Categories: indoor air quality

The Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

It is said that the air inside your home is more polluted than the air outdoors. If you and your family are experiencing frequent allergic reactions, whiffing unpleasant odors, or inhaling dust, you are likely dealing with poor indoor air quality.

Today, Thomas J. Fannon & Sons, your local experts in air conditioner and heating equipment repair, shares the common causes of pollution inside your home.

Off-Gassing

Many of our household items and goods such as carpeting, cabinetry, furniture, paint, cleaners, and even electronics can pose health risks. They release airborne particles called volatile organic compounds or VOCs through the process called off-gassing. It is easily identified by the so-called “new car” or “new carpet” smell. To reduce the exposure to VOCs, you must circulate fresh air into your home. You can open windows for a few hours each day or install exhaust vents to draw out the bad indoor air.

Allergens

Allergies that affect the upper respiratory tract are usually caused by allergens like mold, mildew, animal dander, and dust. Except for the last two examples, the first two are virtually impossible to get rid of. Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments around your home and can get airborne, which is why staying away from them can be difficult. One way to ensure good indoor air quality is to keep humidity levels low, either through a dehumidifier or through open windows.

Tobacco Smoke

Smoking is bad, but the smoke exhaled by the smoker and the one coming from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar are much worse. Also known as environmental tobacco smoke, it is a complex mixture of over 4,000 compounds, some of which are known to cause adverse health effects. It is called passive smoking if an individual is exposed to it. Quitting smoking is the ultimate solution to prevent this kind of indoor pollution.

At Thomas J. Fannon & Sons, we offer a wide range of HVAC equipment designed to help you achieve and maintain optimal indoor air quality. You can rest assured that all of the humidifiers, air filters, whole-house dehumidifiers, and UV lights that we carry are high-performing and energy-efficient. We also provide heating and cooling products and services, including ductless split systems, heat pumps, and furnaces.

Call us today at (703) 549-5700 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

Thomas Fannon

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