Most of us view our homes as a safe haven, protected from the dangers of the outside world. However, our homes could actually be more dangerous than outside. How? due to indoor air pollutants. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside the average home is roughly fives time more polluted than the air outdoors. Long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants can be dangerous, so it’s important to know which pollutants might be lurking inside your home and what you can do to protect yourself.
1. Mold
Mold is found naturally in the environment. But while some molds are harmless, others can be dangerous. Unfortunately, if your home has excess moisture inside or if there is excess moisture inside of your air conditioning system, it can turn into a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. Mold exposure carries lots of risks, including nasal stuffiness, throat and eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, headaches and rashes. More severe symptoms are also possible and include fever and difficulty breathing.
2. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It’s also one of the most common indoor air pollutants often lurking inside of homes and buildings. Carbon monoxide is a threat to humans because it impedes your body from using the oxygen it needs to function. As a result, those exposed to carbon monoxide can experience fatigue, dizziness, headaches, confusion and tachycardia.
3. Radon
Just like carbon monoxide, radon is an odorless, colorless gas that is found everywhere, but in low levels. Although radon is made naturally, long-term exposure could be harmful. Exposure to elevated levels of radon increases your risk of getting lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Protect Your Home
Indoor air pollutants are scary, but fortunately, there are ways you can boost your home’s IAQ and protect you and your loved ones. When it comes to improving the quality of the air inside your home, your air conditioning system is your home’s first line of defense. But in order to keep your AC in prime pollutant-fighting condition, you need to make sure your system is regularly maintained. You can do this by scheduling a maintenance checkup at least twice per year. During a maintenance checkup, an experienced technician will do a full inspection to ensure your air conditioning system is functioning as efficiently as possible. When your AC is efficient, it can better protect your home against indoor air pollutants!
Fight Indoor Air Pollutants with Engineered Air
At Engineered Air, we want to keep your home comfortable, and above all, safe. That’s why we provide quality products and services that improve the quality of the air inside of your home. Want to learn more ways you can boost your home’s IAQ? Give us a call today or schedule an appointment online.
