Reasons for Allergens and Polluted Air in Your Home
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a term that some homeowners in the Waterford, MI and Oxford, MI area may not be familiar with. As people become health conscious overall and become more concerned about clean air, they are seeking ways to make their home’s indoor environment as pure as possible. As research and information increases about the adverse health effects of poor IAQ, especially the tiny airborne particles in the air we breathe in our homes, people are looking to professionals like Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for solutions to their IAQ testing needs.
How and why IAQ can be a problem in your house.
Design Plays A Role
One reason poor IAQ is considered by some to be a public health issue is the way homes and buildings are constructed. Most Americans spend 90% of their time indoors between work and home. Tight construction methods conserve energy and reduce heating and cooling costs, but at a price. The decreased amount of ventilation traps various pollutants inside, which can be very detrimental to those who suffer with allergies or other respiratory issues. Consider IAQ testing from Kotz to help determine if your air quality is being affected.
Your HVAC System Plays A Role
The heating and cooling systems in your home are the first line of defense when it comes to battling IAQ problems. Filters and air purifiers are the best way to make the air you breathe cleaner and healthier. Here are the basics:
- Use good quality HVAC filters purchased from professionals like Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
- Always change the HVAC filter at the recommended interval to keep the air circulating through the system as clean as possible.
- Change the filter more often if you live in a dusty location or have pets in the home.
- Upgrade to a whole-house air purifier for the highest level of indoor air quality. It’ll trap smaller particles, kill bacteria and viruses, eliminate odors, and neutralize volatile organic compounds like paints, stains, and chemical cleaners.
Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing features multiple options when it comes to air purification and overall indoor air quality.
Regular Maintenance Is Key
An HVAC system that is properly maintained will improve IAQ. Maintenance includes a thorough cleaning of your heating system in the fall and your cooling system in the spring. Forced air systems are constantly moving air throughout the house, so it’s important to make sure the equipment is as clean as possible. NOTE: Vacuuming & dusting regularly also helps a lot.
Strive For The Best Humidity Level
This may be the most ignored factor when it comes to indoor air quality. The acceptable indoor humidity level is 30%-50% per the Mayo Clinic. In reference to heating and cooling, 40%-45% is generally considered the most comfortable. Air that is too damp can promote the growth of mold spores causing allergic reactions. Air that is too dry is conducive to the spread of many viruses including the flu and the Corona Virus that causes COVID-19. Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can show you several types of humidifiers and dehumidifiers to keep your home healthy and comfortable.
How We Can Work Together To Improve IAQ
Information is a good defense but only if it’s used. Now that you know the basics of indoor air quality, let Kotz help you make your Oxford, MI or Waterford, MI home as healthy as possible. While it would be nearly impossible to eliminate all indoor allergens and pollutants, there are many ways to limit their impact. Call Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to make your IAQ testing now.
