What Factors Affect My Home’s Indoor Air Quality?

Have you woken up on a lovely spring morning but felt congested, struggling with labored breathing, or other symptoms you chalked up to allergies? While it may be attributed to allergy season in full swing, your home’s indoor air quality may make the situation worse. Even if you don’t have your heating or air conditioning systems running on full blast, the air particles throughout your home may carry harmful or triggering contaminants that worsen your symptoms. But what are these factors, and what can you do to alleviate them moving forward?

What Are Some of the Most Common Air Pollutants in Your Home?

Indoor air pollution can have serious health consequences, but the good news is that there are many ways to identify and eliminate these sources. Knowing the most common causes of your IAQ dropping can help you figure out what steps must be taken to ensure your home’s indoor environment becomes more hospitable for you and your family. 

Some of the most common air pollutants include the following:

• Mold growth
• Chemical cleaners
• Pet dander
• Combustion byproducts
• Smoke

While these substances can significantly bring down your home’s IAQ, your heating and cooling systems can also significantly affect the overall quality of your home’s interior environment. Here are some ways to improve your HVAC systems and boost your IAQ. 

Check Your Air Ducts

When was the last time you had your air ducts carefully inspected by a professional? If you can’t remember the last time, it may be time to get them checked out by the W.F. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning team. If your ducts have been bent, damaged, or aren’t as seamlessly connected as they once were, it could lead to issues with your IAQ. 

Any imperfections with your air ducts can lead to stale air and pollutants staying within your home for longer, exacerbating any existing allergies or breathing conditions. Giving your air ducts a proper inspection can help identify areas that need attention and vastly improve the overall circulation of air throughout your home. 

Change Your Air Filters

Whether it’s your furnace or your AC, the air filters for these units can block a wide range of particulates from getting into your home. But what happens when you don’t check on them over time? The amount of pollutants these filters block will accumulate over time, making it more difficult for the filters to do their job effectively. Changing the air filters out for fresh ones can help significantly improve your IAQ and allow you to breathe easier throughout the year. 

Improve Insulation and Weather Striping Throughout Your Home

Are you tired of feeling a draft whenever you walk by your windows or doors? It’s time to improve your home’s insulation and add weather stripping to your windows and doors! Not only will this decrease your energy bills, but it will also make your home more comfortable. So, say goodbye to cold drafts and hello to a cozy living space. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make with a little bit of effort. So, let’s get started and make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable than ever before!

Install a Whole-House Air Purifier 

Did you know that poor indoor air quality can have adverse effects on your health, including respiratory issues, headaches, and allergies? The good news is that you can improve the air quality in your home by installing an air purifier. With a variety of options available, from portable air purifiers to whole-house air purifier systems in Philadelphia, PA, there is a solution to fit any budget and need. Not only will improving your indoor air quality help keep you and your family healthy, but it can also provide relief for those with allergies or sensitivities to certain pollutants. 

Let W.F. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning Give Your IAQ a Boost!

When you need to boost your home’s IAQ, you don’t want to put your indoor comfort in the hands of just any residential HVAC company in Philadelphia, PA. Finding the right team to take a look at your home’s system and make the necessary repairs and maintenance to get your home back on track is vital. W.F. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning has helped countless customers identify where there’s a problem in their systems and make the targeted repairs they need. 

Contact our team to schedule a service appointment and give your home a boost today!