When you think about air quality, the first thing that comes to mind is probably air pollution, smog or ozone. These are all major contributing factors, but I'm sure you rarely think about how they impact your indoor air quality.
Throughout this blog, we will discuss the factors of poor air quality as well as how they impact the air you breathe in your home, and what you can do to improve your indoor air.
When your HVAC is on, it works to cool or heat the air within your home, at the same time, it is working to seal your home to prevent that air from escaping. While this greatly helps you to conserve energy, it also traps pollutants inside.
Factors
Transportation
One of the most significant factors in urban air pollution is the impact of the transportation industry. Whether it be cars, trains or planes, they all leave a massive impact on the air we breathe. Vehicular emissions include ozone and when it reacts with the sunlight, it forms smog which is dangerous for anyone to breathe, but it is especially harmful to those with allergies, asthma or preexisting respiratory conditions.
Industry and Manufacturing
The burning of fossil fuels in factories and power plants is another major factor in air pollution; however, this kind of pollution also produces fine particles that get caught in the air. These fine particles can have an even more detrimental impact on your ability to breathe or carry on with life normally.
Impact
According to the American Lung Association, almost half of Americans live in counties where air pollution is so harmful that it makes people sick or worsens their pre-existing health conditions. Breathing in areas with significant air pollution or with particulate air pollution can cause not only cardiovascular issues but cancers and even premature death.
Asthma
Poor air quality is especially harmful to those who are already suffering from conditions like asthma. Because those with asthma can have a hard time breathing when the air is clear, polluted air makes it even more difficult for them to perform this basic human function.
According to a study done by the Environmental Protection Agency, those with severe asthma are 40 percent more likely to have acute asthma episodes on high pollution summer days than on days with average pollution levels.
Solution
Air Filtration Systems
While there is no way to remove air pollutants completely, you can certainly cut down on them with an in-home air filtration system. Many people believe that the filters already in your HVAC system are enough to protect your home from air pollutants, but this isn’t the case. In order to sufficiently reduce indoor air pollution, think about installing an in-home air filtration system. Air filtration systems help to give relief from allergy symptoms, increase the lifespan of your HVAC, and reduce energy costs.
Humidifiers
When you think of humidifiers, you probably think about the small portable kind, but these aren't large enough to really make an impact throughout your home. Installing a whole-home humidifier will prevent health issues, allergy symptoms and improve your indoor air quality.
Air Purification Systems
If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory issues, then an air purification system could be the answer to your problems. With an air purification system, you can better control your allergies, improve your asthma conditions, and reduce the amount of pollen, mold, dust and other contaminants within your home.
No matter which system you decide to go with to improve your indoor air quality, Hoffman Cooling and Heating is here to help! We offer comprehensive air purification services, so we are qualified to install, diagnose and repair any problems you find with your system.
Call us today or visit our website to learn more about the services we offer so you can improve your indoor air quality today!