What is Indoor Air Quality and How to Maintain Optimal Levels

When it comes to being indoors, what we breathe is everything. Throughout our lives, we spend quite a bit of time indoors. Certain air pollutants can be harmful, leading to health problems, so we need to be sure that the air quality is improved and maintained to keep everyone healthy and safe.

Specifically in homes, schools, and offices, air quality is paramount since this is where we spend most of our time. If the air is below a specific threshold, certain pollutants can cause mold or pests that elevate health risks.

Luckily, we know what the common pollutants are in these spaces, so we can work to get rid of them and maintain the air quality in the home. While some contaminants are serious irritants, causing sore eyes, burning nose, or worse, others can merely worsen allergies or cause headaches or fatigue.

Do you think your space is at risk of poor air conditions? DuctServ can help clear the air, literally. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of air quality and how you can avoid harmful air pollutants!

Why is Air Quality Important?

Before you can understand the elements that can harm the air in your space, you should know why air quality is so important. While we mentioned health issues, it is important to understand exactly what can be harmful.

Air quality can decrease due to poor ventilation and excessive humidity. These two factors can lead to the growth and spread of mold or bacteria. These contaminants can lead to poor air conditions and, in turn, health issues for those who spend time in that space. Bad air can also increase allergies leading to sneezing or itchy eyes (or both). It can also lead to more severe issues, such as poor cardiovascular health. Evidently, proper ventilation is vital in minimizing severe health risks in living and working spaces.

What Can Harm Air Quality?

To gauge the air quality in your home, office, or other space, you should know that things inside and outside of the area can affect the air quality inside. The most common things that can be negatively affecting your air are:

While poor air conditions can come from various sources or a combination of a few, there are ways to protect your space from being infiltrated by these sources, causing you to feel unwell. So how can you improve and maintain your air quality?

Improving and Maintaining Air Quality

There are some key ways to improve the air in your space:

Clean your HVAC unit for improved air quality

By installing and maintaining your ventilation system, controlling humidity, and limiting pollutants, your lungs and overall health will thank you.

Thankfully, improving your air quality is easier than you may think. To make things easier, here are some tips and tricks for making adjustments in the home:

Stay Mindful of Humidity

Humidity is one of the main culprits of poor air. Maintaining a healthy humidity level can deter mold and mildew growth. On the flip side, too little humidity makes the air extremely dry, which can be uncomfortable for you and those with whom you share the space. Low moisture levels often result in cracked and dry skin and can even make it hard for you to breathe.

The humidity levels in your home should ideally be between 35-45%. Cooking, bathing, and even having certain plants can naturally increase the humidity levels in the home. But, a home HVAC system or dehumidifier helps measure and regulate these levels. So, keep tabs on your home’s humidity levels to help maintain air quality.

Prevent Pollutants

Pollutants are another culprit of poor air. When considering pollutants in the air, you are probably thinking the worst; however certain things, such as scented candles, air fresheners, and pets, also cause air pollutants in the home. Here are some common ways to avoid these:

Ventilate

One super simple way to improve and maintain the air quality in your home is to ventilate. Open your windows and refresh the air supply and circulation. Not only will you get some fresh air, but the stale air from your home will recirculate, helping it from getting too stagnant or stale.

Clean your air ducts for improved air quality

You also want to make sure that your air ducts are cleaned and serilized regularly to maintain the air quality in your home or office. Routine maintenance and cleaning can dramatically reduce odor, dust, and allergens, as well as prolong the life of your air filters.

Excellent Services

Now that you have seen the benefits of maintaining and improving the air quality in your home, you will want to invest in a reliable air duct cleaning service to get you started. Consider working with a company like DuctServ to help handle all your air duct and quality needs.

Ready to get started working with the experts? To contact the professionals at DuctServ, click the link here or call 225-572-6678 to get started.

Request an Estimate or Make an Appointment!

Latest Blogs