Poor Indoor Air Quality: Causes & Prevention

Your health and that of the rest of your household may be affected by the quality of the air inside your home. Pollutants found outside can also be found (or make their way) indoors, where they can and do combine with other irritants. Here are some of the most common sources of indoor air pollution and how to prevent them from an air conditioner replacement specialist, Cooper Brothers, Inc. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Common Air Pollutants

Pollutants in the air can range from impurities brought in from outside by your pets to dangerous gas leaks. Carbon monoxide is a frequent air contaminant produced when natural gas isn’t burned properly and leaks into your home. Asbestos and lead particles, which can be harmful to the lungs when discharged into the air, may be found in older homes. Mold and mildew can be a problem in bathrooms and kitchens since moisture levels are often higher in these places than in the rest of the house.

5 Easy Solutions to Enhance Indoor Air Quality

Replace your AC filter. Air conditioners can keep your home cool year-round. When they cycle through all that air, they also filter out contaminants. If not taken care of, the air filter will eventually fill up and stop working. This is not only harmful to your indoor air quality, but also wears down your AC system, necessitating pricey repairs. Change your AC filter periodically, perform air conditioner repair or acquire an air conditioning service plan that includes filter changes, especially if you have allergies or live in a polluted area.

Examine your air ducts. Air ducts distribute hot and cold air throughout your house, keeping you comfortable in every room. But improperly- installed or-maintained ducts can transfer toxins from room to room. Dust, dander and even mold can build up in your ducts, lowering air quality. Hire a specialist to make sure your ducts are clean.

Make use of the cooking vents. The kitchen emits many pollutants. Gas burners emit pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Even electric burners emit toxins that can easily move into circulation. So when you’re cooking, be sure to open a window or turn on your kitchen vents to assist in filtering the air.

Clean your rugs and carpets. Rugs and carpets do more than add to the ambiance. Their numerous fibers work as air filters, capturing dust and other contaminants. Weekly carpet and rug cleaning can keep your carpets and rugs working for you, increasing your home’s air quality.

Control indoor humidity. Mold and mildew thrive in humid environments, leading to allergies and asthma. Summers might be very humid depending on your region. With a few strategically-placed dehumidifiers, you can reduce moisture in the air and prevent mold formation.

Cooper Brothers, Inc. is a San Jose-based HVAC company. We’re the team to call when you need perfect interior temperature control. We provide outstanding heating, cooling and air quality HVAC services.

Call our experts at (408) 662-1538 to schedule an appointment or fill out our online form to get started.