Air is everywhere. It is essential for human life, and fresh air helps keep our lungs, heart, and mind healthy. Fresh air can also bolster our immune system, increase energy, and help us sleep better, but what happens when our indoor air quality is less than ideal and polluted by common indoor sources? Keep reading to find out and discover ways to improve your indoor air quality.
Common Indoor Pollutants
Many indoor air pollutants come directly from our homes and our activities in them. Mould, furniture, paint, and other building materials are prime examples of home pollutants, as are VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from fuel-burning heating appliances and particulate matter from cooking. Pet hair and dander, cleaning supplies, lit cigarettes, perfumes, and air fresheners are allergens and pollutants that residents of a home create. Outdoor contaminants such as dust and pollen, smoke from forest fires, and exhaust from vehicles also enter homes through openings, cracks, and vents.
Problems Caused by Poor Indoor Air Quality
There are several health problems that can be caused by or exacerbated by poor indoor air quality either in the short or long term. These include:
respiratory problems and diseases such as asthma, allergies, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
increased risk of heart attacks and stroke
cardiovascular stress
cancers (due to exposure over time)
cognitive and mental health
The ill, young, and elderly are most at risk of suffering from the effects of poor indoor air quality, as are stay-at-home caregivers and people who work from home.
Solutions to Poor Indoor Air Quality
Since going outside is not always possible, practical, or even a healthy way to get fresh air, indoor air specialists have created several solutions to poor indoor air quality that your HVAC specialist can easily add to your current heating and cooling system.
Air cleaners use filters to capture impurities that enter your HVAC system’s air supply, so all that passes through is healthy, pure air. UV Lights are a type of air cleaner used to eliminate contaminants, pollutants, and bacteria from your HVAC system, thus allowing air to remain clean as it passes through your ductwork.
Air purifiers produce ions that breakdown pollutants and gases into safe, breathable compounds like oxygen and water vapour. Air purifiers also reduce airborne mould and other allergens.
Filters are a common and easy way to remove unhealthy particles from your indoor air system. It is important to change or clean your air filters regularly.
Humidifiers help prevent the spread of germs and viruses, while dehumidifiers help prevent mould and mildew, which keeps their harmful spores to a minimum inside your home.
Ventilators help maintain strong oxygen levels in your home and filter out gaseous pollutants.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality in the Tri-Cities Area
You can find a variety of effective home air purifiers and air cleaners at Aire One Heating & Cooling KW in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Orangeville and Fergus. We install leading air quality products that work with your HVAC system to effectively remove pollutants and provide cleaner and fresher air. Contact us today to book an appointment.