Why Is Indoor Air Quality Important for Health?
Indoor air quality is a factor that is commonly overlooked when it comes to health. However, living in a home plagued by poor indoor air quality can contribute to poor health. Luckily, there are ways for homeowners to maintain good indoor air quality and improve it to improve the health of everyone in the home. Here is a quick guide to the health effects of poor indoor air quality and some tips to improve the air quality in a home to help everyone in it stay healthier.
Negative Health Outcomes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can have detrimental effects on people's health, manifesting in various symptoms and exacerbating existing conditions. Common health effects of indoor air pollutants include:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat: Exposure to airborne pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause irritation and discomfort in the eyes, nose, and throat, leading to symptoms like itching, redness, and soreness.
- Headaches: Indoor air pollutants, including mold spores and chemical fumes, can trigger headaches and migraines in susceptible individuals, contributing to discomfort and reduced productivity.
- Dizziness: Inhalation of certain indoor air contaminants can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness, posing risks of accidents and injuries.
- Fatigue: Poor indoor air quality can contribute to feelings of fatigue and lethargy, impairing cognitive function and overall well-being.
- Aggravated asthma and allergy symptoms: Asthma and allergy sufferers are particularly vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollutants, which can exacerbate symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and nasal congestion.
Regular Maintenance and Air Filter Changes
There are two essential strategies that every homeowner should employ to keep the air in their home clean. Routine maintenance of HVAC systems and regular air filter replacement are essential practices for good indoor air quality, but they also have many other benefits for the household.
Scheduling annual heating maintenance and air conditioning maintenance visits with a professional and regularly replacing AC and furnace filters ensures that heating and cooling systems operate efficiently and effectively, keep utility costs lower, minimize the circulation of indoor air pollutants, and improve the lifespan of the heater and air conditioner. So, not only do these tasks lead to healthier indoor air for occupants, but they also help the HVAC system and a homeowner’s wallet.
Install an Additional Device for Indoor Air Quality
To further enhance indoor air quality and mitigate the health risks associated with indoor air pollutants, homeowners can call a technician to install an air cleaning and filtration system, such as an air cleaner, air purifier, or UV air sanitizer. These systems use filtration or UV light to filter and sanitize the air, removing harmful contaminants and particles from the air.
Capturing and eliminating airborne contaminants, including allergens, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses, improves indoor air quality and the health of those in the home. These systems can be installed and work in tandem with HVAC systems, leading to cleaner air for the entire home. This promotes a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment for occupants.
About Triple A Air Conditioning & Heating
Triple A Air Conditioning & Heating has been serving the Corpus Christi area since 1983. They provide straightforward pricing, free estimates, and beneficial maintenance membership programs. Call them for indoor air quality services in Corpus Christi, TX.
