What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Poor indoor air quality is a problem for millions of people nationwide. When you learn that on average people spend 93% of their lives indoors, it isn’t difficult to imagine how air quality plays a significant role in how they feel. Our indoor environment has a major impact on our health and well-being. This is especially true if you suffer from any sort of respiratory problem or allergy.

Common Pollutants

Sadly, you can find pollutants almost everywhere in a home, even one in which owners have the most meticulous housekeeping habits. Dust, dander, pollen, carpeting, cleaning chemicals, odors from paint and smoke can all pollute the indoor air. Substantial levels of free-radicals and contaminants increase the health risks to people breathing in these volatile organic chemicals.

Potential Signs of Poor Air Quality

If you are unsure of the air quality in your home, these are some of the signs that indicate it might be poor:

  • Unpleasant smells
  • Mildew or mold growth
  • Dust buildup around vents
  • High humidity
  • Uneven air distribution

All these signs should be taken seriously to ensure the good health of the residents and guests in your home. Health-related symptoms that could be associated with poor indoor air quality include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Allergies
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sinus problems
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing

Is Air Quality in Newer Homes Better Than in Older Homes?

Despite its age, every home is going to have a fair share of pollutants. However, today’s new homes allow the homeowner to maintain very high levels of indoor air quality by installing whole-house air cleaning systems.

In older homes, contaminants from decades past can pose a severe health risk to inhabitants. Formerly common building materials, including asbestos and lead-based paint, are pollutants that could exist just beneath the surface of the walls.

Call the Experts

Do you have more questions concerning indoor air quality? Call [company_name] today for information or assistance. We serve residents throughout Meridian, McCall and the surrounding areas, and our experienced team handles the full range of heating and cooling installation, repair and maintenance.