Your health is a priority. What you put in your body and the products you use are carefully chosen by you. Maybe you eat organic produce, use natural soap, or avoid smoking cigarettes. 

But sometimes, the greatest dangers are invisible to the human eye. Do you consider your indoor air quality? 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, homes in the United States have 2 to 5 times more air pollution than the levels found outside. That’s because every time we cook, clean, or pet the cat, particulate matter goes into the air. Just cooking on a gas range stove alone emits carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide!

We also spend 90% of our time indoors, which means that we are affected by poor air quality most of the day. By receiving a home air quality test, you can begin taking the right steps to clear the air and make your home a healthier place to live.

Why is Indoor Air Quality Bad?

Everyone’s indoor air quality is worse than the outdoor air, but some homes are better than others. There are a number of things that you could be breathing:

• Building materials
• Chemical Pollutants
• Off-gasses
• Carcinogens 
• Allergens

But what factors control how good or bad your indoor air quality is? The number one culprit is poor airflow.

Let’s explore the reasons. 

Energy Efficient Homes

Our indoor air pollution is a larger threat than ever before due to better building construction. Old houses have drafts, and even though those drafts work against an energy-efficient HVAC system, they offer natural ventilation into the home. 

But old houses are not completely innocent either. Some of the materials and construction techniques used to build older buildings have been linked to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants. Poor ventilation may also be caused by outdated building practices.

If your home has ventilation issues, you might need a home air quality test. Energy efficient windows and doors not only keep the AC chill inside, but it also keeps all of your air contaminants too.

Dirty Air Handler Filters

If your HVAC system and ductwork are good, all of your home’s air will run through it numerous times a day. All air should flow through the filter so that it can catch the air.

Keeping your air handler filter clean by replacing it every 90 days will help to keep your air quality better. If your air handler filter is dirty and restricts airflow, all the air in your home will not pass through your ventilation system. The air that remains stagnant will be much more polluted.

You can take further steps to purify the air in your home by having a UV sanitizing light installed in your HVAC system. The ultraviolet light kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms like mold and dust mites.

Humidity Levels

Most people do not realize that the humidity level in their home directly affects their indoor air quality too. High humidity breeds germs, mold spores, and dust mites. But not enough humidity can be just as bad, if not worse. 

When the AC is running too long, and your relative humidity level drops below 40%, nothing is weighed down. The dander, dust, viruses, and pollen hang in the air and collect at even higher levels.

If you can’t get your humidity levels in check, contact Action Air Conditioning to find a solution and perform a home air quality test. You might have dangerous levels of particulate matter in your home that could cause aggravated allergies, asthma, or even lung damage.

Get a Home Air Quality Test Performed in Your Tampa Home

Your indoor air quality (IAQ) could be harming your health! Hire a professional and receive a home air quality test from Action Air Conditioning, so we can help you to breathe easily again.

Home air quality tests use delicate sensors that can detect:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 
• Particulate matter
• Gasses
• Relative humidity
• Room temperature

Even if you don’t think you have a problem, get home air quality test results in your hand to be safe. Radon and carbon monoxide are silent killers that are colorless, odorless, and tasteless. You won’t know that you are in danger until it’s too late.

Please consult a medical professional if you are experiencing health problems that you believe are related to poor indoor air quality. Only a doctor can identify and treat your condition properly.