Solutions to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
What is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air inside our homes as well as the amount of pollutants that exist there. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be even more polluted than a major metropolitan city. With people spending more than 90% of their time indoors, this is a significant problem in even the cleanest homes.

Causes for indoor air problems include the release of gases or harmful particles, inadequate ventilation and high temperature and humidity levels. Common items that cause indoor air pollution are oil, wood, damp or wet carpet, household cleaning products, personal care items, certain types of pressed wood furniture and outdoor pollutants.

Now that you know what indoor air pollution is and what causes it, how does this affect your family and comfort? These indoor pollutants can cause allergy symptoms to worsen, as well as raise the chances of more serious physical problems developing, such as lung disease.

How to Treat It.

You can’t live comfortably without heating and cooling in your home. So, what are your options? The EPA suggests taking a 3-step process to identifying problems:

1. Be aware of new allergies or health problems
2. Identify potential sources of indoor air pollution
3. Consult with an expert on these possible causes and look for signs of ventilation problems. (Signs include: moisture condensation on windows or walls, stuffy smell to air, dirty central heating or air equipment, or moldy books, shoes or other items