What Are the Primary Causes of Indoor Air Quality Problems?

Good indoor air quality is something many of us can take for granted because it should essentially be undetectable. Bad indoor air is often painfully obvious. The consequences of poor indoor air quality can range from expensive utility bills to serious health risks.

The HVAC experts at Tom’s Mechanical will keep your home’s air clean. We’ll work hard and fast so you and your family can continue living healthy lives, with your HVAC system being the furthest thing on your mind, as it should be.

What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?

Combustion Sources

Stoves, furnaces, water heaters and other gas appliances can release carbon monoxide and other harmful gases into the indoor air. Smoking indoors can also introduce numerous pollutants and harmful chemicals into your home, degrading your air quality.

Building Materials and Furnishings

Materials like paints, adhesives and certain furnishings can pollute the air with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)[1] , irritating your eyes, nose and throat and causing headaches and dizziness.

Biological Contaminants

Damp environments can foster mold and mildew, releasing toxic spores that trigger allergies and respiratory issues. High humidity levels can also exacerbate this, which is especially a problem in Arlington. Excessive moisture can accelerate mold and mildew growth, causing a drastic decline in your home’s air quality and putting you and your family’s health at risk.

Even mostly harmless allergens, like pet hair, can impact your air quality if they accumulate, resulting in allergic reactions.

Poorly Maintained or Old HVAC Systems

All these pollutants can be made worse if your HVAC system isn’t properly filtering out contaminants as it circulates the air in your home. Whether your system’s filters haven’t been replaced in a while or if one of the ducts has sprung a leak, a malfunctioning HVAC system can intensify your home’s declining air quality or even be the root cause of it.

The best way to protect indoor air and ensure your family isn’t breathing in harmful chemicals is to test it yourself. Portable air quality kits can provide real-time results of your home’s air. Some are able to connect to smart home systems, allowing for remote air quality tracking and control so you can quickly address issues as soon as they appear.

Types of Home Air Quality Testing

• Allergen Testing identifies common allergens such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites.

• Mold Testing detects the presence of mold spores in the air or on surfaces.

• Chemical Testing analyzes VOC levels and other chemical pollutants.

• Radon Testing measures the presence of radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes.

How to Fix Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

If you’re unhappy with your home air test results, you can improve them by increasing your home’s air circulation and filtration. Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors to allow fresh outdoor air inside and use exhaust fans to combat excessive moisture.

Ideally, your home should have between 30 to 50 percent humidity levels to discourage mold and dust mites. Placing dehumidifiers in areas of your home more prone to dampness, such as your basement, can help prevent the two pollutants from growing. Similarly, air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture and remove airborne pollutants to optimize air quality.

If you find mold or mildew beginning to grow, eliminate the source of moisture responsible and clean and remediate the affected areas. Hiring a professional can secure your home against mold in both the short and long term.

It’s also important to regularly maintain your gas appliances. Older appliances emit more pollutants. It may be worth upgrading gas furnaces, stoves or water heaters if you suspect they are contributing to degraded air quality.

Our Team Can Ensure Your Household Is Always Breathing Clean Indoor Air

At Tom’s Mechanical, Inc., we’ll make sure your HVAC system always performs at its best, providing strong air circulation to filter our pollutants and maintain your indoor air quality. Arlington residents have trusted us to get the job done right the first time for over 60 years. We’ll bring the same dedication and professionalism to maintaining your HVAC system and optimizing its capabilities.

Call (817) 277-4493 or complete our online contact form to schedule a home evaluation today.

  Link to "How can I reduce my exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in my home?" Blog