Poor Indoor Air Quality
What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?
Poor indoor air quality can be caused by a number of factors, but the typical culprits are inside the home: high humidity levels, pet dander, cigarette smoke, incense and scented candles, dirt and dust, mold, chemicals from building materials, smoke from fireplaces and kitchens, etc.
While it is possible to minimize the impact of poor indoor air quality sources within the home, the most effective way to control air quality is to control the air coming into your house and limiting relative humidity indoors.
How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality?
A good ventilation and dehumidification strategy is critical for improving indoor air quality. Using exhaust fans every time you cook or take baths/showers will help remove the moisture and pollutants you create indoors, but that alone isn't enough.
Properly dehumidifying the air with your A/C system and even dedicated dehumidifiers is an essential part of the equation.
The best way to improve a building's indoor air quality is by air-sealing your house wherever you find anything penetrating the exterior walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as sealing any ductwork located in attics, crawlspaces, and garages.
Make sure you remove any old paint, chemicals, or other cleaning agents that could be poisonous from inside the home. Keep them in a garage or shed, if possible. Never allow these things near HVAC equipment or water heaters indoors, as it's a serious fire hazard should something ignite.
Doing these things will limit the amount of outside air and moisture entering your house You may need to also have your ductwork professionally cleaned out, as dust and allergens will accumulate inside over time. Providing proper ventilation through bath and kitchen exhaust fans will also help remove moisture and pollutants from your house and should be used on a regular basis.
For more information about indoor air quality in homes and how your home can be improved, contact us today!
