Hazards of Poor Air Quality in the Home
Air is one of the essential elements of life. We breathe in almost 20,000 liters of air every day. Air quality refers to the quality of the air we breathe. Poor air quality can have serious health effects on both humans and animals. It is essential to know the hazards of poor air quality from your home’s heating and cooling services and take steps to improve it.
What is Poor Air Quality?
Poor air quality refers to the presence of hazardous particles or gases present in the air we breathe that can affect our health. Air pollutants can be of any kind, such as gases, chemicals, or microorganisms, that can cause air pollution. It is mainly caused by emissions from vehicles, industrial processes, and burning fossil fuels.
Hazards of Poor Air Quality in the Home:
1. Respiratory Problems:
Poor air quality in the home can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, and breathing difficulties. The most common cause of respiratory problems is dust mites and pet dander. These tiny airborne particles can cause allergies and affect the lungs, leading to the development of asthma.
2. Lung Cancer:
Long-term exposure to poor air quality can cause lung cancer. Indoor air pollution contains several carcinogens that increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Radon, for example, is a gas that seeps into homes from the ground and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
3. Cardiovascular Disease:
Poor air quality can cause cardiovascular disease. Air pollution causes inflammation in the body, leading to heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. Inhaling polluted air triggers the release of stress hormones in the body, which can cause blood pressure to rise and lead to a heart attack.
4. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the burning of fuel, including gas, oil, wood, and coal. It can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home to detect any problems.
5. Sick Building Syndrome:
Sick building syndrome refers to a range of symptoms that people develop when they spend extended periods in a particular building. The symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. The cause of sick building syndrome is poor air quality, and it can be caused by inadequate ventilation, volatile organic compounds, or chemical pollutants.
6. Skin Irritation:
Poor air quality may also cause skin irritation. Many people experience skin irritation due to indoor air pollutants. Exposure to low levels of pollutants, which are usually not harmful, can lead to skin problems. Pollutants such as volatile organic compounds can irritate the skin, causing rashes and other skin problems.
7. Cognitive Effects:
Poor air quality can lead to cognitive problems, including memory loss and difficulty concentrating. These effects are especially harmful to children, who have developing brains that are more susceptible to environmental toxins.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality:
1. Use Air Purifiers:
Air purifiers from an energy-efficient HVAC installation are an excellent way to improve indoor air quality. They work by filtering out pollutants and allergens and releasing clean air into the room. There are several types of air purifiers available, including HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and UV-C germicidal lamps.
2. Ventilation:
Proper ventilation is essential to maintain good air quality. Air needs to circulate to prevent pollutants from accumulating. Open windows and doors or consider using an exhaust fan. Ensure your HVAC system has an air filter to trap pollutants.
3. Reduce Chemical Exposure:
Limit the use of chemical detergents, fragrances, and other household cleaners. These chemicals can release toxic fumes into the air and affect the air quality. Instead, you can opt for eco-friendly cleaning products.
4. Keep Plants:
Plants are natural air purifiers. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving the air quality. Some of the plants that can improve indoor air quality are the spider plant, bamboo palm, and peace lily.
Final Thoughts
Air pollution is a growing problem worldwide. Poor air quality in the home can cause several health problems, from respiratory problems and lung cancer to cardiovascular disease and sick-building syndrome. It’s essential to take steps to improve indoor air quality by using air purifiers, improving ventilation, and reducing exposure to chemicals. With proper care, we can ensure the air in our homes stays clean and healthy for our well-being. Contact us today to learn more!
What Is An Attic Fan?
An attic fan is a ventilation system that helps cool your house by drawing hot air out of the attic. It also reduces humidity and can prevent mold and mildew. There are many different kinds of attic fans to choose from. It is important to find the right one for your home.
Attic Fan Functionality
An attic fan helps keep your attic cool by pulling warm air out of the space and dumping it outside. This helps lower your energy costs and reduces the amount of strain on your HVAC system. An important factor in determining whether an attic fan is effective part of your energy-efficient HVAC installation is how well-insulated it is. If it is poorly insulated, the hot air will get trapped in the attic and the cool air from inside the house will not be able to circulate. Additionally , many attic fans come with a programmable thermostat, which turns on the fan when the room reaches the desired temperature. Others work with a dial that you can set manually, so your attic fan will run for as long as you need it. A more advanced option is an attic vent fan that can control humidity, starting and stopping based on the level of moisture. These types of fans can also be integrated into smart home systems and used in conjunction with an app.
Airflow
An attic fan can increase airflow in your attic by pushing the hot, moist air out and circulating cool, dry air in. This helps to disperse and dry out the moisture that would otherwise collect in soft materials, such as insulation, drywall, and plywood, and prevent mold from growing. The more powerful your fan, the better it can pull a greater volume of air out of your attic space. To determine this, consider the cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating of the fan and compare it to the size of your attic. An attic fan will also improve your home’s energy efficiency by removing excess heat from the roof and circulating cooler air. This can help to lower your heating and cooling service energy bills, especially if you use a central air conditioning system.
