Signs Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality Is Poor

Most big cities have high levels of air pollution, especially in Houston, Texas. Inside the home is where we often retreat to escape the harmful outdoor conditions and access clean air. Unfortunately, your house may also have airborne contaminants that can make you sick.

Look out for these signs of poor indoor air quality (IAQ), and contact Air Tech of Pasadena. We can help destroy the source, offer air filter advice and provide HVAC maintenance.

Causes Of Poor IAQ

According to the EPA, the main cause of poor IAQ in homes is indoor pollution sources which release particles or gas into the air. Poor ventilation prevents outdoor air from diluting those emissions and dirty air filters are unable to remove them. Combined, these factors increase levels of indoor pollution. This allows the problem to worsen over time.

The following can also increase pollutant concentrations, worsening poor IAQ:

• High humidity and temperatures
• Remodeling
• Outdoor construction
• Mold
• Airborne chemicals (from cleaning supplies or pesticides)

Common Signs of Poor IAQ

Persistent Cold or Allergy Symptoms

The main sign there is a problem with your home’s air is sneezing, coughing, headaches, nausea, dizziness and irritated eyes/nose/throat that last more than two weeks, and worsen while you are home or in a specific room. This is due to the lack of ventilation and concentration of contaminants in the air.

Chronic Skin Irritation and Dryness

When concentrated pollutants and bacteria attach to your skin, they can block nutrient absorption, causing dryness.

Dust Buildup

Constant, visible buildup of dust on surfaces, vents and in air filters mean high levels of pollutants are in your home. Upgrading your air filters and cleaning regularly can help capture and remove dust from your air.

Difficulty Sleeping

Humidity, temperatures, and high levels of air pollution make getting sleep very difficult.

Inconsistent Air Temperature

Poor air circulation prevents the air from filtering and distributing throughout your home. This results in some areas being hotter or cooler than the rest of your home, which are also likely pockets of irritants.

Lingering Odors

Stagnant air can allow for high humidity levels and a buildup of dust, pollen and dander to create biological growth, resulting in odors. If you can smell last night’s dinner or cleaning products, your home’s air is not getting proper cleaning and filtration. This means pollutants you cannot smell as easily are also hanging out.

Effects Of Poor IAQ

Poor IAQ affects people with asthma, heart or lung conditions, young children and the elderly the most. If left unaddressed, this can result in significant medical costs and, in extreme cases, death.

Age, individual sensitivity levels and pre-existing medical conditions affect the odds of developing a reaction to indoor air pollutants shortly after exposure. In some cases, after repeated high-level exposure, people become sensitized to specific biological and chemical pollutants. In other cases, physical effects may not be seen until years after initial exposure.

Once you determine that exposure to air pollutants is the cause of immediate health issues, they are often short-term and very treatable. Removing pollutants can improve the health of you, your family and the environment!

Get A Fresh Start

If you are struggling to determine whether you have seasonal allergies or poor air quality in your home, don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse! Contact Air Tech of Pasadena to learn about our cost-effective solutions to restore your access to clean, fresh air in your home.

We offer several air quality products and will help you design a solution personalized to fit your home’s needs!