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What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, then you know how pollutants in the air can trigger attacks. Therefore, if the quality of air in your home is poor, you run the risk of worsening health conditions. To ensure that the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of your home is at it’s highest level, there are several steps you can take.
What is Indoor Air Quality?
IAQ describes the condition of the air being cycled in and around your home. It refers to the purity of the air, the comfort of the home, and the health of those ingesting the air. The higher the number of pollutants being cycled through your home, the lower your indoor air quality is.
What Types of Pollutants Lower IAQ?
A variety of particles and allergens can make a home in your ductwork, blowing through your house and making it difficult to breathe. Here are a few allergen sources that might be lowering your indoor air quality.
1. Household Dust
Dirt and dust often get trapped inside old ducts, then get blown through the air when the heat or air conditioning turns on. The best way to avoid this problem is to dust often and clean your ductwork regularly.
2. Harsh Cleaners
Chemical-based cleaners often leave harmful particles floating in the air, which can cause health issues when inhaled. Invest in gentler cleaners to improve IAQ.
3. Carpet
No matter how often you vacuum your carpet, dirt, pet hair, and other allergens will embed themselves deep in the fibers. In addition to regular vacuuming, shampoo your carpet every few months, and have it professionally cleaned when necessary.
What Else Causes Poor IAQ?
In addition to the mentioned pollutants, poor indoor air quality can result from the following:
1. Poor Household Ventilation
Radon is a dangerous gas produced in poorly-ventilated areas such as basements. Studies show that it can lead to lung cancer, so it is extremely important that you keep your home aired out and healthy.
2. High Humidity
Humidity means moisture, and moisture means mold. Mold buildup is dangerous to your health and triggers deadly allergies in many homeowners. A humidifier or dehumidifier might be necessary to help settle the balance.
3. Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny, unwelcome creatures that thrive in warm, moist environments with plenty of dust to feed on. Keep them away by staying on top of your household dust.
Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality
Even if your IAQ is low, you can improve it in many ways.
- Change your furnace filter often and make sure the filter is high-quality. A low-quality air filter restricts air flow and will do more harm than good.
- Keep allergen sources clean – such as carpet, ductwork, etc.
- Air your house out regularly.
- Keep an eye on humidity levels.
- Invest in an air cleaner.
