It’s no secret that indoor air quality, or IAQ, is essential. From the effects of poor IAQ on our health to its impact on building operations and maintenance costs, everyone can agree that improving IAQ is a good idea.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies, more than 50% of Americans spend 90% of their time indoors.
That means if your buildings are not properly maintaining their air quality, then you may be breathing in contaminated air every day!
So, indoor air quality in Reno, NV, is essential all year round. But it’s especially crucial during the fall and winter months.
Why? Because poor indoor air quality can aggravate respiratory problems, worsen allergies and asthma symptoms, and lead to several other health issues.
Signs That You Need to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Signs to look for that might indicate your home needs better IAQ services:
- Mold, fungi, and bacteria grow more profusely when warm conditions exist.
- Poor IAQ can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions.
- Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments, and their feces are a significant contributor to asthma and allergies.
- Unpleasant smells can occur when contaminants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in the air. You notice a musty smell coming from inside your home when it’s not raining or humid outside.
- High energy bills can indicate poor IAQ because your HVAC system needs to work harder when the air is contaminated.
- There’s a lot of condensation on your windows in the winter, and/or your home has a high humidity level.
- Paper products like newspapers, magazines, books, office papers, and cardboard produce formaldehyde gas when they decompose.
- Synthetic materials like furniture made of particleboard, vinyl flooring, synthetic carpets produce volatile organic compounds. These are cancer-causing toxic air pollutants.
So, what are the solutions?
IAQ Options for Better Indoor Quality
The best solution for each individual will depend on their unique needs and situation. Each of the IAQ options offered by our company has its own set of benefits.
- Air filters are an efficient way to filter out outdoor contaminants like pollen, dust, and mold spores. They’re also effective at removing indoor pollutants that may be present in the air you breathe, such as VOCs from paper products, formaldehyde gas emitted by synthetic materials, pet dander, or germs.
- Air purifiers can reduce allergens in your home, but they are most effective when used with an air filter.
- Air duct cleaning is a way to remove contaminants from your heating and cooling system (HVAC). This includes minerals, molds, fungi, and dust particles created by the abrasion of metal parts inside your HVAC unit.
- Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help to regulate the humidity levels in your home. Too much humidity can cause mold and bacteria growth, while too little humidity can lead to dry skin, lips, and nasal passages.
- HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) and ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) systems are designed to exchange heat or moisture between two airstreams. This is a more efficient form of ventilation that can help to improve indoor air quality while reducing your heating and cooling costs.