major concern for people around the world. If you are frequently exposed to indoor pollutants without realizing it, you may suffer immediate and long-lasting health problems. Fortunately, when you have an experienced heating and cooling services company at your side, you can maximize the air quality at your home or business.
At Ambient Edge, we understand the importance of indoor air quality. Our team can provide you with insights into the quality of air in your building. To find out more, please reach out to us.
Why People Need to Prioritize Air Quality
Air pollution is often viewed as an outdoor issue. Yet, research indicates that indoor concentrations of air pollutants are increasing. There are many reasons why, such as:
- Use of products that contain toxic chemicals
- Hot temperatures
- High humidity
- Insufficient ventilation
Inhaling polluted air can impact a person now and in the future. In the short term, an individual may experience eye, nose, or throat irritation, fatigue, and other physical symptoms due to exposure to air pollution. If this individual continues to be exposed to air pollutants for an extended period of time, they may be prone to heart disease and other debilitating conditions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 3.8 million people die annually as a result of indoor air pollution. If you choose to ignore air pollutants at your home or business, these problems can linger. Over time, they can put your health in serious danger.
Types of Indoor Air Pollutants that You Need to Know About
Pollutants from both inside and outside of a building can contribute to indoor air quality problems. These pollutants can come from cleaning, cooking, or doing other activities that involve the use of products or chemicals that can emit harmful particles or gases. They can also be the result of biological contaminants like mold or mildew and vapors from construction or building materials.
There are many contaminants that can affect IAQ as well. These contaminants may be difficult to detect but can severely impact your health. They include:
- Allergens: These substances can circulate in the air and trigger allergic reactions.
- Asbestos: This fibrous material is a human carcinogen, and to date, it has contributed to the deaths of thousands of Americans.
- Carbon Monoxide: This odorless and toxic gas comes from cars, stoves, and many other fuel-burning systems.
- Formaldehyde: This chemical is commonly used in wood furniture and fabrics and, like asbestos, is a human carcinogen.
- Lead: This naturally occurring metal is typically utilized in plumbing pipes and paint.
The team at Ambient Edge understands indoor air pollutants and the challenges they pose. We can teach you about these pollutants and help you find the best ways to improve indoor air quality in any building. For more information, please get in touch with us.
What You Can Do to Boost Air Quality Indoors
You may have no idea if you are dealing with indoor air pollutants every day. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to improve your air quality indoors. These include:
1. Pick Up an Air Quality Test
Before you can improve your indoor air quality, it is paramount to check the quality of the air. Then, you can understand what pollutants are present and address them accordingly. You can also take appropriate measures to keep your air quality at peak levels moving forward.
2. Search for Mold
An air quality test can help you detect mold, identify the type of mold that you are dealing with, and figure out how much mold you have in your building. Of course, you can walk around your property and see mold for yourself. Mold has a pungent smell that can make it easy to identify, too.
3. Go to Your Doctor
If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or experience other health problems but do not know why they are happening, visit your doctor. At this point, your doctor can conduct testing and get information from you to determine if an air quality issue is contributing to your health problems. If so, your doctor may be able to provide tips and recommendations to help you alleviate these issues.
4. Purchase an Air Purifier
It can be beneficial to place an air purifier in a high-traffic area where air pollutants may be present. You can run your purifier regularly to remove any potential contaminants from the air. As these contaminants disappear, you may notice that the air feels cleaner in this space.
5. Change Your Air Filter
Make sure that the filters for your building’s air ducts and air-conditioning system are changed periodically. Typically, these filters need to be changed approximately every 60 to 90 days. If you are unsure of when you last had your air filters changed, it may be a good idea to have a heating and cooling services company help you out.
6. Clean Your Rugs and Carpets
Rugs and carpets can trap dust and other particles that can otherwise affect a space’s IAQ. Thus, it is in your best interests to keep your rugs and carpets clean. By performing weekly cleanings, you can minimize the risk that particles can accumulate that reduce the quality of air at your home or business.
7. Watch the Humidity
A dehumidifier can help you combat humidity that can contribute to mold and mildew growth. The ideal humidity level for indoor spaces falls between 30-50%, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) research. Some studies indicate that a building’s indoor humidity level should not exceed 60%.
When in doubt about how to get the best indoor air quality, it pays to connect with a heating and cooling services company. You can then share your IAQ concerns and questions with heating and cooling professionals. Next, these professionals can explain what you can do to reduce air pollutants indoors.
Make Indoor Air Quality a Top Priority
If you want to prioritize indoor air quality, Ambient Edge is here to help. We provide a wide range of services to help residential and commercial property owners improve their buildings’ IAQ. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.