Why Is 室内空气质量 (IAQ) Important?

Energy-efficient homes are more common than ever. Although they provide many benefits, including reducing overall energy usage and a smaller carbon footprint, they come with some disadvantages as well.

什么缺点?

The most significant disadvantage is poor indoor air quality. 严格密封 梅德福,或, area homes prevent heated and cooled air from escaping as easily, but they also contribute to the buildup of indoor air pollutants.

Since most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, this can be a significant problem if the air inside your 俄勒冈州 home is two to five times more polluted than outside air, which is common. 我们的 先进的空气 team wants to help you understand the risks of indoor air pollution as well as steps you can take to reduce it.

负面影响

根据 US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutants can contribute to a host of short- and long-term effects. Because typical symptoms can be mistaken for allergies, 一种疾病, 压力, 或者其他原因, it’s easy to overlook indoor air quality as a main culprit.

Possible short-term effects and resulting symptoms of indoor air pollution include coughing, 打喷嚏, 眼睛痒, 乏力, 头晕, 头痛, 喉咙痛, respiratory congestion. 除了, poor indoor air quality can make some existing illnesses worse.

例如, if you suffer from asthma, 心脏病, 慢性肺病, 或者其他感染, indoor air pollution may exacerbate your symptoms.

Certain indoor air pollutants can cause additional serious illnesses or even death. 第二个hand 烟 and radon cause lung cancer, carbon monoxide poisoning can silently kill unaware residents.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

Daily living contributes to a great deal of indoor air pollutants. Dust, dirt, pollen, mold are common in just about every home. 除了, 宠物皮屑和毛发, 烟, chemicals from common cleaning products can contribute more gas and p文章 to the indoor air. During cold and flu season, you may add bacteria and viruses to the mix.

If your home has inadequate 通风, you won’t be able to sufficiently exchange outside and inside air 定期, which can lead to buildup of indoor air pollutants. Failing to maintain your 加热, 通风, 空调(HVAC) system in a suitable manner can also lead to indoor air problems.

For example, a clogged air filter can no longer trap more p文章 as they move through your system. An antiquated 暖通空调系统 can also introduce further serious problems like incomplete combustion and gas leaks.

Solutions to Improve Air Quality

As a homeowner, it’s understandable to be concerned about your indoor air quality. You can take several steps to improve your air quality right now.

First, replace and maintain the air filters in your 暖通空调系统 定期. If you have family members who suffer from allergies or asthma, consider using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that can remove very small p文章 which often trigger reactions.

第二个, have an HVAC professional clean, 检查, tune up your 加热 and cooling equipment twice a year. 我们的 trained technicians at 先进的空气 will ensure no dangerous gas leaks exist and all your fuel-burning appliances have adequate 通风. We will also provide safety checks on all your equipment.

Be sure you take extra precautions when you are cleaning with chemicals or embark on home improvement projects such as construction or painting. Your working area should be well ventilated during and immediately after the work is completed.

Consider investing in a humidifier and/or dehumidifier to help keep your home at an optimal humidity level. This will help discourage mold growth and keep your home more comfortable in all seasons. Be sure to clean this equipment according to the manufacturers’ recommendations to prevent buildup of pathogens and to keep your warranty intact.

如果你吸烟, take your habit outdoors to prevent secondhand 烟 buildup inside, be sure to test for radon in your basement every two to five years. Install a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, don’t try to remove asbestos yourself.

最后, keep your home clean using a HEPA vacuum and wash your bedding, 窗帘, other household items 定期.

We Are Your 室内空气质量 Experts

我们的 professionals here at 先进的空气 in 梅德福,或, can help you address indoor air quality problems in your home. 我们的 team can help you keep your 暖通空调系统 well maintained as well as provide suggestions about air filters or air purifiers. 电话在 541-772-6866 or 在线申请正规赌足球的软件.