Because indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a huge role in your health, recognize potential signs of indoor air quality issues. If the quality of the air you breathe in your home isn't good, you or others can experience a host of potential health issues. Learn about some signs of indoor air quality issues to be aware of.
1. You Experience an Increase in Allergies and Respiratory Problems
Many people suffer from allergies, but if you or someone in your household experience a gradual increase in allergic reactions, you may have an indoor air quality issue. An increase in respiratory problems can also point to IAQ issues in the home.
Don't always assume it's a coincidence or the season when you have more coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, or any other symptom typical of allergic reactions or breathing conditions. A major cause of the increase in those issues can come from the airborne particles circulating through your HVAC system and home.
Dust and other debris can build up and you or others will continuously breathe it in. If you have pets, the pet dander can also work on your household in the same way. Other airborne particles, such as mold spores, can also lead to adverse allergic reactions or respiratory issues.
2. You Notice a Lingering Odor That Won't Fully Go Away
Does a damp, musty, or mildewy odor linger in your home or in some area of your home? You may have mold or mildew spores hanging around and circulating through your HVAC system. Those spores can lead to an increase in breathing issues and asthma attacks.
Alternatively, if the smell seems more chemical or gaseous, then you may have VOCs floating around your home. VOC stands for volatile organic compound. these particles can come from a variety of sources in a home:
- Paint
- Aerosols
- Household cleaners
- Household disinfectants
- Upholstery
VOCs are a common occurrence in most homes, but when they build up, concentrate, or never dissipate, they can create a number of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, allergic skin reactions, and various other issues.
One last thing to note about smell. Do ordinary odors linger longer than they should or longer than they used to? Adequate ventilation disperses smells from cooking or other activities in the home. If those smells just seem to sit and settle for longer than they should, you likely have pure circulation and poor indoor air quality.
3. You Feel Like Your Home is Stuffy and Stale
You should feel comfortable in your home, and that applies to both heating and cooling. If you feel your home has a stuffy, stale, and cloying atmosphere, then you might have ventilation issues. Poor ventilation and a lack of air circulation can lead to allergens, pollutants, and other problematic things building up in your home.
4. You See Your Vents Might Need Some Deep Cleaning
Look closely at your vents and registers. If you see moisture, dirt, or obvious signs of mold or mildew, then you will have proof of contamination in your ducts. You can rightfully assume whatever's on your vents, registers, and grilles also circulates throughout your indoor air.
Many other things can cause poor air quality. If you pay attention to changes in household health or indoor comfort, you can often figure out you have an air quality concern.
Solutions for poor indoor air quality will depend on the cause. Even with things like air purifiers, which can help, you won't solve the underlying issue. If health issues seem to grow or worse, see your healthcare provider. Otherwise, contact an HVAC service as soon as possible.
A professional HVAC service can help you with real solutions for your poor air quality. If you suspect you have indoor air quality problems or want to improve your indoor air quality in general, contact the indoor air quality professionals at Chrismon Heating & Cooling today.