Updated August 2023
Indoor air pollution can have many implications for your home. It can impact your system’s efficiency, cause allergies, and compromise your comfort. Fortunately, there are ways you can detect and address contamination. Here is what you need to know about enhancing your home’s indoor air quality.
Common Pollutants in Your Home
Pollution indoors can come from many different sources. Smoking tobacco and combustion equipment can increase levels of carbon dioxide and particulate matter.
Unlike smoking and combustion, some sources of indoor pollution can emit toxins continuously. Household furnishings like carpets and cabinetry can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Air fresheners, paints, and cleaning products may contribute to pollution.
The level of contamination depends on the nature of the source and the number of toxins it can release. An indoor air test can confirm the type and level of pollution in your home. You can talk to [company-name] staff for dependable air quality testing in Roseville.
Importance of Ventilation and Airflow
There are several easy and practical steps you can take to improve your home’s indoor air quality. First, ensure there is adequate ventilation in your home. According to EPA, the exchange of air facilitates the dilution of indoor pollutants at a faster rate.
You can open windows to let air in when the weather is cool and mild. In hot weather, use blinds to reduce the ambient heat in your home. Blinds can manage high temperatures and humidity levels, which can compromise indoor air quality.
It is advisable to change the filters in the HVAC system regularly. At Environmental Heating & Air Solutions, we recommend replacing or cleaning your filters once a month in Roseville. Filters can prevent dust and debris from getting into the HVAC unit, and eventually, your home.
Also, keep the return air vents in your home clean and unobstructed. Blockages around the indoor vent can cause airflow problems. Your HVAC system will struggle to condition the air inside the house. An inefficient HVAC system will also overwork to regulate humidity levels.
Humidity and Indoor Air Quality
High levels of relative humidity can impact your home’s indoor air quality. Relative humidity is a measure of how much vapor is in the air at a given temperature. When the saturation of water vapor is above 50%, you may experience discomfort.
Research suggests that the best range for comfort is between 20% and 50%. When the relative humidity levels exceed 50%, microbial growth will spread at a much faster rate.
You may spot signs of mold and mildew on walls, flooring, or furnishings. Microbial agents can trigger respiratory complications, especially for occupants with allergies.
An efficient central air conditioning system ought to regulate humidity levels. When air passes through the evaporator coil, it cools down, and the vapor turns into water droplets. The moisture is then channeled away from the system through the drain pipe.
If you have moisture problems in your home, your air conditioning system could be the culprit. But you have to consider other factors such as insulation. If you ignore the moisture problem, it may lead to damage that could be expensive to fix in the future.
You may need a dehumidifier to regulate indoor moisture levels. But you must first analyze to determine the best solution to the problem. Environmental Heating & Air Solutions’s indoor air specialists can guide you in finding a solution tailored to the needs of your Roseville home.
Regular Air Duct Maintenance
The air ducts in your home channel conditioned air to different parts of the house. When they are ruptured or clogged, they can impact indoor air quality. With time, ductwork connections can bend, and the tubing can deteriorate due to moisture or corrosion.
Cracks and holes in your ductwork can introduce unconditioned air into the interior. Often the pollutants will include VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or exhaust fumes. The contaminated air can cause allergic reactions, nausea, and dizziness.
Cleaning your air ducts can prevent contaminants from getting into your home’s interior. Cleaning also prevents your heating and cooling system from overworking as a result of clogged ductwork.
Removing debris from the air duct optimizes your system’s efficiency and extends the life of your equipment. Your HVAC equipment can break down faster when dust and grime insulate its critical components.
Air duct cleaning professionals have specialized tools to remove the toughest grime and dirt from the air ducts. A professional service can spot leakages before they introduce contaminated air into your home. If you need a professional air duct cleaning service in Roseville, talk to Environmental Heating & Air Solutions’s staff today.
Identify the Source of Indoor Pollution
The best way to address indoor pollution in your home is to identify the source of the contaminants. The source of pollution could be from activities like painting or toxins from home furnishings. According to EPA, defective combustion equipment and household products can contribute to even higher pollution levels.
An indoor air monitor is one way you can identify the pollutants in your home. A monitor will analyze the interior atmosphere and alert you when it detects contaminants. You can incorporate the monitor into your home automation system for efficiency and convenience.
The AirAdvice Technology is a solution from Environmental Heating & Air Solutions to address indoor air quality concerns in your Roseville home. Its intelligent system not only detects pollution but can offer timely advice on how to eliminate contaminants.
An indoor air quality monitor is essential where occupants of the building have allergies or respiratory problems. It is also advisable to consider installing an air quality monitor if there is potential for contamination. For example, if you’ll be carrying out renovations, a monitor can give you timely information so that you can take action promptly.
Use an Air Purifier
Consider using an air purifier in areas with pollutants, but you cannot eliminate the source. For example, a nearby road may release toxic gases that find their way into the building’s interior. Or you may have allergies, but you cannot get rid of your pet.
There are different technologies for eliminating the vast contaminants that can get into your home. Some use UV lights to kill microbial agents before they get into your home. Others have filters that can capture the smallest particles of contaminants.
The air purifier you choose will also depend on whether you want to use it in a single room or the whole house. Portable purification systems are cheaper to install. But whole-house air purifiers are the best long-term solution to address pollution.
Nevertheless, you will still have to establish the extent of the pollution and the type of contaminants present. By testing the indoor atmosphere, you can determine the best way to enhance your home’s indoor air. A professional analysis eliminates the guesswork and ensures the solution you choose will offer lasting benefits.
If you suspect there are contaminants in your Roseville home, talk to Environmental Heating & Air Solutions’s air specialists for trusted solutions. We have a team of highly experienced and skilled technicians. Our indoor air quality crew is always prepared with all the tools to complete the task. You can expect our team to be punctual and to complete the task in the shortest time possible. We offer air quality monitoring, testing, and air duct cleaning, amongst other services. Contact Environmental Heating & Air Solutions’s staff in Roseville for trusted indoor comfort solutions in Roseville.
