According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside our homes and within other buildings can be more polluted than the air that fills the dirtiest, busiest, most polluted industrial cities in the world. Not only that, but research also indicates that lately, people spend about 90% of their time indoors.

For these reasons, the health risks that poor air quality brings to many people can be serious. This is especially true regarding the elderly, the chronically ill, young children, and anyone who suffers from cardiovascular disease or respiratory ailments.

Understanding Causes of Indoor Air Quality Problems

Appliances and devices like outdated, unmaintained, or malfunctioning HVAC systems that release particles or gases into the air are the biggest causes of indoor air quality problems in peoples’ homes. Having inadequate ventilation throughout the home can make it worse. If the air inside is humid or hot, the concentration of pollutants increases.

Some of the most common causes of indoor air pollution include:

  • Household products
  • Improperly adjusted HVAC systems and appliances
  • Smoking
  • Building materials and furnishings
  • Pet dander

Combustion sources also contribute to indoor air pollution. These include:

  • Kerosene
  • Gas
  • Coal
  • Wood
  • Tobacco products
  • Radon
  • Pesticides
  • Humidification devices
  • Asbestos insulation
  • Damp carpet
  • Furniture made of pressed wood

The health effects from indoor air pollution can be experienced upon exposure or even years later.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality this Winter

The first step in improving the air quality in your home is to identify the main causes of such issues. The presence of any of the above causes of indoor air pollution does not in itself guarantee that you have an indoor air quality problem. However, any ill effects people experience may very well be.

Think about Your Lifestyle and Activities

Another way to identify potential air quality problems is to consider your activities and lifestyle. Do you smoke indoors? Do you own any pets? Do you cook often in the home? The EPA suggests that the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to control the sources. Always operate stoves with a fan vented to the outdoors if possible, and with wood-burning stoves and other combustion sources, always follow manufacturer instructions exactly.

Improve Your Ventilation

In addition, you’ll need to look for problems with your home’s ventilation. Some signs that may indicate ventilation issues include:

  • Stuffy or smelly air
  • Dirty HVAC equipment
  • Mold in areas where books or shoes are kept
  • Condensation on walls or windows

It’s recommended that you weatherize your home in order to reduce the need to run your HVAC and ventilation systems. Weatherizing your home doesn’t add new pollutants to the air. Adding insulation, weather stripping, and caulking, along with installing storm windows, can make a big difference.

Weatherizing your home can not only decrease your furnace usage but also save you money on your energy bills and reduce polluted air that may otherwise enter the home. Adding a fan that vents to the outdoors over your range will decrease pollutants from cooking. You can also use a dehumidifier in moisture-rich areas.

Have an Air Cleaning System Installed

Having home comfort experts come to your home and perform an air quality audit will reveal sources of pollution, identify pollutants, and help you understand what steps you can take to reduce allergens, dander, and other pollutants.

This is especially important if you or someone in the household suffers from asthma, allergies, COPD, or any other breathing ailment. A-1 Guaranteed can install a new air cleaning system for your home. These systems are able to remove up to 99.98% of all airborne allergens indoors! Contact A-1 Guaranteed and schedule a time to learn more about air cleaning systems and how we can help you breathe easier.