Indoor Air Quality
It is no secret that the air we breathe in everyday is critical for living and our daily functioning. Our bodies need fresh oxygen to keep our hearts pumping healthily throughout the day. Because the majority of us take such a simple thing like breathing for granted, it’s easy to forget about the importance of the quality of the air we are actually breathing in. Just like not all cities and towns have the same outside air quality, not all homes and office buildings have the same indoor air quality. Understanding the short and long term effects of poor indoor air quality might encourage you to prioritize making your home or office environment a little healthier and safer today.
Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Before understanding how poor indoor air quality can decrease your overall health and well-being, let’s dive into why your indoor air quality can be compromised. Some of the most common air pollutants seem like they are harmless but they can really impact your home and your health. Below are some of the most common causes of poor indoor air quality just to name a few:
- Strong Paints
- Hairspray & Perfume
- Smoke from Appliances (furnace, stove, etc.)
- Household Cleaners
- Chemicals in some Furniture
- Clothing & Shoes
- Dogs, Cats, Bunnies, etc.
- Excess in Moisture Levels
Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Just like every home environment is unique and has a different indoor air quality (IAQ for short) than the next home, the same goes for how everyone is different and unique in how they react to certain indoor environments. People with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems are typically the first to develop any unwanted symptoms associated with poor air quality. Below are some of the most common symptoms caused by poor IAQ:
- Nose, throat and eye irritation
- Skin rashes
- Coughing
- Nausea and dizziness
- Fatigue, sleepiness and headaches
- Dry skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Oher hypersensitivity reactions
- Respiratory disease
How You Can Improve Your IAQ
Improving your indoor air quality doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming task. A combination of small and minor changes throughout your home can encourage a healthier living environment. One of the easiest and simplest ways to begin changing the quality of your indoor air is to replace your filters. When you air filters become too dirty and clogged, they can no longer trap the contaminants and pollutants that are floating through your HVAC system. Another simple switch to improve your IAQ is to limit the number of pollutants in the air by choosing your household products wisely. Look into hairspray with low VOC’s and household cleaners that aren’t as strong. If you live in a humid environment like York, South Carolina, it’s wise to invest in a dehumidifier to help you regulate the humidity levels in your home to avoid excess moisture and mold. It is also important to clean and maintain your air vents and floor registers as well as your ductwork. This ensures that the air being circulated throughout your home is as clean as possible. Finally, look into purchasing an air purifier for your home. This is easily the best way and the least amount of labor to clean the air you breathe inside of your home.
There are plenty of ways you can improve your indoor air quality to supplement living a healthy lifestyle. If you’re interested in learning more about our indoor air quality solutions for your York, South Carolina home, give Pruetts Heating and Air a call today! To learn more about our professional heating and air conditioning services, check out our services page.



