The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Could the air inside your home be making you sick? You’d be surprised to know what could be lurking in the air you and your family breathe — dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollen, viruses, bacteria, and even chemicals, such as formaldehyde. Excessive moisture — humidity — can also impact indoor air quality (IAQ). Sources of these pollutants include fuel-burning appliances (such as a gas furnace), smoking, building materials, new carpeting, flooring, or furniture, cleaning products, outdoor air pollution, household cleaning products, and much more. If you live in a hot, humid climate, excess moisture in the air can impact IAQ by encouraging bacterial growth. Physical symptoms of being exposed to poor IAQ include frequent colds and sinus problems, eye irritation, a scratchy and dry throat, dizziness, and even nausea.

Indoor Air Quality Testing

Fortunately, you can remediate poor IAQ by conducting in-home tests and upgrading your home’s HVAC system to include a dehumidifier and an air purifying or sanitizing device. The dehumidifier will draw excess moisture from the air, resulting in a cooler drier interior. Air purification and sanitization systems will remove pollutants from the air before it circulates through your home. Most air purifiers use filters, such as HEPA, electrostatic, or activated carbon to trap particles and other irritants from traveling through your HVAC system. All you’ll need to do is change the filters at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. Air sanitizers use UV light to kill viruses, bacteria, and other pollutants. Another suggestion is to make sure your home is well-ventilated by using exhaust fans in areas that yield higher levels of moisture, such as bathrooms or attic. You can protect your family against exposure to natural gas and carbon monoxide by adding plug-in monitors to strategic areas in your home, such as on each floor and near the bedrooms.

Atlas Butler Specializes in Indoor Air Quality Solutions

If you are concerned about poor indoor air quality in your home, call Atlas Butler at 1-800-FURNACE. We will send one of our HVAC technicians to your home to discuss your concerns. We can also recommend the best products or systems to help you, and your family breathe cleaner and easier.