What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year? You may want to stock up on tissues, but not because the romance is bound to bring a tear to your eyes. The cold and dry conditions of winter can wreak havoc on your allergy symptoms and put a real damper on the most romantic day of the year! What’s really going on with your indoor air quality (IAQ) this winter, and how can you fix it?
California’s Air Quality
With all of the smog and pollution that the state of California sees, it seems obvious the that air outside would be more contaminated than indoor air. (Scary fact: did you know that California is home to eight of the ten most polluted cities in America?).
But surprisingly, the EPA still estimates that the concentration of contaminants and allergens indoors is 2 to 5 times greater than that of outdoors. The reason? Without proper ventilation, mold and airborne bacteria continue to circulate and grow in an indoor space. These particles can hide and grow unseen, in your ductwork and in dirty air filters.
The Symptoms of Poor IAQ
Often, the symptoms of poor IAQ look just like your usual allergy symptoms. But if you notice these symptoms seem to increase the longer you spend at home, or when you wake up in the morning, it’s time to talk to an IAQ professional. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Dizziness
- Sinus congestion
Increasing Your IAQ
As we mentioned above, the winter dryness and drop in temperatures can make you and your family much more susceptible to the drag that poor IAQ can put on your health. This isn’t a problem that can be remedied with an uptake in vitamin C — you’ve got to take an active approach to remove those contaminants from circulating your living space! The IAQ experts at Greiner provide the following services for homeowners in Davis, Dixon, Winters, Fairfield, Vacaville, Woodland, and Suisun, CA:
Air Sealing
A proper air seal in your home closes up all the holes and gaps in your home, from recessed lighting and poor craftsmanship. This keeps your conditioned air inside and the outdoor smog out.
Ventilation and Duct Design
Installation of a whole-home ventilation system, and repair or redesign of a leaky or undersized duct system can greatly increase your IAQ.
Furnace Maintenance
If furnace maintenance isn’t on your yearly to-do list, it should be (for the sake of your health). Our Greiner furnace pros will inspect your furnace for wear and tear, replace any necessary air filters, and ensure your furnace is running at peak efficiency.
Greiner: The IAQ Experts
If you are looking to finally breathe easier in your home, trust the local guys (and gals!) at Greiner. We understand the California climate like it’s our backyard because it is. We focus 100% of our efforts toward residential work and take pride in the expertise of our technicians. Go with Greiner for increased indoor air quality!
Feel the love this Valentine’s day, not the germs. Increase your IAQ with Greiner! Contact us today.
