We’ve talked a lot on our blog before about indoor air quality and the importance of protecting it, particularly in the times we live in, where people are spending more time at home than ever. However, to really get a comprehensive idea of what IAQ products are going to work best for you, it’s first important to have an idea of what the main threats to your indoor air are, and how they can affect the health and wellness of those living in your home. Keep reading to learn about the three kinds of indoor air pollutants every homeowner needs to watch out for, and remember to call our indoor air quality experts for the systems you need to breathe easier and feel better.
The 3 Main Indoor Air Pollutants That Pose a Risk to Homeowners Are:
- Particles: Particles, known technically as “particulates,” include any pollutants in your air that measure 100 microns (one-millionth of a meter) or less in diameter. This may include dust, pollen, pet dander, and other matter that can easily make its way into your heating and air conditioning systems and spread through the air ducts in your home. With the assistance of a high-quality air filtration device from Bay Heating & Air Conditioning, you will be able to eliminate a lot of particles, improving HVAC function and making life easier for everyone in your household.
- VOCs: Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, include any smoke, fumes, vapors, or odors that may be toxic when ingested by humans. Common sources of household VOCs include everything from paints to perfumes to manufacturing solvents to cleaning products to smoke generated while you are cooking. While some VOCs are unavoidable, prolonged exposure to volatile organic compounds can lead to major health repercussions, including skin, hair, and eye irritation, headaches and nausea, and even joint pain. A great way to help filter out VOCs is to install better ventilation, thereby getting rid of “stale” air and odors, and exchanging VOCs for pure, fresh air.
- Biological Contaminants: Biological contaminants can be defined as any microorganisms and bioaerosols that may be harmful to your health. This can include less serious threats, such as mold spores and fungi, to serious bacteria and viruses. A great way to discourage mold growth is to get a humidifier. These devices not only help your home feel less dank and musty by eliminating conditions where mold thrives, they also make life a lot easier for allergy and asthma-sufferers. But biological contaminants don’t just affect life for those with respiratory issues. When dangerous pathogens make their way into your air, they can pose a serious threat to children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals in your home. Moreover, doing everything you can to help reduce the presence of biological contaminants will cut down on the amount of sickness in your house and help your entire family stay as healthy as possible. We suggest installing an air purification system, such as a UV light application, to kill as many microorganisms and bioaerosols as possible before they can spread throughout your indoor air supply.
For more information on options to improve your indoor air quality, call Bay Heating & Air Conditioning today at (440) 294-4954 or click here to send us a message online