The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

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a plant in a pot by a window

It’s easy to neglect, but one thing that is essential at home is guaranteeing that your air quality is high. It can protect you against a variety of issues. Poor air quality can have a range of side effects on both your ability to stay comfortable indoors and, more crucially, on your health. Some forms of cancer are even linked to types of pollution that can be present in indoor air. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that the air in your home is always safe and breathable for yourself and your family. If you’re concerned about the quality of the air in your home, keep reading to learn more about what air quality is and why it’s so important.

Why is indoor air quality important?

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The quality of the air indoors has a meaningful impact on the safety, comfort, and security of your home. An air purifier is one preferred choice to help filter out harmful pollutants from the outdoors like allergens, mold, and pesticides, as well as reduce the presence of unpleasant odors. Negative health effects associated with air pollution range from minor irritations like headaches and nausea to serious health issues like several different types of cancer. You can avoid them with effort and care.

Condensation and moisture can also create damage if not managed carefully, which are all connected to maintaining a temperate environment indoors. If you have concerns about the air quality in your home, have a technician, contractor, or specialist come out to evaluate what the source of the problem might be so you can address it in a timely manner.

How can you improve your air quality?

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A high-quality HVAC system is a homeowner’s defense against contamination, so it’s essential that you maintain yours. Your filter should be changed every 90 days, and the entire system should be inspected at least once annually. If your HVAC is over 10 years old, you may need to consider replacing the system entirely. Your system’s energy efficiency is likely to be poor if it’s not well maintained or if the filter needs a change.

An air purifier can also make a big difference, though you’ll need to make sure you buy the right one for your home if you want it to work. Pay attention to the suggested room size on any particular model and the number of square feet it covers. Your air purifier will also need large air filters which must be changed on a regular basis. A purifier with a dirty filter won’t operate at peak efficiency or remove indoor air pollution.

Have your windows and doors inspected regularly. Cracks can let in outdoor air which can contain pollutants. Outdoor air sneaking inside also makes it difficult to regulate temperature, which can raise your energy costs. Don’t wait to fix your windows if they need a quality repair or glass replacement. You may even need new windows entirely. Look for window companies like this one that focuses on window replacement in Kalamazoo and the surrounding areas, to help you address your needs at a reasonable price. You want to work with someone with years of experience and excellent customer service for any important home improvement project, especially installing new windows if you’re expecting quality workmanship and an amazing job.

There are few things more important in your home than maintaining the quality of the air indoors. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to make sure that your indoor air quality remains consistent. If you can’t identify the issue, have a specialist come by and inspect rather than ignoring it for a long time. One source of indoor contamination are cracks in your windows and doors, which is why it’s so important to prioritize window replacement and repair if you have old windows that are starting to break down. An air purifier can also make a big difference, though you have to make sure you choose the right model for a large room. As long as you’re willing to spend time and money putting air quality first, you’re likely to do an excellent job creating a safe and happy environment at home.