Being a homeowner comes with a range of responsibilities, many of which people understand and stay on top of, some are not so obvious. Have you ever considered the quality of the air in your house? It can actually be a carrier of a range of substances, chemicals and gases that can affect your health negatively. You should consider having your indoor air quality professionally tested and analyzed if you experience any of the following issues.
Sometimes, the cause of acute and chronic health problems is carried in the air around you. Molds release spores into the air, which may cause health problems in people such as headaches, tiredness, mental confusion, depression and nausea. A number of gases, including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide can lead to problems and even death if they occur in high enough concentrations. Sometimes the health problems slowly show themselves over long periods of time and people may not even be aware of the pollutants until the problem is substantial.
Does your home seem stuffy, or is there condensation forming on numerous surfaces without an obvious cause? This may be an indicator of a much bigger problem, where the first step is to have your indoor air quality tested by professionals with experience.
Keeping the Air in Your Home Clean
Even though the sources of some pollutants, such as radon gas and asbestos, need to be expertly assessed and removed, some substances and pollutants can be handled through careful monitoring and maintenance by the homeowner. Consider the following checklist:
1. Pipes: Make sure that all the pipes in your home are in good condition and not leaking. Water pipes that leak can produce environments that are conducive to mold growth, and gas pipes that leak can result in dangerous gases entering the air and being inhaled.
2. Building envelope/roof: Monitor your walls, floors, and ceilings for stains that may be caused by structural leaks. If strong musty odors start to form, seek the help of a professional that may be able to find the water sources that is allowing for microbial growth to produce Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs.)
3. Ventilation: Be sure that your home has adequate ventilation. This may include opening windows or allowing for a fresh air ventilation system to remove pollutants and introduce fresh air. If you intend to use strong chemicals like bleach or other products, make sure that you take the necessary precautions. You may even want to start using environmentally friendly cleaners, rather than harsh chemical cleaners.
4. Filters: Ensure that the filters in your air conditioning unit(s) are quality filters that remove much of the particulates (The higher the MERV rating the more it removes) and that they are changed regularly.
5. HVAC maintenance: Have you HVAC system maintained and cleaned throughout the year by professional HVAC contractors to keep the unit(s) running efficiently and clean. This work may include flushing condensate line, cleaning the coils, and monitoring refrigerant levels.
By monitoring your health, maintaining your home, and being alert to changes in environmental conditions, you can maintain the air quality of your home.
