One of the key areas that can affect your health is the indoor air quality of your home in Plano, TX. Notably, your indoor air quality is two to five times more contaminated than outdoor air. Here are some detrimental habits that will lower your air quality, risking your health and comfort.
1. Smoking Inside Hurts Indoor Air Quality
Smoking cigarettes indoors will significantly reduce the air quality of your household. When the residual gas and smoke particles settle and build up, they present a health threat. If your room features carpets and fabrics, the risks get even higher for you and your loved ones.
Passive smoking can also harm other occupants in your home. According to the EPA, passive smoking is damaging to your respiratory system and can lead to lung cancer. The best solution is to not allow any smoking in your home.
2. Ignoring Leaks Encourages Poor Indoor Air Quality
Leaks in your home can occur via dripping roofs or through your plumbing system. Leaks, however small, create moist and damp conditions that lead to biological growth. Not only will the growth damage the affected area, but it also heightens health risks.
Respiratory allergies or complications such as sneezing, coughing and asthma are common in damp homes. Hire plumbing maintenance experts and repair any areas that are consistently damp inside your home, such as under sinks, around tubs or toilets, basements or attics.
3. Neglecting to Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your AC are responsible for trapping dust, pet dander and other pollutants from your air. With time, the air filters fill up with dirt and then redirect that polluted air into your home. We recommend you change your air filters every two to three months to maintain high air quality.
4. Minimum Ventilation
Proper ventilation allows air to flow in and of your home, which — in turn — eases the load on your air conditioner. During the summer, hot conditions can lower the air quality of your home. Be sure your home has a healthy exchange of indoor air to fresh air. Consider an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) if your home’s envelope is very tight.
Your indoor air quality is essential to your health and the efficiency of your HVAC. Contact Samm’s Heating and Air Conditioning experts for all of your HVAC system and indoor air quality needs.
