4 Consequences of Poor Indoor Air Quality

The air inside your Pembroke Pines, Florida, home could be more polluted than the air outside. You can prevent problems by changing your HVAC system’s air filter at least every three months and having it checked by a professional at least once per year. You should also have a commercial Indoor Air Quality or IAQ monitor installed to detect problems before they are noticeable. The consequences of poor indoor air quality include health problems, uncomfortable moisture levels, HVAC problems, and higher utility bills.

Health Problems

Poor indoor air quality can impact your concentration, your energy level, and even your mood. Offices with indoor air quality problems often experience lower productivity. Contaminants such as dust, dirt, mold, mildew, pollen, pet dander, and pest droppings can cause many health concerns for you and your family. Volatile organic compounds or VOCs can also damage your health. These chemicals evaporate at room temperature, and they are found in many air fresheners, glues, paints, and cleaners.

If you’re experiencing allergy or asthma symptoms, fatigue, skin rashes, eye irritation, nausea, sinus trouble, coughing, or other health problems, your home could have low indoor air quality. Places with poor indoor air quality can even have higher numbers of bacteria and viruses in the air. You and your family could suffer from frequent colds as a result. People with lung or cardiovascular diseases are the most vulnerable to health problems caused by low indoor air quality.

An air purifier can help prevent many of these problems. You should also avoid chemical cleaners, air fresheners, and other items that contain VOCs. Instead, use natural products like potpourri and cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda.

Uncomfortable Moisture Levels

If the humid Florida air gets into your home in summer, it can make you feel hot and sweaty. High humidity also encourages mold growth and attracts pests. Many people are allergic to dust mites, cockroach droppings, and other common pests. Some molds produce harmful mycotoxins, and all molds can damage your home. Mold can also cause an unpleasant musty smell. It can grow almost anywhere, including your HVAC system’s ductwork, your insulation, and underneath your carpeting. A dehumidifier can help control the moisture in your home in summer.

In winter, the air is naturally drier than in summer, and your heating system can remove much of the remaining moisture. This can cause nosebleeds, dry skin, dry eyes, and other health problems. It can even lead to cracks in wood floors and furniture. You can keep your home comfortable and prevent damage in winter with a humidifier.

HVAC Problems

A large amount of pollutants causes your HVAC system’s air filter to get dirty faster, and a dirty air filter reduces airflow. It also spreads dirt, dust, mold, and other contaminants to the rest of your home. If you have allergies, asthma, or other health problems, change your air filter once per month and consider purchasing an air purifier.

Pollutants can also accumulate in your heating and air conditioning system’s ductwork, reducing the airflow. Pests can even make nests or die inside your ductwork, causing unpleasant smells. Too many small particles like dust and dirt in your home’s air could harm the inner parts of your HVAC system, including the air handler and the compressor. This could cause inconvenient breakdowns, forcing you to pay for costly repairs or even to replace your system.

Higher Utility Bills

If you have a clogged air filter or blocked ductwork due to pollutants in your home’s air, your heating and air conditioning system will need to work harder to keep you and your family comfortable. If you notice higher utility bills, check your air filter and your ductwork. You can inspect your ducts by removing an air register and looking for dust, mold, or pests. If you don’t notice any air quality problems, another issue with your system could be reducing its efficiency. Have it checked by a professional to find the problem and save energy.

HI-VAC Air Conditioning Service has more than 60 years of heating and cooling experience. We can help you install, maintain, and repair a variety of HVAC equipment, including indoor air quality solutions. Call us anytime at 954-246-4141 for great service.

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