Many homeowners do all the right things for their health but forget one major factor: indoor air quality. It's not uncommon to miss the connection between poor indoor air quality and overall well-being, largely because we don't often think about outdoor pollution, allergens, and other potential contaminants sharing our indoor space.
But the reality is that the air we breathe indoors can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air. With most of our day spent inside for sleep, work, or relaxation, maintaining your and your family's well-being depends on how well you maintain your indoor air.
Our HVAC and air quality experts at Campbell & Company have compiled this guide to explain how your home’s air quality plays a crucial role in your family’s health. We also outline steps and solutions for poor air quality concerns.
Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality
From skin and eye irritation to sleep disruptions and wheezing or coughing, poor indoor air quality can impact your at-home comfort and health in many ways.
Here are a few signs your home's air isn't the cleanest:
- Respiratory irritation: If you are experiencing worsening allergy symptoms, sneezing, or throat irritation, your air quality could be the source of your discomfort.
- Headaches: Dust, mold spores, pet dander, or exposure to other pollutants can trigger headaches or migraines.
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation: If you're constantly reaching for allergy medication while indoors, you could feel the effects of exposure to pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, or mildew growth.
- Skin irritation: If you have existing skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis, poor indoor air quality can exacerbate skin irritation and lead to frequent flare-ups.
- Sleep disturbances: Your sleep patterns are impacted by your indoor environment, so poor indoor air quality can lead to difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Improve the Air in Your Home Today!
Common Indoor Air Pollutants in the Tri-Cities
Poor indoor air quality doesn't have a single source of origin. Instead, many factors can contribute to reduced air quality in your home, including:
- Indoor pollutants: Pet dander, pollen, mold, mildew, dust, tobacco smoke, and VOCs are some of the most common sources, often working in combination to pollute your air quality.
- Unchecked humidity levels: Excessively high and low humidity levels can create the ideal atmosphere for mold growth and other indoor air quality issues. Dry air is an especially common problem for homes in the Yakima area.
- Restricted ventilation: If your home is older or historic, ventilation issues can turn your serene space into a breeding ground for pollutants.
- Outdoor air quality: The air outside can infiltrate your indoor space and contribute to an unpleasant indoor environment through improperly sealed ducts, leaky windows or doors, and gaps in insulation.
How To Improve Your Air Quality
The good news is that you can improve the quality of your indoor air with the help of modern technology. By implementing the right combination of IAQ solutions, you change how you experience your home.
Indoor air quality products, services, and solutions include:
- Purifying indoor air: With solutions like in-duct air purifiers and air scrubbers, you can ensure every corner of your home is purified and clean.
- Efficiently sealing your central air system: With Aeroseal duct sealing, homeowners can ensure proper airflow while eliminating pollutants such as dirt, dust, allergens, and smelly odors from spreading throughout their homes.
- Balancing your humidity levels: Adding a whole-home humidifier to your HVAC system can help maintain the right humidity levels and reduce respiratory infections.
- Upgrading your filter: Select a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air) to help capture and trap particles and pollutants in your air.
Choose Campbell & Company for Expert IAQ Solutions
Since 1983, Campbell & Company has protected the comfort of residents in Yakima and the Tri-Cities area. Our family-operated company has built a reputation as a trusted local expert and nationally recognized industry leader — earning us the Yakima Best of the Valley award for "The Best HVAC."
As a proud provider of heating, air conditioning, and air quality services, our company can be trusted for unmatched IAQ solutions that improve the comfort of your home and the health of your loved ones.
Schedule indoor air quality services in Yakima and the Tri-Cities area today by contacting Campbell & Company.
