Why Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore Indoor Air Quality
Most homeowners know the importance of maintaining the home. From mowing the yard and repairing gutters to steam cleaning the carpets and refreshing paint colors, homeowners keep a long list of tasks that must be completed.
One thing that is frequently overlooked as part of home maintenance, though, is ensuring good indoor air quality. Unfortunately, ignoring the quality of the indoor air can have negative impacts on residents’ health, as well as on the HVAC system and the homeowner’s wallet.
Read on to learn more about 3 common health concerns that might indicate the HVAC system is not maintaining good indoor air quality, and what homeowners can do to improve it.
1. Dryness, Irritation, and Overall Discomfort
Poor indoor air quality can cause physical discomfort in a number of ways. If the air is not being properly filtered, allergens will build-up, which can lead to dryness and irritation in the following:
- Nasal Passages
- Dry Skin
- Mouth and Throat
In the short-term, dryness and irritation leave residents and homeowners feeling miserable and uncomfortable in their own homes. If the air quality is not improved long-term, continued exposure could lead to heart disease or even cancer.
The best way to reduce the number of allergens in the air is to use a HEPA air filter. HEPA stands for high-efficient particulate air. These filters are effective at capturing 99.9% of the most common irritating particles found in unfiltered air. Using (and regularly replacing) a HEPA filter will help ensure higher air quality and lower health risks.
2. Coughing, Sneezing, and Respiratory Issues
A build-up of allergens in the air can also cause coughing and sneezing. Not only are these symptoms uncomfortable, but they also spread bacteria and viruses. By coughing and sneezing, the air becomes further contaminated, spreading diseases from one person to another.
If the HVAC system is not able to properly filter the air, all of this will continue to circulate and spread throughout the house, creating lasting effects and long-term health issues for everybody.
Coughing and sneezing are common indicators for not only poor indoor air quality, but also a number of greater health concerns. Keeping the air quality indoors high helps eliminate this from the list of possible causes so that health professionals are able to reach a diagnosis sooner.
3. Congestion & Sinus Sensitivity
Sinus sensitivity occurs when something in the environment irritates the sinuses and can lead to infection if the sensitivity continues over time. Symptoms can vary greatly, including the following:
-
Congestion - Postnasal Drip
- Headaches
- Tenderness of the Face
- Toothaches
All of this can lead to asthma or difficulty breathing. These health concerns are severe and should be addressed immediately by a health professional.
To improve these conditions at home, homeowners should make sure they are completing preventative maintenance on the HVAC system.
This includes regularly changing the air filter and having the vents cleaned by a licensed professional. An efficient HVAC system that is able to properly filter the air is a worthwhile investment for not only the home but for the family and community’s health and wellbeing.
About TR Miller Heating & Cooling
TR Miller Heating & Cooling offers a wide array of indoor air quality products to help homeowners maintain maximum indoor comfort year-round. They have been serving HVAC services in Plainfield and surrounding area residents for three generations with trustworthy, licensed HVAC technicians that are available 24/7.
