Better Indoor Air Quality in Your Columbus or Phenix City Home
Although people associate air pollution with the outdoors, indoor air quality in the Columbus and Phenix City areas is often much poorer than the quality of the air outside. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that levels of indoor pollutants may be two to five times greater than levels of outdoor pollutants. However, there is a contractor in Columbus that will be able to conduct indoor air quality testing and perform HVAC services to greatly improve the air in your home quickly and efficiently.
Facts About Indoor Air Quality
Your home acts as a giant filter through which air is constantly traveling, and like all filters, it will eventually need to be cleaned. Unfortunately, until specific measures are taken, the house will harbor a number of air pollutants, and according to Popular Mechanics, you may find the sources of some of these toxins and the dangers they pose to be very surprising.
The following are all sources of indoor pollutants:
- Carpet – Carpeting and rugs can hold an incredible amount of dirt, and debris, including pet fur, dander, dust, dust mites and mold.
- Paint – The paint in your home may include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can diminish air quality, and old paint may contain lead, which is known to cause brain damage.
- Cabinets and walls – Your walls, cabinets and wooden shelves may grow mold if they become damp, and pressboard and plywood may contain formaldehyde, which may trigger asthma attacks and cause cancer.
- Gas stove – If you have a gas range or oven, it may be emitting dangerous nitrogen dioxide when it is in use. Nitrogen dioxide is associated with several lung disorders.
- Ducts – If you have ducts for heating and cooling your home, they may gather dust and other contaminants.
- HVAC system – Your heating and cooling system may be creating pollutants in the much the same way your stove may be.
Indoor Air Quality Testing
The first step in improving your indoor air quality is to have air quality testing performed by a local HVAC contractor. This will show you how polluted the air is inside your home and give you a good idea as to what must be done to correct the problem. In addition, you can reduce indoor air pollution by taking the following steps:
- Change all of the filters in your home on a regular basis.
- Keep humidity under control by purchasing a humidity gauge, humidifier and dehumidifier.
- Use an indoor air purifier with a HEPA filter and the ability to eliminate VOCs, but be certain that the purifier does not create ozone.
- Add green, potted plants to every room of your home.
- Open your windows to air out your home, or add outdoor vents.
Reliable HVAC Service in the Columbus, Ga and Phenix City, AL Area
Poor air quality in your home can be a serious problem, but you can take concrete steps that will eliminate or reduce potential health risks. Riley Heating and Air can test the quality of your indoor air and make recommendations on how to improve it. For further information, contact the experienced technicians at Riley Heating & Air Conditioning today.