Mold And Mildew
During the colder months, an attic fan can help prevent mold from growing on your roof. It also reduces the amount of ice that forms on your roof, which can be dangerous for your family and your home. Attics tend to be dark and damp, so they can be a great place for mold to form. Basements are also prone to mold, as they tend to be dark and often have no ventilation system or windows. Another area where mold can grow is in your kitchen. The cooking process can cause steam to build up, which makes it the perfect breeding ground for mold. An attic fan can help keep your kitchen and basement mold-free, which will make it healthier for you and your family! Contact us today to learn more!
Spring Maintenance Tips For Your Furnace
Your furnace is one of the most important parts of your home HVAC system. It keeps you warm in the winter and cools in the summer, but it also needs some care and maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. Spring is a great time to give your furnace a little love and attention. Keep reading to learn some maintenance tips that will help you keep your heating and cooling services running smoothly and safely all year long.
Clean The Furnace
Spring is the best time of year to perform a full cleaning and maintenance routine for your furnace. This will help your furnace run efficiently, keep your home warmer, and prevent problems in the future. A good furnace cleaner will remove dust, debris, and sludge from your furnace’s internal components. Keeping your furnace clean and free of blockages will ensure that it runs as efficiently as possible, so you won’t have to worry about paying more for fuel than necessary or costly heating repairs.
Change The Air Filter
Changing your air filter is one of the most important preventive maintenance tasks you can do for your furnace. Not only does it improve your indoor air quality, but it can also save you money by improving the efficiency of your AC and furnace. Typically, the air filter is located between the ductwork that brings air in from the house and the internal blower unit of your furnace or air handler (it can be found inside these units too). In some cases it can be difficult to find, because of the location of the system. If you do not know where your current filter is, locate it by looking in the return air duct near the furnace or indoor unit (it can be found in basements, crawl spaces, garages and attics). There may be an access door on this duct that will allow you to remove the existing filter and replace it with a new one.
Check The Thermostat
Your thermostat is one of the most critical parts of your heating and cooling system. It should deliver trouble-free service over many years. However, like any manufactured product, it can fail and leave you without heat or cool air. Fortunately, you can test your thermostat to see if it’s working properly. To do this, find the two wires that connect it to your furnace and undo their terminals with a screwdriver. Once you’ve removed them, twist each wire together and see if the blower starts when you turn your home’s circuit breaker back on. If your thermostat doesn’t start the blower after you do this, it might be faulty and needs to be replaced. If your furnace has a manual pilot light, make sure it is lit by lighting a match over the pilot orifice while holding down the reset button for 60 seconds. If this doesn’t work, contact us for assistance.
How To Clean A Furnace
If you are having trouble with a furnace in your home, there is a good chance it needs a deep cleaning. A thorough cleaning will remove any dust, dirt, and debris that has built up in your ducts. It also improves the air quality and efficiency of your furnace, and reduces the need for future heating repairs. It will keep your family more comfortable and help you save money in the long run.
Clean the Filter
A clogged filter can decrease the efficiency of your furnace and lead to premature system failure. A dirty filter can also affect the quality of your air and increase energy costs. Inspecting and changing your filter on a regular basis helps maintain the health of your home and lowers your utility bills. Typically, it’s recommended to clean your filter every 30-90 days. The type of filter you have will determine when it needs to be cleaned and replaced. There are several types, including mechanical and electrostatic filters. If you’re unsure what kind your furnace has, check with the manufacturer or contact your heating and cooling company for assistance. Most furnaces have a filter that is housed in a door on the intake side of the unit, but some have a top and bottom door.
Clean The Blower
The blower of your furnace is an important part that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. If you clean it, your furnace will operate more efficiently and last longer. A clogged blower wheel requires more current from the motor, making it less efficient. It also makes the heat exchanger run hotter, which shortens its lifespan. If the blower wheel has been clogged for a long time, it may need to be removed and cleaned by a professional. This can be a difficult task that is best left to an HVAC service expert.
Clean The Heat Exchange
A dirty exchanger can reduce your energy efficiency and raise your heating costs. It can also be dangerous, as it can release fumes that are harmful to your family and home environment. The best way to clean your furnace is to call in a professional HVAC technician. This is especially true if your exchanger isn’t working properly or needs repair. To clean your furnace heat exchanger, start by removing it from the front of the unit and disconnecting it from electricity. You will need a pipe brush and a cleaning solution to complete the job.
Clean The Combustion Chamber
Your furnace’s combustion chamber contains the flames and burners that heat your home. Over time, soot can build up in this area. If left untreated, the soot can corrode the walls of the chamber and cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home. To avoid this, the combustion chamber needs to be carefully cleaned on a regular basis. Contact us today to learn more!
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