The Adverse Effects Of Indoor Air Pollution On Your Indoor Air Quality
The air quality in your home can have more of an effect on your quality of life than you may realize. It is important that the air circulating between the walls of your home is clean and healthy. At Wilcox Energy, we understand this. We are a leading indoor air quality specialist and we serve customers in and around Essex NJ.
Our company specializes in HVAC systems and in the overall comfort of your home. Not only can we improve the indoor air quality standards in your home, we can also improve your home’s energy efficiency. In fact, Wilcox Energy provides every service that your home needs to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and to keep clean air circulating through the home.
At Wilcox Energy, we specialize in HVAC installation, maintenance, and repairs. To schedule an appointment today, give us a call. We will quickly send one of our knowledgeable and friendly techs to your home. We offer free in-home consultations and free second opinions.
We have a team of NATE certified techs on staff with years of combined experience in the HVAC industry. Also, our techs are always undergoing more training to increase their education. They are always up to date with the newest technology in the heating and cooling industry. This allows our techs to serve our customers as efficiently as possible.
Our techs understand how things work when it comes to indoor air quality. We understand that proper ventilation and certain changes can improve the air quality in a person’s home. We can prevent illness and other issues caused by poor air quality.
What Is Indoor Air Pollution?
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There are many people who believe that air pollution occurs only outside. This is not the case. There have been plenty of studies that have shown that the air indoors can contain more pollutants than the air outdoors. These studies have also shown that the indoor levels of air pollution can be up to 5 times more dangerous than the air outdoors. This means that the air inside your home can be more harmful than the brown haze in the air outside your door.
Air pollution is dangerous wherever it exists. It is very important that you protect your home from air contaminants. Below, we will discuss the causes of indoor air pollution and the best way to improve the air quality in your home.
The Causes of Indoor Air Pollution
It is not uncommon for the pollution outside of your home to seep into your home through open windows or cracks. There are several sources inside your home also that can have a negative effect on the indoor air quality in your home. Below is a list of a few of the most common causes of indoor air pollution.
- Asbestos: Asbestos is no longer used in homes today. However, if you own an older home, it could have been built with materials that contain asbestos. The fibers in asbestos can cause cancer, which is why it is no longer used today. If your home is 30 years old or more, you should have it inspected for asbestos. If asbestos is found, you should have it removed by a professional immediately.
- Cleaning Products: Many household cleaning products are made with dangerous chemicals such as chloride, ammonia, and other harmful substances. Use of these substances in poorly ventilated areas can result in skin and eye irritation and nausea.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): VOCs can cause a variety of issues including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. A few substances that are considered VOCs include paint, solvents, and turpentine. If you are going to be using these products, you should do so in a well-ventilated area.
- Byproducts of Combustion: Anything that can burn fuel can emit carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Heating systems such as gas stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces can all produce dangerous byproducts. If the oil, gas, or propane in these heating systems burn at high temperatures and there isn’t enough oxygen in the area, dangerous gasses can be emitted.
Minimizing The Levels Of Indoor Air Pollution
Most homeowners don’t know how to assess the air quality in their home. They also don’t know how to improve it. Even a homeowner with some knowledge of air pollution won’t know how to address every source of the air pollution in their home. It is important that the indoor air filters in the home are always clean. Proper ventilation is also crucial.
When it comes to indoor air quality, knowledge is power. The first thing that you should do is check the sources of indoor air quality facts that the EPA has provided. You can use this information to get a good idea of the air quality in your home. Even with this information, it is also important to get some professional help to improve your indoor air quality.
Steps To Take
Change Your Air Filters On A Regular Basis
Your air filters can trap the pollutants before they come into the home through the HVAC system. In most cases, the air filters should be changed once a month. If you want to protect your home as best as possible against indoor air pollution, you should use a high-quality filter. Higher quality air filters will perform much better than the cheap, knock-off brands.
Use Exhaust Hoods And Fan In The Kitchen And Bathroom
Mold thrives in areas of the home where the moisture is high such as in the kitchen when you are cooking and in the bathroom when you are bathing. An exhaust hood or fan will remove mold from these areas easily. If you install fans and hoods in high moisture areas, you can keep the moisture at a healthy level and you can prevent mold growth throughout the entire home.
Use a Recovery Ventilator (HRV)
Modern homes feature airtight construction to make the home as energy efficient as possible. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a good thing. When the home is airtight, stale air can pollute your lungs. If you install a heat recovery ventilator (one of the best indoor air quality products) in the home, it can improve the air quality in your home. The system will cycle fresh air into the home and remove the musty air inside the home. The air quality in your home can start improving the second you install the unit.
Bring Some Greenery And Plant Life Into The Home
Certain plant life such as aloe, palm, and bamboo can purify the air inside your home. When you bring these plants into your home, it will improve the air quality in the home and it will be very noticeable. Plants also make the home more aesthetically pleasing as well.
HVAC System Maintenance
To keep your HVAC running without any issues, you should have it maintained regularly. Regular tune-ups can also improve the air quality in your home. Since regular HVAC maintenance is so important, you should leave this job to the professionals. An annual tune-up by an HVAC expert will not only improve the air quality in your home, it can also improve the HVAC system’s performance and it can reduce your energy costs.
Indoor Air Quality Essex CT
It is important that you focus on the indoor air quality in your home. Indoor pollution can cause a variety of health issues. When you contact Wilcox Energy, we will make sure that your HVAC system is functioning properly and that the air quality in your home is safe.
Our highly-trained, highly knowledgeable techs understand how important ventilation and energy efficiency are. We will use the methods listed above to make sure that your home’s air quality is safe. We offer a variety of services including indoor air quality testing and improvements.
We also handle heating system tune-ups, heater maintenance and repair, and air conditioner installations. To learn more about the services that we offer, Click Here. You can also give us a call to speak to one of our home comfort specialists. For more information, contact Wilcox Energy today.
Some of the areas we service include Centerbrook, Essex, Ivoryton, Old Saybrook and these zip codes: 06409, 06426, 06442, 06475, as well as all surrounding areas in Middlesex County, Connecticut.
For more information about heating and cooling systems, such as tune-ups, repairs, or installations, contact Wilcox Energy. You can contact us at (860) 399-6218. We offer a full line of affordable and trusted HVAC services.