Every time you step outside, you’re exposed to not-so-healthy air pollution. Unfortunately, the air in your home may be just as bad. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), scientific evidence gathered over the last several years suggests that air inside homes and buildings can be more seriously polluted than outdoor air. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how poor indoor air quality can affect our health, the health of our homes, and our wallets.
Common cold symptoms may actually be from exposure to airborne pollutants
Dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, and mites could be the cause behind runny noses, sneezing, coughing, and other common cold symptoms. That’s because dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses among other airborne pollutants not only thrive but spread in homes and structures with poor air circulation.
Additionally, individuals with asthma may have a rougher go of it because poor indoor air quality can increase their chances of experiencing wheezing, difficulty breathing, and asthma attacks.
Other health problems associated with poor indoor air quality and contaminants in the air include:
- Respiratory infections
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- COPD (typically after long-term exposure to poor indoor air quality)
- Lung cancer (resulting from long-term exposure as well)
High humidity can cause air quality issues
When a home’s humidity levels are not balanced, it can result in several issues that adversely affect health but also the quality of life, and the bills that need to be paid (i.e., moist air feels warmer which then your HVAC system has to work harder). Mold growth is another concern associated with high-humidity homes.
Increased energy bills can be from poor indoor air quality
As we just mentioned above, moist air makes a home feel warmer than it is. This causes HVAC systems to work harder, which leads to more energy use and higher energy bills.
HVAC problems caused by contaminants in the air
High humidity isn’t the only thing causing problems for HVAC systems. Air contaminants can cause units to break and can even shorten the lifespan of the system. Also, in relation to health, contaminants circulated through the HVAC ductwork can bring on or worsen health issues.
How to improve your home’s indoor air quality
A properly maintained HVAC system does more than keep your family cool in the summer and warm in the winter, it helps improve the quality of the air they breathe.
In order to keep an HVAC system up and running, consider signing up for a yearly maintenance plan. At Polar Bear Services, our locally owned and family-operated HVAC company offers yearly HVAC maintenance plans that include two visits per calendar year. Not only affordable at $150 per unit per year, but ongoing maintenance also reduces repairs and stress!
Other ways to improve your home’s air quality
In addition to HVAC maintenance, Polar Bear Services offers a range of air quality services including duct cleaning, UV lights for mold, and Hepa filters.
To learn more about how our team can help you resolve poor indoor air quality issues, please contact us today. Proudly serving Hoover, Mountain Brook, and communities throughout the Greater Birmingham metro and also Huntsville, Anniston, and Central Alabama, Polar Bear Services is at the ready to help!
