Whether you’re a homebody or not, you likely spend a lot of time inside your house. However, did you know that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air? Although it’s easy to ignore your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ), you may be missing an important factor of at-home comfort.
At Absolute Comfort Air, we have nearly 20 years of indoor air quality testing experience under our belts. The importance of indoor air quality is often overlooked, so we’re here to set things straight. Keep reading to learn how to take control of the air you breathe and improve your IAQ!
What Is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air circulating throughout your home. Many factors can influence IAQ, including the presence of dust, pollen or pet dander. Severe contaminants, such as mold, gas and carbon monoxide can also affect your oxygen quality.
Some of these pollutants are mildly irritating, while others can lead to dangerous health problems.
Symptoms Of Poor Air Quality
If your home’s air quality is poor, you’ll likely feel the negative effects. The symptoms you experience will depend on the pollutants present in your home. If your home’s air contains mold, pet dander, dust or pollen, you may experience:
- Nasal congestion
- Headaches
- Sore and irritated throat
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
If you feel like you’re always sick with upper respiratory symptoms, you may want to consider IAQ testing.
Signs Of Dangerous Indoor Air Pollutants
Some indoor air pollutants are dangerous and even life-threatening in some cases. Some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are highly hazardous and are found in chemical products like paint or household cleaners. Another dangerous contaminant is carbon monoxide. If you are continually exposed to these toxins, you may experience:
- Chronic migraines
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
If you suspect that your air contains these pollutants, it’s important to leave your home immediately and contact emergency services for assistance.
How Do You Improve IAQ?
If you want to improve your home’s IAQ, the best option is to contact one of our HVAC technicians. Through IAQ testing, an expert can identify any problem areas in your home affecting your indoor air. Usually, the next steps include installing a new HVAC air filter, cleaning ductwork or installing an air purification system.
There are also some helpful habits you can integrate into your routine. For example, regular vacuuming and dusting can help eliminate dust and pet dander. Washing linens, bedding and toys can also help prevent a build-up of pollutants.
When the weather allows, you may want to open your windows for 15 to 20 minutes each day. Doing so will allow some toxins to filter out of your home, which boosts your IAQ. This task is especially helpful if you or a loved one has been sick.
Schedule Winder Indoor Air Quality Testing
If you live in the Winder area and you want to improve your IAQ, help is one call away! At Absolute Comfort Air, we believe every homeowner deserves fresh, clean air so they can live a healthy and comfortable life. Our indoor air quality services are top-notch, so don’t hesitate to make an appointment today!
