How to Fight Poor Indoor Air Quality at Home

Poor indoor air quality can have immediate and long-term effects on your family’s health. From seasonal allergies and asthma attacks to elevated risks of cancer and heart disease, families like yours have every reason to seek cost-effective ways to improve indoor air quality in their Austin-area homes.

Thankfully, addressing indoor air pollution doesn’t have to be a costly or daunting task. By following these budget-friendly tips, you can identify and mitigate common causes of poor indoor air quality without straining your finances.

What Is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution is a concern in many homes, including airborne irritants affecting air quality. These contaminants consist of both natural and artificial particulates. Common sources include dust mites, which thrive in household environments, and formaldehyde, a chemical often found in building materials and household products. Additionally, mold and mildew can flourish in damp areas, contributing to poor air quality. Other factors include pet dander from our furry companions and pollen that can enter the home from the outside. Lastly, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are another significant contributor, released from a variety of sources such as paints and cleaners. These elements create a complex mix of pollutants that can impact our health and well-being.

These compounds are commonly found in most households but can become dangerous when their concentration exceeds acceptable levels. Typically, indoor air contaminants are measured in parts per million (ppm), which indicates how concentrated these irritants are in the home. For instance, a concentration of 1 ppm means that for every million air molecules, one is a specific pollutant. This measurement helps gauge the severity of indoor air pollution.

What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?

Organic and chemical indoor air pollutants are caused by different sources inside your home and out. The concentration of these airborne particulates ultimately impacts the severity of symptoms, and it’s important to remember that concentrations can vary seasonally or with the introduction of a new source of pollution.

Chemical Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Many people may not realize that everyday household items can significantly contribute to the presence of chemical pollutants in indoor air. Among the most prominent culprits are products that release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These compounds can evaporate at room temperature and are often found in various substances. For instance, air fresheners, scented candles, and even some types of flooring can release VOCs.

Paint: Whether you’re sprucing up a room or applying a fresh coat to furniture, paint releases VOCs during and after its application. These emissions can linger in the air, potentially causing headaches and respiratory issues.
Solvents: Commonly used in adhesives, paints, and cleaning agents, solvents can emit harmful vapors that contribute to indoor air pollution. Their strong odors indicate the volatile chemicals that can affect indoor air quality.
Cleaning Products: Many household cleaners, including those for glass, surfaces, and bathrooms, contain chemicals that can compromise air quality. Even natural-sounding products can contain VOCs that may pose health risks.
Upholstery and Furniture: The materials used in upholstered furniture and certain types of wood furniture often contain formaldehyde and other VOCs, which can gradually be released into the indoor environment.

Another significant chemical contributor is radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas. This colorless and odorless gas can infiltrate homes through cracks in floors, walls, and even through construction joints. Originating from the decay of uranium in soil, radon is particularly concerning because high levels of exposure can lead to serious health risks, including lung cancer.

Biological Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

In contrast to chemical sources, many biological contaminants stem from naturally occurring substances in our homes. These sources can profoundly affect the air quality we breathe.

Pets: Household pets, including dogs and cats, contribute to indoor air pollution by shedding dander and fur. Pet dander consists of tiny skin flakes that trigger allergies and asthma, while the hair can collect dust and other allergens.

Dust Mites thrive in warm, humid environments, often in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. They feed on dead skin cells and can provoke allergic reactions in many individuals, leading to symptoms like sneezing and respiratory discomfort.

Human Skin: Interestingly, humans shed millions of skin cells daily, creating a significant source of biological matter in indoor environments. This accumulation provides nourishment for dust mites and can contribute to the overall biological load in a space.

Understanding these sources of indoor air pollution is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment. Armed with this knowledge, you can take proactive measures to improve air quality and protect the health of your household members, giving you a sense of control over your living space.

Additional Sources of Indoor Air Contamination

Outdoor air quality can impact your home, too. Households near industrial and manufacturing sites, busy highways, or wildfires face an increased risk of poor indoor air quality. Air pollution gets inside your home through small cracks or open windows and may be difficult to remove without adequate ventilation.

Seasonal allergens and pollen are also outdoor airborne irritants that impact indoor air quality – ask any one of the80 million American adults with seasonal allergies. That’s roughly 26% of the population!

5 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Improving indoor air quality is a straightforward process that doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are five simple and effective ways to breathe better in your home, giving you the confidence to take action.

1. Reduce sources of airborne irritants.

Avoid using harsh cleaning products and restrict the use of paints and solvents to the outdoors. If you must paint inside, always keep the windows open and use fans to keep air circulating. When you're in the market for furniture, look for furniture that does not have VOCs. Keep your home and its contents clean through regular cleaning. Mopping, dusting, and vacuuming are some of the best (and easiest) ways to tackle biological sources of airborne irritants!

2. Increase ventilation and airflow.

Let in fresh air when seasonally appropriate to remove potentially harmful contaminants. Use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking and a bathroom exhaust fan when showering or bathing to encourage airflow and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

3. Take care of your HVAC system.

A well-maintained HVAC system is your best defense against poor indoor air quality. In addition to regular maintenance, replace your air filter every 1-3 months. If you’re unsure how often to swap out your filter, consult your furnace or boiler’s owner’s manual. Individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma or allergies, may need to replace their filters more often.

4. Control humidity.

High indoor humidity stimulates mold and mildew growth and may make allergy symptoms more severe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humiditybetween 30% and 50% to maintain healthy indoor quality.

Dehumidifiers (in-line or standalone) are a cost-effective way to maintain safe humidity levels, especially during summer or in humid regions.

5. Invest in an air purifier.

Especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions, portable and whole-home air purifiers are a sound investment. Quality air purifiers start at around $50 and can greatly reduce airborne contaminates. especially when placed near sources of irritants, like a dog bed or open windows.

Schedule Indoor Air Quality Services in Austin Today!

Indoor air quality is an important part of your overall health. As your local Round Rock, Elgin, and Georgetown HVAC experts, we can help you proactively improve indoor air quality with reliable service and trustworthy recommendations. Take control of your respiratory health. Contact us online or call 512-488-1120 to schedule an appointment!

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality for a Low Cost