Indoor Air Quality Basics You Should Know in Lake Placid, FL

Indoor air quality (IAQ) can significantly affect your health and comfort. It’s important to understand what pollutants can be detrimental so that you can prevent them as much as possible. Let’s explore the basics of IAQ in Lake Placid, FL.

Causes of Poor IAQ

Asbestos is a pollutant you may encounter in certain products and construction materials or if you’re moving into an older home. For example, the floor tiles may contain it. As these materials wear down, they release contaminants into the air and put your health at risk in the process.

Dust and pet dander can be another cause of poor IAQ. It’s not enough to just clean hard surfaces regularly, considering the dust and dander can also accumulate on your rugs, curtains, bedsheets and furniture. Cleaning your house daily and grooming pets regularly could reduce these contaminants.

No one wants unintentional rodents and insects in their home, but using pesticides in your home could be dangerous to your health and contribute to poor IAQ. It can also get all over your home, including on the floors and furnishings. Opt for non-chemical removal methods whenever possible, and always follow the product’s instructions.

Although many smoke outdoors, some still opt to smoke inside at home. Not only is this a contributor to poor IAQ due to releasing a significant amount of pollutants, but it can also be a dangerous health risk for anyone within the residence. Those who smoke should do so outdoors, but if that’s not possible, then at least smoke in a well-ventilated area.

Negative Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Health issues can be one of the most serious effects of poor IAQ. The problems may not appear immediately but instead might come up at some point in the future. The longer the exposure to inadequate IAQ and the higher the concentration of pollutants, the worse it could be for your health.

Short-term health effects include sneezing, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, watery eyes and an irritated throat. Bad IAQ could also negatively impact existing health conditions, such as asthma. Long-term exposure to indoor pollutants could lead to serious health problems like cancer and neurological disorders.

Certain indoor air pollutants, like pet hair, could also negatively impact your HVAC system by clogging the air filter. When the filter doesn’t allow free-flowing air, it could cause the system to work harder to operate as efficiently as possible. Components may wear down faster and increase the need for repairs and increased repair costs.

How to Keep Your Indoor Air Clean

Scheduling routine maintenance services of your HVAC system can be one way to improve your IAQ. A senior service technician can change the air filter, clean your ductwork and advise you of any changes you could make that would be beneficial for cleaner air.

Opening windows is another way to help improve IAQ. It could decrease the pollutants within the home while letting in the fresh air. Opt for opening windows with screens to prevent bugs from getting in and doing so on days with pleasant outdoor temperatures.

Controlling indoor humidity by using a dehumidifier could be highly beneficial for your home, especially in bathrooms, the basement and the kitchen. It could help prevent biological growth, a build-up of allergens and more.

You can also invest in an air cleaner to eliminate contaminants circulating in your house. Air filters draw in air and pass it through a series of filters that catch contaminants.

While shopping for a new air cleaner, always check its clean air delivery rate (CADR). The rating shows the air cleaner’s efficiency. A higher rating translates to more efficiency.

As previously mentioned, pet dander and fur could contribute to poor IAQ, but there are steps you can take to help combat the issue. For example, brushing your pets regularly, especially if you can do it outside, could better control the release of dander and fur indoors.

Call Miller’s Central Air, Inc. if you want quality indoor air quality solutions. We’ll conduct a thorough IAQ inspection of your home and come up with solutions that are best for you and your loved ones.

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