Indoor air pollution is a significant and growing health concern. The average person spends 90% of their time indoors, where pollutant concentrations can be two to five times higher than outside. Pollutants can enter your home from external sources, but there are also internal contributors. Inadequate ventilation allows these pollutants to accumulate, leading to both immediate and long-term health effects. Let’s explore the symptoms you may experience due to poor indoor air quality.
Persistent Unpleasant Smells
Insufficient ventilation in homes becomes especially problematic in both summer and winter when your home is tightly sealed and relies heavily on your HVAC system. If your system doesn’t provide an adequate influx of fresh air, the indoor air can become stale, and persistent bad odors may develop. An unpleasant burst of odor when your HVAC system kicks on could indicate dirty equipment or the presence of dust or mold in your ducts. Heavy dust and pet dander can also worsen odors over time, and unpleasant smells may be caused by gases and chemicals in the air.
Excessive Dust Accumulation
Dust is not only a common household allergen but also a primary cause of persistent bad smells. However, the issue with dust is more complex. It consists of various particles, including dead skin cells, bacteria, pollen, and insect debris. This combination acts like a sponge, absorbing gases and chemicals, extending their presence, and releasing them into the air over time.
Regular dusting is crucial, but excessive dust buildup can make this challenging. Poor ventilation and dirty HVAC equipment are common culprits. As dirt and biological material accumulate on evaporator and condenser coils, and carbon builds up on combustion components, your HVAC system’s efficiency decreases. To combat these issues, schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance, check your HVAC filter regularly, and replace it as needed. If dust remains a problem despite regular cleaning, consider upgrading your ventilation system and adding a whole-home air purifier.
High Energy Bills
Rising energy costs can be a sign of poor air quality. The evaporator coil, an essential part of an AC or heat pump, plays a key role in transferring heat from the air to the refrigerant. Over time, dirt and biological growth can accumulate on the coil, reducing its efficiency and leading to increased electricity usage. If there’s a high presence of particulate matter in your home, the coil will become dirty more quickly, resulting in higher cooling costs.
High or Low Humidity Levels
Humidity is a critical factor in air quality, and discomfort due to high or low humidity often signals a problem. Homeowners should aim for a relative humidity (RH) between 30-50%. In the summer, maintaining an RH of 50% or below can prevent issues with mold and dust mites. Conversely, low humidity in the winter can cause respiratory irritation and skin dryness. Many homeowners find it difficult to achieve the optimal RH range with their HVAC systems alone. A whole-house dehumidifier can help you reach the desired level in the summer, while a whole-house humidifier can assist in maintaining the optimal RH during the winter.
Heightened Allergies
Poor indoor air quality can exacerbate symptoms in people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Increased pollutants lead to greater inflammation, which can trigger allergic reactions and infections. Regular cleaning is essential to minimize this inflammation, and upgrading to a better HVAC filter can help. A filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13 will remove 90% of allergens. Additionally, consider using an air purifier with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, which removes over 99% of particulate matter.
Respiratory Irritation
Respiratory irritation isn’t limited to those with allergies and asthma. Pollution can trigger allergic rhinitis, a common condition affecting more than 40% of people worldwide. Allergic rhinitis causes inflammation of the nasal linings due to dust, pollen, and other allergens. Even without developing this specific allergy, individuals can experience persistent coughing, congestion, a sore throat, eye irritation, and other symptoms.
Frequent Illnesses
Respiratory inflammation can also increase your susceptibility to illnesses. For instance, individuals with inflammation from allergies are more prone to sinus infections. General inflammation can make you more vulnerable to the common cold, flu, and even COVID-19. Maintaining good indoor air quality and an optimal relative humidity (RH) can help reduce your risk of sickness. Additionally, consider using a UV lamp to lower the presence of bacteria and viruses in your home.
Restless Sleep and Snoring
Poor indoor air quality can contribute to snoring and make it more intense. It can also affect sleep in other ways, often leading to restless nights. Individuals may toss and turn, disrupting deep sleep cycles that are crucial for feeling well-rested. In some cases, poor air quality can cause or worsen insomnia, especially in those already prone to it.
Fatigue
Poor indoor air quality often leads to fatigue, which can start as an acute issue but may develop into a chronic problem. Restless sleep is one contributing factor, but inflammation is another major cause. Inflammation is your body’s response to foreign invaders, such as pollutants, and ongoing inflammation can significantly drain you both physically and psychologically. Addressing and correcting air quality issues typically alleviates this type of acute and chronic fatigue. Short-term health effects such as headaches and dizziness can also combine with fatigue due to poor indoor air.
Visible Mold or Mildew
Mold spores are always present and can thrive at a relative humidity (RH) of 60% or higher. It’s important to note that mold can affect your health weeks before it becomes visible or detectable by smell. When you can see or smell mold, it usually means that it has already colonized, and you have an infestation. While some molds are particularly toxic and dangerous, all mold is harmful to your health. Many varieties emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause organ damage with long-term exposure.
Improve Your Air Quality in Port Charlotte
The team at TitanZ Plumbing & Air Conditioning has many years of experience serving North Port and Port Charlotte homeowners. We help improve indoor air quality through whole-house air purification systems that effectively trap airborne pollutants. Our HVAC technicians are skilled in installing, replacing, and repairing heating and cooling systems and are available 24/7 for emergencies. Additionally, we offer a membership plan that saves you money while ensuring you receive essential HVAC maintenance each fall and spring. Our plumbers are also available for emergency services and handle the installation and repair of water, sewer, and gas pipes, fixtures, tank and tankless water heaters, water purifiers, and leak detection.