Signs of poor indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality can affect all
household members.

Now that winter is coming, we are getting ready to spend even more time indoors, so we should make sure that we are breathing the best possible air at home and at work.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a home has an indoor air quality problem, but there are few clues that you should consider:

Condensation on the windows

If windows need to be toweled dry often because they steam up and the water is running down them, it usually means that the house is sealed too tightly and that there is not enough ventilation.

Just as the humidity gets sealed indoors, so do the other indoor air pollutants such as VOCs (organic chemicals), particles, allergens, bacteria and viruses.

Experts recommend using exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen whenever possible, opening a window regularly and using a dehumidifier.

An air purification system with carbon and HEPA can also remove pollutants such as chemicals, particles, mold, bacteria and viruses and help move the air around as well.

'Cold' symptoms that won’t go away

If you have watery eyes, a dry and itchy throat, headaches and trouble breathing and your symptoms last longer than a typical cold, then your indoor air quality may be too blame.

Feeling stuffed up?
It may be the IAQ in your home.

Your body may be reacting to the chemicals and VOCs that are introduced into the indoor air environment by building materials, paints, harsh cleaning products, scented air “freshening” products, personal care products, electronic equipment, combustion appliances like gas cook stoves and more.

The best way to ensure better indoor air quality is source control. Avoid harsh cleaning agents or renovation materials that are high in VOCs, opt for natural alternatives whenever possible and simply be aware. Even small, simple steps make a difference.

Many of these concerns can also be mitigated by increasing the building’s ventilation and using an air cleaner with activated carbon and HEPA.

A musty odor in the home

If you come home and are taken aback by a musty or foul smell, then you should try to find the cause. If it’s not the garbage that needs to be emptied, it may be mold.

Check your home’s humidity levels, plumbing and identify possible leaks and make sure that there is no mold in your home. If you find some, follow the right steps to remove it (if it is not too big) or hire a company for the remediation.

Prevent mold from growing by fixing any leaks or water damage right away, drying all the affected areas (mold can start growing after 24-48 hours of excessive humidity) and keeping the indoor humidity level low.

Want to find out more about indoor air filtration systems? Contact AllerAir directly or take advantage of our online model and sizing guides to find the right model for you.