It’s hard to ignore the air quality index reports—and you wouldn’t want to. It only makes sense to know when the outside air could be hazardous to your health so you can plan accordingly on those days. California’s air quality is linked with a high proportion of respiratory illnesses, including asthma and chronic lung disease.
If the outside air has an opportunity to get inside your home, then your indoor air quality (IAQ) suffers, as well. In addition, there are conditions inside your home that can add to poor air quality and exacerbate health issues for those already dealing with them.
Don’t be too quick to blame constant headaches, sore throats, fatigue and congestion on school or the workplace—they could all be caused by the air you breathe right in your own home. Let’s talk about steps you can take to ensure you and your family are breathing the safest air possible while you’re there.
What Affects Indoor Air Quality?
Aside from contaminants entering your home from the outdoors, there are situations inside your home that can set you up for poor IAQ even on days when the outside air is safe.
Excessive Moisture and Mold
You may not even be aware that you have mildew or mold issues, or you might have noticed odors or gray or green “dust” on stored items.
Dirty or Old Ductwork
Over time, ductwork can collect dust and debris, which it then distributes throughout your home through the vents. Old and poorly designed ductwork and ventilation systems often have leaks that contribute to poor IAQ and wasted energy.
Steps You Can Take to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Considering how harmful compromised IAQ can be to your family, it’s nice to know that the way to improve home performance for healthier air is relatively simple.
Air Sealing
Even newer homes can benefit from an energy audit that will pinpoint where air is entering (and leaving) your home so these gaps and cracks can be sealed. All homes shift over time, creating opportunities for leakage problems that allow conditioned air to leave your home, reducing your home comfort and increasing utility costs.
The best way to keep unwanted outside air from entering your home, carrying pollutants, moisture and allergens with it, is professional air sealing. Air sealing will also improve home comfort, make it easier for your HVAC system to do its job while lengthening its lifespan, and lower your energy bills.
Upgraded Ductwork
New, sealed ductwork can go a long way to improving indoor air quality and home comfort. You may need to upgrade to new ductwork for a more energy-efficient design.
Ready to Take a Closer Look at Your Home’s Air Quality?
The professionals at Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric have been helping homeowners for over 25 years to improve home performance. Let’s talk about how to improve your home’s performance and ensure your indoor air quality is healthy and safe for your family.
Clear the air of everything but love in your home. Contact us or call for an energy audit today.
