On average, a typical American spends 90% of their time indoors. Most of that time will be spent at home, explains the Environmental Protection Agency. A typical American home’s air is two to five times more polluted than the air outside of the same home. Breathing polluted air puts you at risk for many short-term and long-term health effects. Keep these considerations in mind when deciding if you should schedule an indoor air quality (IAQ) inspection.
Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
It’s a good idea to consider indoor air quality services if you’ve noticed an increase in allergy or asthma symptoms while spending time in your home. Some common sources of indoor air pollution that trigger allergy and asthma symptoms include cleaning products, hobby supplies, new plastic or engineered wood items, dry-cleaned clothing, pesticides and combustion byproducts. Cooking oils, pet dander and pollen are also common indoor air pollutants that trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.
Visible Dust Buildup
If you’ve noticed an increase in dust buildup on your home’s flat surfaces, this is a good reason to schedule an indoor air quality inspection. Layers of dust in your ducts and within your heating and cooling system impact your home’s air quality and the system’s ability to efficiently heat and cool your living space. The buildup lowers the system’s effectiveness, increases wear and tear and could shorten the unit’s lifespan. If you change the HVAC filter every month yet still have a dust buildup problem, it’s time for professional indoor air quality services.
Higher Utility Bills
Poor indoor air quality may lead to higher utility bills. When particles land on an air conditioner’s evaporator coil, the system can’t absorb heat from your home’s air. It will have to cycle more frequently, which increases electricity use. Poor IAQ also affects air handlers, furnaces and heat pumps.
For more information about IAQ inspections, take a look at Total Comfort’s indoor air quality services, or reach out to us today.
