It’s easy to assume that the air inside your home is clean and free of harmful debris that you wouldn’t want to end up in your lungs. We put a lot of faith in our HVAC systems when we trust them to adequately filter the air inside of our homes. For the most part, a well-maintained system will do a fine job of filtering the air in your home.
However, many factors contribute to the decline of indoor air quality (IAQ). Sometimes the standard filters of your HVAC system can’t keep up or a pollutant has the chance to enter your space before being filtered by your AC.
Here at Comfort Boys Service Company, we’re committed to becoming the go-to resource for all things HVAC. Whether providing a level of service that’s second to none or acting as a source of reliable information you can trust, we’re here to exceed your expectations.
5 Biggest Contributors To Poor IAQ
Maintaining good indoor air quality involves knowing the causes of poor IAQ and how to control them at their source. To help our customers, we’ve compiled this list of the most significant contributors to poor indoor air quality.
Building Materials
Safety standards and practices have come a long way in the last fifty years, and we’ve learned a lot about the materials we use to build our structures. Unfortunately, regulatory standards weren’t always so strict, and many materials were used in the past that can degrade over time and negatively impact the air quality.
One of the biggest culprits is asbestos, which was widely used in the mid-1900s and then later found to be a significant contributor to the development of a lung disease called Mesothelioma. The newer a home is, the less likely it is to contain this material.
Stoves & Cooking Appliances
We all have to eat, and most of us have to cook. Unfortunately, stoves and cooking tops are among the most significant contributors to poor indoor air quality. All cooking areas must be well-ventilated, and ventilation fans are used when possible to ensure good airflow.
Biological Or Outdoor Contaminants
While a well-maintained HVAC system will do an excellent job of filtering out most things from outside, it can’t catch every particulate. Pollen, mold and insect debris all fall into this category.
The best way to reduce this pollution is by dusting and vacuuming all fabric surfaces and ensuring all doors and windows are well-sealed and insulated from the outside.
Pets
While pets could technically fall under the previous category, we thought our furry friends deserved their own section. Unfortunately, our pets are another one of the most significant contributors to poor indoor air quality, constantly shedding fur and dander.
The best way to help your dog or cat lower its impact on the air is by taking the time to groom and brush their coats, preferably outside.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas released as a byproduct of combusting natural fuel sources like wood or natural gas. When inhaled in high enough quantities, carbon monoxide can be lethal.
It’s vital that any natural gas-burning appliance or heater has proper ventilation. It’s essential that if your home utilizes natural gas or has a fireplace you install a carbon monoxide detector to warn you of harmful gases in your home.
Be Responsible About your Indoor Air, Comfort Boys Care
When you seek IAQ solutions and are looking for an authority in San Antonio indoor air quality, call us today! We’re determined to provide our community with the highest quality HVAC services possible and are excited to add you to our growing list of satisfied customers.
