People spend the majority of their day indoors, either at home, at work, in school or in other establishments. But wherever you spend most of your time, it’s important to ensure that your indoor air is clean. Air pollutants can harm your health, particularly after long-term exposure.
In this post, Albert Air — a trusted company with impressive ductless air conditioner reviews — lists four things inside your home that cause poor indoor air quality.
Natural pollutants. Microbial growth, viruses, dust mites and pet fur can enter your HVAC system and accumulate in your air vents and ducts. This not only results in poor indoor air quality, but the buildup also restricts airflow, making your air conditioner work harder to regulate the temperature inside your home. Having your HVAC system thoroughly checked and regularly maintained can help reduce dirt buildup in these parts of your HVAC system.
Building materials. Unfortunately, many building materials — especially older ones — contain harmful pollutants. Some of these materials are now prohibited from being used, but they can still be found in older buildings. For example, asbestos was widely used as insulation until the 1980s when it was discovered to cause chronic lung disease and even cancer. Many modern building materials can also pollute the air, especially after construction. Pressed wood products, insulation, cabinetry and formaldehyde-containing materials can affect your indoor air quality.
Carpets, flooring and paint fumes. The smell of a new carpet results from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause asthma-like reactions, headaches and dizziness. It’s best to let a room air out for a few days after the installation of new carpet, and after a fresh coat of paint is applied. Meanwhile, formaldehyde in new flooring materials like vinyl and tiles can be released for up to two years after installation. If your floor has small amounts of this chemical, keep the room well-ventilated. Furthermore, be sure to also keep your Carrier evaporator coil and other parts of your air conditioner clean to prevent pollutants from building up.
Mold and mildew. Mold is a common problem in homes. Mold can grow anywhere in the house where there’s excess moisture, including the attic. Extensive mold growth can lead to poor indoor air quality, and spores released can cause serious health issues. Mold and mildew also produce an unpleasant odor. Make certain to act quickly to address this issue because mold can easily spread and destroy building materials such as carpets, walls and furniture. A mold inspection and testing service is highly recommended to determine if your mold problem has become widespread.
Have you been looking up “ductless air conditioner installers near me” online? Fortunately, Albert Air can help you with your HVAC installment, repair and maintenance needs. Call us at (714) 526-6368 or fill out our contact form to book a service appointment.