6 Factors That Impact Indoor Air Quality in Seabrook Islands, SC

Outdoor air quality is always affected by smoke, industrial pollution and smog, but have you ever thought about factors that affect your indoor air quality? Good indoor air quality is vital in your home and office because it directly affects your health and comfort when inside each room. For you to maintain good indoor air quality, you need to understand what factors impact it in Seabrook Islands, SC.

1. Ventilation

Poor ventilation is a major cause of poor indoor air quality, so you need to ensure that your home has proper ventilation. When your house is well-ventilated, there will be air circulation in and out, so polluted air will leave your space and bring in fresh air. You can achieve ventilation by opening your windows and doors and by turning on the exhaust fan to eliminate bad odors. During winter months, opening the door when leaving and arriving is usually enough.

2. HVAC Issues

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system works by warming or cooling your home and by moving air. When your HVAC system has issues, it directly affects your indoor air quality.

Air passes through the air filters of the HVAC system for cleaning before it enters your space. However, when the system has issues, such as if the ductwork and air filters are dirty, the dirt will pollute the air passing through the system into your space. You can avoid this problem by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance to ensure that the system is working effectively and efficiently.

3. Outdoor Sources

Activities taking place inside and around your home can greatly affect your indoor air quality because this air will get into your space. If there are industries around, pesticides sprayed on farms and road traffic, then there are high chances of poor indoor air quality. Once the outdoor contaminants get into your house, your indoor air will be highly polluted compared to the outdoor air because the air inside the house has limited movement.

4. Humidity

Your house’s humidity is equally important as the house temperature, and it directly affects the indoor air quality. To maintain good indoor air quality, the humidity of your house needs to be at optimal levels.

The HVAC system dehumidifies excess moisture in your air. In case your house remains too humid after turning on the HVAC system, the problem might be with your system. You will need a professional to check on it.

5. Chemicals

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are present in various household products like paints, air fresheners, solvents, glues, aerosols, plastics and pesticides. When at room temperature, the chemical is airborne.

A low concentration of VOC chemicals can be harmless. However, when inside a house where air circulates poorly, the chemicals build up, and the increase in concentration makes the chemicals harmful to your family’s health.

Volatile organic compounds can cause eye irritation, nausea and an itching nose and throat. To avoid all these, you should store your household products properly or buy non-toxic products. Reducing the number of VOCs in your home can improve your indoor air quality in the long run.

6. Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of fuel combustion in the furnace, and it is colorless and odorless. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas, and when it accumulates in your house, it can be deadly because you cannot see it or smell it. To avoid air pollution by carbon monoxide, you can purchase carbon monoxide detectors and use your equipment safely to ensure that there are no gas leaks.

Pollutants can easily accumulate in the interior of your home and lead to negative health outcomes for your household. You can improve your indoor air quality by ensuring proper ventilation and air filtration with the help of professionals. For HVAC installation and repair in Seabrook Islands, SC, don’t hesitate to contact AC Heating and Air Conditioning Services.

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