Did you know that the average person spends…
- 6% of their lifetime in automobiles
- 7% outside
- 87% indoors
What does this mean? Aside from the fact we should probably curate some good playlists for our commute, it also means we should prioritize the safety and quality of our indoor environments.
But while many of us consider our homes a safe haven, we may not realize how poor indoor air quality could be making our homes far more dangerous than the outside world. That’s why knowing what indoor air quality is, what causes indoor air pollution, and what you can do to keep you and your family safe in your home – is so important.
Not sure where to start? These four questions and answers will brief you on everything you need to know about indoor air quality.
1. What Is Indoor Air Quality?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures — specifically relating to the health and comfort of building occupants. While indoor air quality might not seem like anything to worry about, indoor air pollution can lead to serious health ailments if left untreated. Unfortunately, indoor air pollution affects the majority of homes, whether you’re a clean freak or not.
2. What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?
Many factors can contribute to indoor air pollution, but three prominent factors are:
Indoor Environment: This includes things like inadequate temperature, humidity, lighting, and even excessive noise.
Indoor Air Contaminants: Bacteria, chemicals, dust, and mold can increase indoor air pollution.
Insufficient Outdoor Air Intake: Does your home have poor ventilation? If so, it could be impeding your home’s indoor air quality.
3. What Are the Side Effects of Poor Indoor Air Pollution?
Exposure to poor indoor air quality can cause both short-term and long-term side effects. Typically, those exposed to low levels of indoor air pollution will experience short-term symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, congestion, or nausea. For those who already suffer from allergies, you may find that your allergies worsen.
While the short-term effects of indoor air pollution typically resolve on their own, long-term health effects are more serious. Pneumonia, stroke, ischemic heart disease, COPD, and lung cancer are all long-term effects linked to indoor air pollution exposure. In fact, the World Health Organization reports that 4.3 million people a year die prematurely from illnesses attributable to indoor air pollution.
4. How Can I Improve the Indoor Air Quality in My Home?
Fortunately, improving your indoor air quality is relatively easy, and it all starts with an overlooked source: your air conditioning and heating system.
Your AC system is like the lungs of your home and is your home’s first line of defense against indoor air pollution. But while your HVAC system can help keep the air in your home healthy, it can only do so if it is functioning efficiently.
The easiest way to ensure your HVAC system is in top-performing shape is to schedule preventative maintenance with a professional HVAC company at least twice per year. Preventative maintenance is a worthwhile investment that will increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, lower your utility bills, lessen the need for repairs, and, of course, maintain good indoor air quality in your home.
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality With the Sansone Energy Savings Club
Considering we spend the majority of our lives inside, whether in our homes, at work, at a business, or somewhere else, it’s important that the indoor environments we are exposed to are safe. At Sansone Air Conditioning, we can help you do just that.
Our preventative maintenance services are designed to keep your home comfortable and safe for years to come.
If you’d like to learn more, give us a call today, and one of our friendly team members will answer any of your questions and help you get started.
Broward: (954) 800-2858
Palm Beach: (561) 701-8274
St. Lucie: (772) 879-5656