Five Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality (and Why You Should)

Poor indoor air quality can significantly impact your family’s health both in the short and long term. It can contribute to issues such as seasonal allergies and asthma attacks, as well as increase the risks of more serious health conditions, including cancer and heart disease. Households need to improve indoor air quality in their Kansas City-area homes.

Fortunately, addressing indoor air pollution does not need to be expensive or daunting. Here are some practical tips to help identify and reduce common sources of poor indoor air quality effectively and economically.

What Is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution encompasses a variety of airborne irritants that can commonly be found in the majority of households. These airborne contaminants consist of both natural and synthetic particulates, including:

Dust Mites: Microscopic creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments, dust mites feed on dead skin cells and can contribute to allergy symptoms and asthma attacks.

Formaldehyde: A colorless, strong-smelling gas often released from household products like pressed wood furniture, cleaning agents, and even some textiles. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems and skin irritation.

Mold and Mildew: Fungi that flourish in damp conditions, mold and mildew release spores into the air that can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory complications. Common sources include wet basements, bathrooms, and areas around leaky pipes.

Pet Dander: Tiny flakes of skin shed by cats, dogs, and other furry animals. This biological material contains proteins that can cause allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.

Pollen: Although typically associated with outdoor air quality, pollen can infiltrate homes through open windows and on clothing, exacerbating allergy symptoms.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): A broad category of chemicals found in many household products, such as paints, solvents, and cleaning agents. VOCs can evaporate into the air, leading to various health effects, including headaches and respiratory irritation.

Although these indoor air contaminants are prevalent in most homes, their presence becomes dangerous when concentrations surpass acceptable thresholds. Typically, the levels of these irritants are quantified in parts per million (ppm), a metric that indicates the concentration of pollutants in the indoor environment. When these irritants reach elevated levels, they can significantly impact the health and well-being of occupants, underscoring the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality.

What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?

Various organic and chemical pollutants originating from inside and outside your home influence indoor air quality. The concentration of these airborne particulates can affect the severity of health symptoms. It’s also important to recognize that these concentrations may fluctuate with the changing seasons or the introduction of new pollution sources.

By being aware of these factors, you can take proactive steps to maintain a healthier indoor environment in your Greenville home.

Chemical Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

You might be surprised to discover that many everyday household items are significant contributors to chemical-based indoor air pollutants. For instance, various paints and varnishes often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can escape into the air, especially during and after application. Similarly, solvents used in adhesives and paint thinners can also release harmful vapors.

In addition, numerous cleaning products, from surface sprays to window cleaners, may contain a cocktail of chemicals that negatively impact indoor air quality. Upholstery and furniture made from synthetic materials can also off-gas VOCs, releasing these substances into the living environment over time. It's essential to be aware of these sources to create a healthier home atmosphere.

Biological Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

The most common sources of airborne contamination are naturally occurring. Biological indoor air pollution sources include pets (dander and hair), dust mites, and dead skin.

Other Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants

Outdoor air quality can impact your home, too. Households near industrial and manufacturing sites, busy highways, or wildfires face an increased risk of poor indoor air quality. Air pollution enters your home through small cracks or open windows and may be difficult to remove without adequate ventilation.

Seasonal allergens and pollen are also outdoor airborne irritants that impact indoor air quality – ask any one of the80 million American adults with seasonal allergies. That’s roughly 26% of the population!

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Enhancing indoor air quality involves a thoughtful and comprehensive strategy, and it can be achieved without significant costs.

Here are five effective methods to improve your home’s air quality quickly:

1. Reduce sources of airborne irritants.

To create a healthier indoor environment, consider opting for gentle cleaning products and limiting the use of paints and solvents to outdoor spaces whenever possible. If you need to paint indoors, ensure proper ventilation by keeping windows open and using fans to promote air circulation. When shopping for furniture, choose pieces that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to reduce indoor air pollution. Maintaining a clean home is essential, so make regular cleaning a priority—activities like mopping, dusting, and vacuuming are effective and straightforward ways to eliminate biological sources of airborne irritants.

2. Improve airflow and ventilation.

Let in fresh air when seasonally appropriate to remove potentially harmful contaminants. Use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking and a bathroom exhaust fan when showering or bathing to encourage airflow and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Don’t forget to inspect and replace ductwork, too!

3. Take care of your HVAC system.

Regular HVAC maintenance is your best defense against poor indoor air quality. In addition to regular maintenance, replace your air filter every 1-3 months. If you’re unsure how often to swap out your filter, consult your furnace or boiler’s owner’s manual. Individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma or allergies, may need to replace their filters more often.

4. Control humidity.

High indoor humidity stimulates mold and mildew growth and may make allergy symptoms more severe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humiditybetween 30% and 50% to maintain healthy indoor quality.

Dehumidifiers (in-line or standalone) are a cost-effective way to maintain safe humidity levels, especially during summer or in humid regions.

5. Use an air purifier.

Portable and whole-home air purifiers are sound investments, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. Quality air purifiers start at around $50 and can greatly reduce airborne contaminants, especially when placed near sources of irritants, like a dog bed or open windows.

Breathe Easy with Indoor Air Quality Services in Greer!

At Five Star Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, we are dedicated to being your go-to partner for all your home service needs in Greenville and the Greer area. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to help improve your home’s indoor air quality and address the root causes of airborne irritants. Take charge of your respiratory health and schedule a service appointment today.