How much time have you spent considering your home’s indoor air quality? EPA research indicates that indoor air is more polluted than the air outdoors. You might be suffering from symptoms due to the poor indoor air quality of your home as opposed to seasonal or outdoor pollutants. If you or any of your household members suffer from frequent headaches, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, or any respiratory issues may be a sign of the quality of your home’s indoor air quality. Here are the top signs your home’s indoor air quality is not healthy and how to improve it.
Allergy Symptoms
While it is true that many allergens worsen during high allergy seasons, the amount of allergens in your indoor air may be the culprit at blame. Furthermore, depending on different factors such as age and existing respiratory issues you may be more susceptible to symptoms. Dryness and irritation of your skin, nose and eyes are all signs of poor indoor air quality. These symptoms may signal that too much dirt is clogging your vents and air filter and they can no longer function efficiently. Keep in mind, that your body may also become accustomed to the air quality of your home. However, if you have guests over and they start to cough or sneeze, there may be allergens in the air that you have grown accustomed to. Many people will take medication to alleviate their symptoms without taking a look at their home. It is important to check the air filtration system of your home and of course the HVAC units for contamination. Many symptoms if left untreated can lead to more serious health problems. At the first sign of a chronic respiratory issue take a look at your indoor air quality. Air purifiers can help you remove allergens from your home. Most air purifiers will trap pollen, mold, dust and other irritants before you breathe them in. Another solution would be to upgrade or simply replace the the air filters in your home.
Excessive Dust
If you can visually spot excess amounts of dust in your home it is a sign that your HVAC system is not trapping particles properly. If you are constantly dusting your home and are not seeing any change then there is an issue with your air filtration system. The air filter could be clogged which doesn’t allow the necessary air filtration to prevent dust from circulating around your home. Replace your air filter with a new one. It is important to change them at least once every three months, or more frequently.
Humidity Issues
High or low humidity levels can cause discomfort in your home. Dry skin, itchy eyes, reoccurring colds, and static electricity are all signs your home suffers from low humidity levels. On the other hand, high humidity in your home can lead to mold growth and encourage other allergens to thrive. To combat minor issues of high or low humidity use ceiling fans to circulate air throughout your home. For more serious humidity issues, consider installing either a whole house humidifier or dehumidifier. Both can help ensure that the humidity levels in your home provide you with a healthy, comfortable environment.
Inefficient HVAC
If you have an older HVAC system not operating as efficiently as it should, it could be contributing to indoor air quality problems. An inefficient HVAC system may not be able to filter particles from the air, keep humidity at a comfortable level or maintain ideal temperature. Consider replacing an inefficient system with a new efficient system that can take care of your air quality issues. It is also important to keep up with maintenance to make sure your system is working efficiently and properly. Another thing to keep in mind is your duct system. Leaks in your ductwork can lead to your system operating inefficiently as well. Schedule a professional HVAC technician to inspect your ducts for any cracks or leaks.
Uneven Temperatures
Uneven temperatures throughout the home is a sign of air circulation issues and can lead to poor indoor air quality. This is not a sign that you will want to ignore. Start by scheduling a maintenance visit. A more serious issue could be addressed by installing a zoning system in your home. You could also invest in a smart thermostat. Smart thermostat allow you to monitor temperature settings for more efficient HVAC use. They can also help you monitor humidity levels in your home and track maintenance schedule.
Odors
More than likely you have grown accustomed to the scent of your home. However, unpleasant smells that linger in your home are a sign of poor indoor air quality and inadequate ventilation. If you are having issues with stagnant odors, have your HVAC system inspected. In the meantime, try turning on a ceiling fan to get the air circulating throughout your home. A more serious issue with odors could warrant installing a ventilation system that works in conjunction with your current HVAC system.
Give LA Construction Heating and Air a call today at (818) 341-3406 or contact us online. Create a comfortable home with healthy indoor air quality with the help of our technicians.
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