There's no denying that protecting indoor air quality is incredibly important for homeowners. Still, many homeowners don't know much about air quality or how it can affect them. Poor air quality can be caused by many sources, and contaminants in your indoor air can cause a range of health issues, from minor irritations to serious illnesses. However, many homeowners don't think much about their indoor air quality and don't know where to start when they want to improve it. The good news is that there are plenty of resources available to provide assistance. If you're in need of advice, keep reading for a guide to understanding what impacts indoor air quality.
What factors can impact your indoor air quality?
The quality of the air filter in your HVAC system, measured by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, can definitely impact your indoor air quality. If you're wondering, "What is MERV rating?", we can explain. The MERV rating is a number that indicates the efficiency of an air filter. It was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to measure how well an air filter captures airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective it is at capturing particles like pollen and dust mites. Filters with a high MERV rating tend to offer superior air quality.
Sources of contaminants that affect air quality in the home can vary widely from one household to another. Common sources include paints, varnishes, and disinfectants. Molds, dust mites, and other allergens are additional sources of contamination in the home. Poor ventilation can allow these contaminants to accumulate at higher levels than normal, leading to health problems for those living within the house. Some homes have also been found to contain high levels of radon gas which is linked with lung cancer when present in high concentrations over a prolonged period.
Pollutants can enter the indoor environment from outside sources such as vehicle exhaust fumes and other emissions from industry or power plants that penetrate indoors through windows or ventilation systems. Poorly maintained heating and cooling units may also allow dirt particles to circulate living spaces which can aggravate allergies and asthma symptoms. Biological contaminants such as pet dander or dust mites are other common triggers that can cause respiratory irritation.
What else can you do to improve your home's air quality?
Now that you have a better understanding of what impacts air quality, let's discuss some of the other things you can do to improve the quality of your home's indoor air. For example, it's a good idea to purchase a high-quality air purifier for your home. Air purifiers work by using a fan to draw in air, which is then passed through multiple filters. These filters can trap particles such as dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, and other allergens. By removing them from the air, an air purifier can eliminate contaminants that may be causing sneezing, allergy symptoms, and other respiratory issues.
You need to avoid the use of products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to protect your home's air quality. VOCs are compounds that are released into the air when certain products are used and can be found in household items, including paint and cleaning products. VOCs can have a negative effect on indoor air quality, as they can cause numerous health problems, such as respiratory issues, eye irritation, headaches, and even cancer. If you have to use VOCs, you should always ensure that the room is well-ventilated, and wear protective equipment.
As this article illustrates, understanding the impacts of indoor air quality is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of negative health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems, as well as an increased risk of cancer. You can protect the quality of your home's indoor air in several ways, including by using a high-quality air purifier and minimizing your use of products containing VOCs. If you follow the tips in this article, then you can create a healthy home atmosphere where you and your family can breathe clean air.
