The HVAC system in our home is an integral part of modern life, and the air that blows through it can be worse than the air outside. There is a lot of information out there about indoor air quality. So, it’s good to know the good information from the bad, because it can cause illness. There are illnesses related to bad indoor air quality, with symptoms that can include, headaches, chronic cough, eye, skin, nose and throat irritation, sinus congestion, dizziness, nausea, sneezing and shortness of breath.

Busting Myths About Indoor Air Quality

1. Air pollution is not just an outside problem. With everything that goes on in our homes, the quality of the air inside can be more polluted than the air outside. Homes are built to seal off indoor air from getting out. This seal ensures that the rooms are comfortable in temperature and that the humidity is balanced. When air isn’t circulated properly and mixes with the outdoor air in the right proportions, the pollutants can build up and get to dangerous levels. The air can smell clean but can be polluted and cause health problems.
2. New homes suffer from air quality problems. It seems to make sense that a new home wouldn’t have air quality problems because a new home is a clean slate, right? But new homes aren’t exempt to air pollution. In fact, the construction process means new homes have more hazardous chemicals floating around in them.
3. Ducts directly relate to indoor air quality. The ductwork of your HVAC system is like the lungs in your body. The ductwork is what moves the air throughout your home. When the air moves through the ductwork it collects dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens. The filter of the system does a lot to prevent this, but it still builds up and gets blown into the air in your home.
4. You can monitor your own indoor air quality. The quality in your home can be monitored with different devices. These devices work to measure information just like the smoke detector in your home and can measure humidity, chemicals and pollutants in your home. You can purchase these devices at the store or online.
5. Air fresheners and candles affect indoor air quality. Many people are quick to light a candle or spray air freshener to get rid of odd smell in our home. Most candles are made of paraffin, that can harmful and can affect the indoor air quality. Paraffin candles can deplete indoor air quality and the more you use them, the lower the air quality. Better options are candles made of beeswax or soy wax and use an oil diffuser rather than sprays.

Air Duct Cleaning in Oak Park, Madison Heights, Warren, Sterling Heights, Detroit & Southeast Michigan

There are steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home. Cleaning your air ducts is an important part of HVAC maintenance. This will make your home a safer place to live for you and your family. Contact the professionals at Sterling Environmental Air Duct Cleaning today!