Having clean air in your home is critical for your health, especially if you live in an area like LA, where the air quality can vary significantly on environmental pollutants. In addition, many indoor products can affect the air inside your home.
Knowing what items to avoid and what you can do to improve the air quality in your home will keep you and your family safe and minimize any respiratory health issues. If you spend a lot of time indoors, the need for healthy air is vital.
How To Test Your Indoor Air Quality
Homeowners can test the air themselves or hire a professional to complete an indoor air quality inspection. If you have any health risks, like asthma, it is beneficial to test your inside air for pollutants.
4 Factors That Can Increase Poor Indoor Air Quality
Several everyday household items can increase indoor air pollution, putting you and your loved ones at risk. Some of these potential hazards include:
- Presence of mold
- Using chemical cleaning products
- Indoor airflow
- Smoking indoors
1) Presence of Mold
If you have any water damage or live in a region with a high humidity level, your home can show mold growth. Mold removal can be part of the mold remediation process, as your home may require further testing, remediation, and prevention measures to eliminate and prevent regrowth. The best way to determine if mold is present is to request a free inspection.
2) Using Chemical Cleaning Products
Cleaning products containing harmful chemicals significantly contribute to poor indoor air quality. In addition, some aerosol air cleaners may irritate the respiratory system, creating breathing issues.
3) Indoor Airflow
If your home has drafts that bring in outdoor pollutants like pollen or smog, your indoor air quality will suffer. Alternatively, if insufficient air flows throughout the house, your heating and cooling system must work harder. Some homes can see mold overgrowth without ample airflow.
4) Smoking Indoors
The chemicals from cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes significantly affect air quality. These harmful elements can remain in the home long after the smoker has a cigarette.
Who Regulates Indoor Air Quality?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets out public health guidelines and regulations and sets limits on specific harmful air pollutants. Following the Clean Air Act (CAA), the IPA limits high levels of pollutants from manufacturing plants, chemical and steel plants, and more.
Do Indoor Plants Help Improve Air Quality?
Some studies show that having indoor plants can help remove volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the air and purify the air. However, they are not as effective as other methods because your home will need two large plants for every 100 square feet of space.
Tips for a Healthy LA Home
Maintaining a healthy home in LA will help keep everyone in the house healthy and safe. Here are some simple tips if you want to learn how to improve indoor air quality.
Avoid Air Fresheners
Commercial air fresheners contain VOCs that can increase health risks and deteriorate air quality. In addition, these products are toxic if swallowed, making them lethal for animals and humans.
Regularly Clean Your Heating and Cooling Systems
The heating and cooling system in your home will circulate air year-round. However, if the filters are dirty or the ductwork does not receive regular cleaning, you may be distributing dust mites and harmful VOC particles around your home each time you use your furnace or air conditioner.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Monitor
Similar to a smoke alarm, a carbon monoxide monitor will alert you if there is a problem with your indoor air quality. It can be fatal to you and your family if your home has abnormally high carbon monoxide, so selecting a monitor for the home is an excellent way to detect potential issues.
Test for Radon
Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that is harmful to humans. Unfortunately, it is the primary cause of lung cancer in non-smoking individuals. You can use a radon test kit to check your air quality or purchase a radon monitor.
Use an Air Filter System
Not all air filtering systems are equal, making it necessary to find a high-quality model with a HEPA filter. These pleated mechanical air filters have a higher probability of removing contaminants from the air in your home.
Have Cleaner Indoor Air Today
You do not have to suffer from poor indoor air quality. Do not wait any longer to feel healthy and breathe easier. Contact us today for a free estimate. Our experts can help you find the best home solution and have you live with fresher, cleaner air.
