As people are spending more time inside their homes than ever before, good indoor air quality has never been more important. Good air quality is essential for preserving one’s health, comfort, and safety. To ensure your home’s air quality is as good as possible, it’s important to find and mitigate any sources of harmful air pollutants. Below, we will address some of the most common causes of poor indoor air quality to look into.
Household Cleaning Agents
The products you use to clean your home could actually have a negative impact on the health of your space. Many commercial cleaning agents contain a variety of harsh chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These organic chemicals have a high vapor pressure at room temperature and often off-gas into the air, which can have several negative impacts on one’s long-term and short-term health.
To avoid allowing VOCs into your home, make sure to carefully read the labels on all the cleaning agents you purchase. As a general rule, avoid using aerosol products and organic cleaning solvents as much as possible, as they typically contain VOCs. To ensure you know exactly what is in your cleaning solution, you could even consider making your own cleaning agents out of household products, such as vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oils for scent.
Poorly Maintained HVAC Systems
Another common cause of poor indoor air quality is inadequately maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Over time, dust and other pollutants can accumulate in the filters, ductwork, and vents of HVAC systems. If these systems aren’t cleaned regularly, the accumulated pollutants can blow into the air around a home, thus decreasing its quality. To maintain healthy air quality in your home, it’s essential to change or clean your HVAC system’s filters at least every three months and clean your air ducts every three to five years. You can also hire professionals like ac repair las vegas to ensure that your HVAC system is properly maintained.
Mold Outbreaks
Mold outbreaks are also a large contributor to poor indoor air quality in homes. Mold doesn’t just look unappealing and cause damage to one’s home; it also releases microscopic spores into the air that can trigger allergic reactions or health problems when inhaled.
Because mold thrives in dark, wet environments, make sure to monitor humidity levels in your home. If moisture levels are too high, consider investing in a dehumidifier to help ward off mold growth. You should also be mindful of any leaks or seepage in your home and take measures to resolve the issue immediately.
