The Ultimate Guide to Improving Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality is one of the most vital aspects of residential and commercial buildings to live a healthy and peaceful life. Poor indoor air quality increases potential health risks such as respiratory problems, and asthma. According to research, most individuals spend 90% of their time indoors. According to EPA research, indoor air quality is 2 – 3 times more contaminated than outside air. Because of Covid, the health risk has potentially grown in recent years. It is necessary to improve indoor air quality to boost productivity and prevent health problems.
In this blog, we will explore the ways to improve indoor air quality and the causes of the pollutant. Steria Air is providing the best Indoor Air Quality services to clean your indoor air.
Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within a space. Pure indoor air quality leads to a healthy lifestyle and prevents several health-related concerns. Indoor air quality is polluted when particles and gasses contaminate the indoor air. It increases several health-related problems such as allergies, respiratory problems, cancer, and lung problems.
Tobacco: Tobacco smoke is one of the most common pollutants that contaminate the indoor air. It contains almost 7,000 toxic chemicals. Secondhand smoke is also a high risk of chronic health problems.
Inadequate Ventilation: Pollutants can build up inside due to inadequate ventilation, which prevents enough fresh air from the outside from being exchanged with the internal environment. Lack of ventilation causes stagnant indoor air, which over time can accumulate toxins.
Indoor Pollutants: Several indoor pollutants, such as the following, aggravate poor air quality indoors:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Paints, cleaning products, adhesives, and furniture are just a few examples of home items that generate VOCs. Both immediate and long-term health impacts are possible with these substances.
Combustion byproducts: Combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter, can be released by poorly vented gas stoves, fireplaces, tobacco smoke, and some heating systems.
- Mold and Mildew: Damp and humid conditions can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause allergies, respiratory difficulties, and other health concerns.
- Dust and Allergens: In interior settings, allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and others can build up and cause allergic responses and respiratory problems.
Inadequate Cleaning and Maintenance: By permitting the accumulation of dust, mold, and other pollutants, inadequate cleaning procedures, ignoring HVAC system maintenance, and failing to handle water seepage or moisture issues can all contribute to poor air quality.
Outdoor Air Pollution: Through open windows, doors, and ventilation systems, outdoor pollutants, such as pollen, industrial pollutants, and car emissions, can enter rooms and decrease the quality of the air there.
Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Maintenance of HVAC Filters
Your HVAC system’s filters become clogged with dust particles and other chemical poisons, necessitating frequent replacement or repair. Filters that are clogged can taint indoor air quality, increasing the risk of health concerns for inhabitants. It is critical to keep your HVAC filters in good condition and your indoor air clean. Contact an HVAC steam cleaner service provider for an eco-friendly cleaning service to clean the filters.
Air Ducts Cleaning
Your Air conditioner’s duct serves as a service temperature controller to keep the room cold and keep the hot air outside of the room. Over time air ducts get contaminated with dust, debris, and other chemical pollutants that can accumulate inside the air ducts. It is important to clean it regularly to increase the efficiency of your HVAC systems. To clean your air ducts, you will require the services of air duct cleaning experts.
Indoor Space Cleaning
It is important to clean your indoor space neat and clean to prevent any moisture or toxins buildup that can lead to severe problems. Dirty or poor hygiene can increase the risk of poor indoor air quality and health-related problems.
Proper Ventilation
Mold and mildew can grow in high humidity and poor ventilation, increasing the risk of respiratory issues, asthma, and allergies. It is necessary to have a proper ventilation system in the building to bring fresh air all over the space and prevent any moisture buildup.
Use Air-Purifier
Air-purifier works against polluted air and keeps the indoor air clean and healthy. There are many air-purifier available in the market. The use of an air purifier will be the best way to keep your indoor air healthy all the time.
Indoor Plants
The indoor plant helps to filter indoor air as well as beautify your living areas. In addition to removing pollutants and enhancing air quality, plants produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Spider plants, peace lilies, snake plants, and pothos are some great plants for cleansing the air. To get the most out of them, carefully place these plants throughout your house or workplace.
Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals
The harsh chemicals included in many personal care products and household cleaning products can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Choose natural and eco-friendly options wherever you can. Aim to buy “green” or “environmentally friendly” items and steer clear of anything with a strong scent or volatile ingredients.
Conclusion
For a home to be healthy and comfortable, indoor air quality has to be improved. The pollutants, allergies, and poisons in your interior areas can be considerably reduced by utilizing these ways as mentioned above. Remember to locate and eliminate sources of pollution, guarantee enough ventilation, maintain HVAC systems, routinely clean and vacuum, regulate humidity levels, utilize air purifiers and indoor plants, stay away from harsh chemicals, and identify and eliminate pollutant sources. You may breathe easier and benefit from clean, fresh indoor air if you put these procedures in place.