Indoor Air Quality, also known as IAQ is the quality of air around a building or structure that can affect a person or people residing therein and their health. Understanding what qualifies as indoor air pollution and what type of effects it can have on a person’s health can make all the difference in relation to your home’s indoor air quality. While some side-effects are recognized immediately, some effects may not surface until a significant amount of time has passed. So join your Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning gang as we comb through the effects indoor air quality can have and how to improve IAQ in your home.
What Are Long-Term Effects of IAQ?
Remember, reactions to indoor air quality are not only immediate. Long-term effects can cause respiratory issues and are also known to be linked to heart problems. These types of reactions will not surface right away but can be life-threatening. One thing to keep in mind is that everyone reacts differently to certain pollutants. So while one person may not respond to impurities in your home’s air supply, another individual may end up with a health issue directly linked to the IAQ in your home. Therefore, it is important to stay vigilant and keep the air circulating throughout your home as clean as possible.
What Are Immediate Effects of IAQ?
A few immediate reactions you can be aware of and look out for are irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat. These are common flareups that anyone can experience when it comes to IAQ. If it happens that you or a family member is suddenly experiencing this, try pinpointing what new reason may be the culprit. Perhaps a new indoor plant has been brought into the home? Maybe it’s a reaction to pet dander, dust particles, mold, mildew, or dry air. It is important to remember that some people flare up after exposure to an irritant. But it is also common to flare up only after multiple exposures. So don’t rule out any possibilities just because they have been around for longer than a few weeks. Consider every possibility, and if you can, try to pinpoint and resolve the issue accordingly. In addition, preexisting medical conditions and age are also factors in what and how an individual may respond to the irritant.
What Ways Can You Improve IAQ in the Home?
The good news is that there are various ways to improve air quality in your home! From tabletop models to whole-home systems, you can find equipment fitting your needs and budget. A few things you may want to consider when improving air quality in your home are air filters, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.
- Air filters- Air filters play a critical role in your home’s HVAC system. So don’t forget to change those air filters regularly! Air filters are meant to trap and hold lingering air particles, but if they aren’t frequently replaced they can allow build-up, thus defeating their purpose and contributing to poor indoor air quality.
- Humidifiers- Do you get dry skin during the winter season? If so, this can be attributed to the low humidity levels that result in dry air for the season. Dry air can cause numerous health issues such as sleeping and breathing issues, dry skin, bloody noses. As a rule of thumb, the levels of humidity in your home should be somewhere between 30% – 50%.
- Dehumidifiers- On the opposite end of dry air issues, you also don’t want the air in your home to contain too much moisture. Overly moisturized air creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold growth, which can damage a person’s health. Perhaps this is something you are encountering. If so, a dehumidifier may be an excellent option to invest in for the safety of you, your home, and your family.
If you are looking for ways to improve the indoor air quality in your home, Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning has got you covered! We offer a wide range of equipment that can best fit your need as well as your budget. We aim to provide five-star service on every call! So continue your HVAC journey with us and call (513) 216-5664, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!