Even with regular cleaning and maintenance, the items and people inside your home can emit materials that compromise the indoor air quality. Depending on the specific contaminants, they can make daily life less comfortable and potentially lead to adverse health conditions. Here’s a closer look at what causes poor air quality and what you can do to prevent it.

4 Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality

1. Chemicals & Particulates

The most common culprits of indoor air pollution are chemicals that come from caulk, paint cans, air fresheners, and cleaning supplies. These products emit hazardous chemicals and volatile organic compounds that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. The best solution is to replace the products with environmentally friendly options that use organic ingredients. Alternatively, you can store these tools in the garage or another building that does not connect to your HVAC system.

Apart from chemicals, suspended particles from combustion-related activities, such as cooking and heating, can also impact indoor air. Prevent these particulates from degrading indoor air quality by ventilating the area thoroughly and changing the HVAC filter regularly.

2. Microbial Contaminants

While mold and mildew appear unsightly on the walls, these fungi can also lead to poor indoor air quality. They produce fungal spores that quickly scatter throughout the home. When one of your family members inhales these spores, they may experience an allergic reaction, eye and throat irritation, and difficulty breathing.

Mold thrives in damp environments, and the best way to stop it from spreading is to keep your interiors dry. For example, if you notice consistent issues with mold, install a dehumidifier in the problem area to reduce moisture levels. 

3. Pets

If you have pets, their hair and dander can also affect the air inside your home. To minimize this effect, bathe your pets regularly and limit their time outdoors. This will prevent them from tracking pollutants inside on their paws and fur. Also, replace the air filter every month or two, as it cannot effectively remove contaminants when pet hair is clogging it.

4. Poor Ventilation

Some homes do not have adequate ventilation to exchange stale and fresh air efficiently. Without sufficient outdoor air intake, the contaminated air will continue to circulate indoors, increasing the chance that you will inhale it. Fortunately, you can improve ventilation by opening the windows and installing fans that vent the air outside. This will prevent air from becoming stagnant and improve overall circulation.

When you need help improving your indoor air quality, contact Air One Heating & Cooling LLC in Foley, AL. For over two decades, these professionals have been providing high-quality HVAC services, such as AC installation, heating repairs, and maintenance, to homes and businesses throughout Baldwin County. Call (251) 967-1665 to schedule a consultation, or visit the website to learn more about their services.