Simply put, indoor air quality is a big deal because if you don’t have clean indoor air, you’re putting the health of your family at risk. Poor IAQ in the workplace puts the health of your employees and customers at risk, too. Considering that Texans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors and that the EPA says that indoor air can hold five times more pollution than outdoor air, it’s essential that you maintain a high IAQ level.
Symptoms of Unhealthy Air
It’s possible that you won’t show signs of poor IAQ at first, but you can become sensitive after prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants. Poor IAQ can trigger a variety of symptoms:
- Asthma and other respiratory illnesses
- Dry mucus membranes
- Dizziness, nausea or headaches
- Allergies and hypersensitivities
- Irritated eyes, nose and throat
- Dry and itchy skin
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Sinus congestion, coughing and sneezing
Causes of Unhealthy Air
IAQ problems stem from many sources, including poor HVAC performance. Improperly maintained HVAC systems can lead to high humidity levels, lack of air circulation, stagnant condensate pans and furnace problems; these HVAC performance issues can spawn mold growth, stale air, fungi and carbon monoxide buildup. Other sources also cause poor IAQ:
- Perfumes, cleaners and glues
- Dust mites, pollen and pet dander
- Gasses from furniture and carpet
- Office products such as toners and copiers
- Chemicals used in manufacturing
Solutions for Unhealthy Air
Many indoor contaminants are microscopic airborne particulates. The air purifiers and air cleaners we offer catch and remove these impurities that are hovering in your air. Regular maintenance of your furnace and air conditioning system ensures optimum HVAC performance to control ventilation and humidity.
To learn more about how better indoor air quality can improve your health, home and workplace, check out Freedom Heating and Air’s indoor air quality services or call (214) 306-8456.
