HVAC Information | Indoor Air Quality |

Indoor Air Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

Who would think indoor air can be hazardous to your health? Indoor air-- a pollutant? Unfortunately, that is often the case.

Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. Fortunately, several steps can be taken to ensure that your indoor environment is the safest.

The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air quality (IAQ) extremely important. Many common household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery, and drapery fabric constantly emit fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include cleaning agents, paints, and personal care products.

The tight construction of today’s homes also contributes significantly to poor IAQ. Things like weather-stripping and storm doors are designed to save on energy costs. However, they also prevent proper ventilation by keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. The result can be a build-up of contaminants within the home.

Poor IAQ can be the cause of numerous health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants within the home can cause homeowners to suffer from flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation. Two health problems that can be helped by clean indoor air are allergies and asthma. Even people who have never suffered from allergies can benefit from improved IAQ. By removing airborne dust particles from the air, the amount of exposure they have on the respiratory system is greatly reduced.

Keeping Your Home's Air Clean

Thankfully, there are things a homeowner can do to help alleviate potential IAQ concerns. The first step toward improving indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants. Eliminating or reducing these sources are the most effective ways to clean the air. Although it is not possible to eliminate every contaminant source, reducing the sources and/or the amount of pollutants they emit, will contribute to a healthier living environment.

Ventilation also plays an important role in improving indoor air quality. Proper ventilation can reduce the concentration of pollutants inside the home.

An important step to minimize the concentration of pollutants is by thoroughly cleaning the home. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help to reduce the amount of dust particles in the air.

Some of the best solutions for poor indoor air quality may involve heating and cooling systems. Electronic air cleaners (EACs) and high-efficiency air filters can assist in absorbing particles that otherwise would escape due to their size. EACs and high-efficiency filters help clean the air and provide respiratory relief by removing dust, dirt, and pollen. Other products that are available include humidifiers, carbon monoxide detectors, heat recovery ventilators, and air purifiers.

The Dave Lennox Signature™ Collection PureAir™ System Cleans the Air Better Than ANY Other Single System You Can Buy!

• Industry leading air purification technology
• Only single indoor air quality system to attack all three classes of indoor air contaminants:
1. Small, breathable particles such as dust, dirt, pollen and allergens
2. Airborne mold spores, bacteria and viruses
3. Odors and chemical vapors
• Removes over 95% of particles ranging in size down to 0.3 micron
• Removes OVER 90% of bioaerosols ranging in size down to 0.01 micron
• Removes and destroys approximately 50% of household odors and chemical vapors in a 24-hour period
• Hospital inpatient care/general surgery level filtration
• Whole-home purification works with your existing heating and cooling system
• Reduces and destroys ozone - a product of pollution and a known lung irritant

Read More on Indoor Air Quality at Lennox.com

Download Brochure on PurAir System by Lennox

Are you concerned about your air quality? Let us evaluate your home’s air for potential problems. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.