Indoor Air Pollution | Heating and Air Conditioning
Indoor Air Pollution | Heating and Air Conditioning
In the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about indoor air pollution. The home’s heating and air conditioning system will filter a number of pollutants with a HEPA filter. While ventilating your home with fresh air improves indoor air quality, there are a number of hazards you can treat to reduce the amounts present.
By being proactive and eliminating as many sources of indoor air pollutants as possible, your health will improve, while reducing the risks. The following are a few common indoor air pollutants:
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is odorless, invisible, and tasteless. At low exposures, it can induce headaches, dizziness, nausea and other flu-like symptoms. At higher doses, the gas can be lethal, and for those who survive, brain damage can be permanent.
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct from the combustion of fossil fuels, such as natural gas, propane, kerosene, diesel fuel, and gasoline. Ensure your gas appliances and ventilation pipes receive routinely inspection. When a Cypress technician provides annual maintenance on your home’s heating and air conditioning system, we will inspect the gas furnace’s ventilation pipe to ensure its safety. The gas stove does not have a vent pipe, therefore each time you use it, run the ventilation hood fan, and never use the oven as a heat source.
The second step in protecting your family is to use carbon monoxide detectors. Install at least one on each floor, and one outside of each sleeping area.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are common in bedding, carpet and other upholstered furnishings around the house. Dust mite feces are especially problematic for persons with asthma and can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Place new mattresses in fully enclosed mattress covers, and pillows in pillow covers. Vacuum the existing mattress thoroughly before sealing in covers. However, dust mites are in the air in your home. Only a HEPA air purifier can remove this irritant from the air that your family breathes. Contact your HVAC technician, and ask if it is safe to use a HEPA filter in your home’s heating and air conditioning system.
Mold
Damp, moist conditions can cause mold spores to proliferate. Persons with asthma, allergies, and immune system disorders are sensitive to mold.
Treat mold at the source by having leaks repaired. If the basement tends to flood, have a sump pump installed. A high quality HEPA filter can help to reduce the presence of mold spores. In addition, a dehumidifier can be installed attached to your home’s heating and air conditioning to lower the moisture in humid environments, and increase your comfort during the summer season.
Radon
Radon is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, and is the second leading cause of cancer. It seeps into homes and from the ground. Test kits are available to test for radon in the home. If radon is present in your home, contact a professional.
Smoke
Smoking has deadly consequences, for both smokers and those who inhale secondhand smoke. Smoking can trigger allergies and is the number one cause of cancer. The best way to prevent the health issues related to second hand smoke is by not allowing anyone to smoke in your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs include chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetone, benzene and many others. Potential sources include composite wood products, flooring, adhesives, carpet, paint, sealing caulk, solvents, vinyl flooring, varnishes, upholstery fabrics, air fresheners, cleaning and disinfecting products and many others.
Use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and lemon juice, and make air freshener from essential oil and water. When remodeling look for VOC free paints and products. A HEPA filter will help to reduce the amount of VOCs in the circulating air.
You can minimize the amount of indoor air pollutants with frequent “airings” of the home, and the use of a HEPA filter. Not all HVAC systems are designed for the use of a HEPA filter. Check with your systems manufacturer or your Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning HVAC technician before using a HEPA to prevent potential damage to the heating and air conditioning system.
Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers the professional installation of products to enhance a home’s comfort and provide cleaner indoor air. From ventilators to whole-house air cleaners and other, our certified technicians ensure the proper installation and system compatibility of our products with your heating and air conditioning to provide the greatest comfort and cleanest air possible.
When you are ready to start improving the indoor air quality in your home, contact our air quality specialists. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers expertise in heating and air conditioning installation, AC repair in Katy, annual maintenance, clean air solutions and more. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.
