When you hear about air pollution, you often imagine industrial smoke and smog from vehicles. But the air quality in your home can also be poor or even worse than the outdoor air. Here are four causes of poor indoor air quality in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, homes and what you can do about it:

High Humidity

If your home’s humidity is too high, you can expect unfavorable indoor air quality. High humidity levels encourage bacteria and allergens to breed. These tiny particles contaminate the air you breathe, leading to respiratory problems.

To prevent this, invest in a dehumidifier. Additionally, make sure your HVAC system is in the right condition to prevent excess humidity from entering your home. Contact your contractor for system inspection and maintenance.

Dirty Air Filters

Dirty air filters are another contributor to poor indoor air quality. Over time, the filters accumulate dust and grime, and some of this enters your living space. It’s not only bad for your health but also damages your heating unit.

The dirt reduces the system’s efficiency, causing it to work harder and raise your energy bills. To prevent this, change the air filters every month. If you have reusable filters, clean them at least every other week.

Poor Ventilation

New homes have high levels of insulation as a way to conserve energy. However, this also means reduced air circulation. Without fresh air, the atmosphere becomes toxic, and you become more susceptible to allergies and infections.

The reason is that contaminants accumulate, float around and make conditions unhealthy for your household. To resolve this, ensure your home has enough air circulation, either by opening windows occasionally or using an exhaust fan.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are colorless, odorless chemical compounds that can permeate your house. They may come from products such as glue, nail polish, body sprays and tobacco smoke.

The American Lung Association notes that inhaling VOCs can have adverse effects on your health, like irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, breathing difficulty, nausea and even cancer. If there are paint or adhesive materials in your house, ensure proper ventilation. You can also invest in air purifiers and energy recovery ventilators.

Poor indoor air quality can have a detrimental effect on your health as well as on your wallet. Prevent contaminants from causing harm by taking the necessary precautions. For more information on resolving indoor air quality issues, contact our team at North County Cooling Inc.

Image provided by iStock

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