Indoor Air Hazards: Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Air Safety, Air Quality and Air Conditioning Solutions
Poor Indoor Air Quality – A Nationwide Problem Correctable By Standard Air Conditioning Equipment
The quality of indoor air concerns every homeowner. Indoor air hazards affect your health, your lifestyle and the cost of home air conditioning. Dealing with the likes of airborne biologicals, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, lead content, molds, smoke, radon and other hazardous breathing components requires careful monitoring of indoor air filtration systems and air conditioning efficiency.
So Much Time Indoors and So Little Thought To the Consequences
Most U.S. citizens spend more time indoors than outdoors. Office, factory and even warehouse workers move from one sealed environment to the next. With so many warning about the risks involved in too much exposure to sunlight, smog and other outdoor hazards, many people never stop to consider the quality of air within their own home.
Throughout the nation, some families endure indoor air of lower quality than the surrounding outdoor air. Strange as it may sound, the efficiency of modern homes promotes the problem. Houses are now constructed tighter, with increased energy-efficiency in windows and doors, better insulation properties and purposeful air recycling equipment. The very assets that are designed to enable more efficient home air conditioning can actually lead to lower quality indoor air.
Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality and a Need For Advanced Air Filtration and Air Conditioning Control
Addressing the hazards relating to poor indoor air quality can be simple or complex. Some problems are easily resolved by simple air conditioning maintenance programs. Other problems may require specialized equipment, authorized professional disposal of contaminated materials or even temporary off-site living quarters.
Here are some signs that may indicate your need to investigate the quality of your indoor air supply:
* Odors – Be on guard for persistent and unusual odors, stale or stuffy air.
* Air Flow – Pay attention to long-lasting slacks in air movement throughout the home.
* Air Conditioning Equipment – Clean your home heating and cooling units. Repair faulty central air conditioning equipment.
* Excessive Condensation – An oversized cooling system permit too much condensation in the home air supply.
* Excessive humidity – This condition typically accompanies too much condensation.
* Molds – Never permit mold to linger in your home. When you see it, clean it up. If it persist, locate and eliminate the cause.
* Flues and Chimneys – Perform a yearly checkup on your home’s flue pipes and/or chimneys. Correct any damage. Remove any clogs.
* Home Construction – If your home is equipped with air-tight windows and doors, be careful with any heating system that generates fumes, consumes oxygen or emits carbon dioxide.
* General Health – Pay attention to your own health. When symptoms of illness seem to alleviate when away from home, poor indoor air quality may be the cause of your health problems.
* Remodeling – Weatherizing your home, installing new furniture or remodeling may introduce various changes into your home environment. Pay attention to any associated health changes. Remodeling may generate an increase in dust and other allergy causing components. Better window seals may capture air contaminates that have previously been dispersed without consequences.
* New Hobbies – New indoor activities can introduce glues, paints and other health affecting airborne components.
Solutions
Every component of indoor air pollution has a different method of resolution. For remodeling issues, practice pollution containment. For molds and mildews, apply better air conditioning control or in some events call in professional mold handlers. For situations pertaining to indoor hobbies, practice general awareness of cause and effect.
In general, analyze each unique situation and react appropriately. If you need help, call in a professional indoor air quality service person.