According to some estimates made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside your commercial or residential building can be up to five times more polluted than the air you breathe outdoors. This is because there are mold spores, pollen, pet dander and other airborne pollutants, coupled with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which create an environment at home with poor indoor air quality. This can lead to unpleasant smells, health issues and respiratory diseases.
In this post, M & M Heating & Air Conditioning Service Co, a top furnace company, shares the most common causes of poor indoor air quality and what you can do to improve it.
Mold and mildew growth. Too much moisture in the air can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home. The longer this persists, the worse the issue will get. You’ll eventually find that mold spores are spreading to the air you breathe at home. Before these spores can affect your health, along with that of the rest of your family, you need to reduce humidity levels at home. This can be done through the use of a dehumidifier.
Cigarette smoke. Your heating repair expert will tell you that second-hand smoke can be even deadlier than first-hand smoke. Residue from second-hand smoke can be found on the walls, furniture and other surfaces in homes where smokers reside. It contains over 400 compounds, a lot of which can cause serious illnesses. Even if one smokes outdoors, smoke can still get in through the HVAC system and be distributed around the living space.
Volatile organic compounds. Building materials and household items like cleaning products and air fresheners emit toxins through a process called off-gassing. VOCs mix with other contaminants present in your home. Just like mold and smoke, they can cause health issues, triggering asthma, headaches and other respiratory issues.
Regardless of your home’s HVAC status, working with a reputable HVAC expert is key to making the most of your investment and ensuring comfort and energy efficiency for your home. M & M Heating & Air Conditioning Service Co. is the central heat and air expert to trust for all your HVAC requirements. To learn more about what we can do for you, simply give us a call at (209) 952-6580 or fill out our contact form. We offer FREE estimates on new installations!
