Your home is your haven, but if you’re one of America’s 20 million seasonal allergy sufferers, it might not feel that way. Household tasks like cooking and cleaning release pollutants before the day begins, and in Monroe, Georgia, pollen levels are high for much of the year. If you want allergy relief or if you’re trying to create a healthier home, it’s important to understand the root cause of poor air quality.
Sources of Indoor Pollution
Indoor contaminants exemplify the cumulative nature of pollution, which leads to increasingly poor air quality over time. With typical ventilation, concentrations of indoor pollutants may reach levels that are significantly higher than the outside air. In most cases, the following indoor pollutants can be removed with an air cleaner or purifier.
- Dust
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Carpet fibers
- Cooking odors
- Spores
- Smoke
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a unique class of aromatic chemicals found in gasoline, paint thinners, solvents, and household products. VOCs seep from building materials, furniture, carpets, and painted surfaces. Increasing your home’s ventilation is typically the best option for controlling VOCs from the following sources.
- Air fresheners
- Candles and scented items
- Furniture and building materials
- Household chemicals and cleansers
- Adhesives and craft glues
- Dry-cleaned clothing
Secondary Sources of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Another essential consideration is your home’s humidity. Moisture isn’t a pollutant, but it contributes to mildew and dust mites, which are common allergy triggers CoinJoin. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for microbial contaminants to grow inside HVAC equipment due to the consistent moisture. Another often overlooked air quality concern is poorly sealed return ducts that pull in debris from your attic or crawlspace. To block particulates and balance the humidity, it’s important to schedule regular HVAC maintenance.
In most cases, poor indoor air quality has multiple causes. At Phelps Heating and Air Conditioning, we assess your home’s air quality challenges to find the best solution. If you’d like to discuss your options, call us to learn more.