How to Tell if There is Bad Air Quality in a Home
Good air quality in our homes is essential for health and well-being.
Good air quality in our homes is essential for health and well-being. Poor air quality can cause discomfort and even lead to various health problems, such as respiratory diseases. Therefore, homeowners must understand the importance of having good air quality in their homes.
Below are telltale signs that may indicate poor indoor air quality in a home:
Smelly or stuffy air
This is the most common sign of bad air quality in a home. A buildup of dust, mold, or other contaminants in the air can cause smelly or stuffy air. A few things that can help clear up this problem include:
Running the ventilation system or opening windows to dilute the stale air.
Turning on fans to keep the air moving.
Vacuuming and dusting the space to get rid of any particles.
Turning on the dehumidifier if the smell results from moisture in the air.
Cleaning all the laundry, dishes, and bathrooms.
If none of the above remedies work, call an air quality expert to come and examine the problem.
Presence of moisture condensation on windows and glass
If there's moisture condensation on windows, it could be a sign of too much humidity in the air. Besides compromising indoor air quality, a humid atmosphere can also promote mold growth, introducing unwanted bacteria into the home.
Areas with books, shoes, or other items become moldy
If mold grows on items in the home, it could be a sign of poor indoor air quality. Mold only grows in areas with high humidity or moisture and can harm our health if exposed.
Poor sleep
The presence of air pollutants can interfere with achieving restful sleep. Studies show that individuals who sleep in areas with high levels of air pollution are likely to experience insufficient sleep due to discomfort. This discomfort involves irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes. If a homeowner is having trouble sleeping, fixing any issues with the HVAC system can positively impact their sleep quality.
Allergy symptoms
If the occupants of the home experience allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes, then the culprit is likely poor indoor quality. Air contaminants such as dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold are the common causes of allergies. This issue should be addressed as soon as possible because if the occupants are exposed to such an environment for too long, they might develop respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, or emphysema.
Dizziness
Dizziness is also an indication of poor air quality. It results from exposure to harmful chemicals in the air, such as carbon monoxide. If an individual stays in such an environment for too long, they might pass out or even suffocate. If this happens in the home, get help from an air quality professional as soon as possible.
Work with an air quality expert
If you notice signs of bad air quality and don't know where to begin, we recommend calling an indoor air quality expert. They will come and examine the space and then offer practical solutions to help restore good air quality to the home.
Above and Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial heating and air conditioning company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort. Call us today at 210-897-8658.
