Indoor Air Quality

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside your home and its impact on the health and comfort of the occupants. Unlike outdoor air, which is subject to natural elements and regulations, the air inside your home can be easily affected by numerous factors that are left untreated, from the building materials in your home to the exhaust from appliances you use. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems, such as allergies, asthma, headaches, fatigue, and respiratory issues, making it essential to address potential air quality problems.

Common Airborne Contaminants

Indoor air can harbor a range of contaminants, including:

• Dust and Dirt: Common in every home, dust can accumulate on surfaces and be carried through the air. Dust mites can also trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms.
• Pollen: While often associated with outdoor air, pollen can easily enter your home through open windows, doors, or on clothing, especially during allergy season.
• Mold Spores: Excess moisture or humidity can lead to mold growth, and mold spores can spread throughout the air, leading to respiratory problems and allergic reactions.
• Pet Dander: For pet owners, dander (tiny flakes of skin shed by animals) can float in the air and cause allergic reactions. These can quickly turn your air stuffy and stale too.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These harmful chemicals are released by household products such as paints, cleaning supplies, and furniture. VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and in some cases, cause long-term health issues.
• Carbon Monoxide: This colorless, odorless gas can be emitted by malfunctioning heating systems, gas stoves, or car exhaust fumes. High levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal, so it’s crucial to have a working carbon monoxide detector.
• Bacteria and Viruses: Especially in tight spaces or during cold and flu season, airborne bacteria and viruses can lead to the spread of illness. Poor ventilation can exacerbate this issue.

How We Can Help

At our company, we understand the importance of maintaining healthy indoor air. We provide effective air quality solutions designed to tackle these common contaminants and improve the air you breathe. Our offerings include UV air purifiers, which use ultraviolet light to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, and high-quality air filters, which trap dust, pollen, and pet dander to prevent them from circulating in your home.

We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can try out the right system for your home with no risk. Contact our expert team today to learn more about how we can help improve your indoor air quality with our advanced filtration and purification systems.

The Problems With Poor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can have a significant impact on your health, both in the short term and over the long term. The air inside your home can harbor a range of harmful pollutants, such as dust, mold spores, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and bacteria. Continuous exposure to these contaminants can lead to a variety of health problems, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or sensitivities.

Short-Term Health Effects

In the short term, poor air quality can cause immediate discomfort and irritations. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, and headaches. For individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma, these irritants can trigger asthma attacks or worsen symptoms. Even for people without pre-existing health issues, exposure to poor air can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a general sense of malaise.

Your comfort is important! Even if your air is simply stuffy and uncomfortable, you should still invest in an air quality system to make things breathable again.

Long-Term Health Effects

Long-term exposure to poor IAQ can lead to more serious health conditions. Prolonged inhalation of dust and mold spores can contribute to the development of chronic respiratory problems, including bronchitis, emphysema, and even lung cancer. Mold infestations, in particular, can cause irreversible lung damage, and those with mold allergies may suffer from chronic sinus issues and inflammation.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in household products such as paints, cleaners, and air fresheners have been linked to long-term health risks too, including liver and kidney damage, neurological problems, and even cancer. Some VOCs are classified as carcinogenic, which means they can increase the risk of cancer after prolonged exposure.

Vulnerable People in Your Home

Certain groups of people are especially vulnerable to the effects of poor indoor air. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with existing health issues such as asthma, allergies, or auto-immune diseases are more likely to suffer from the negative effects of poor IAQ.

Investing in air purification systems and improving ventilation can help reduce your exposure to harmful indoor air pollutants.

Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you improve your home’s air quality for better health and well-being.

The Systems We Install and Repair

If you’re on the lookout for an air quality system that makes a difference, you’ve come to the right place. Our team in Hillsboro, OH works diligently on the following systems, whether it’s installing them in your home or repairing and maintaining them so they work properly from here on out.

Air Filters

Air filters are essential for trapping airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. High-quality filters help improve indoor air quality by preventing these particles from circulating throughout your home. Regularly replacing or cleaning filters ensures that your air is free from any large contaminants that would regularly otherwise be circulated through your home.

Proper filter selection and installation are key to maximizing their effectiveness. A professional HVAC technician from our team can help you choose the right filter for your system and ensure that it’s installed correctly. Regular maintenance and filter changes are also essential for the continued performance of your air filtration system, which is why professional service is crucial to achieving optimal results.

Learn more about Air Filters

Air Purifiers

UV air purifiers are designed to remove harmful organic particles like bacteria, viruses, and mold spores from the air. Advanced purifiers fitted with additional filters can capture small particles as well, greatly improving indoor air quality. By reducing airborne contaminants, air purifiers help alleviate allergy symptoms and respiratory issues.

Proper installation and maintenance of air purifiers are essential to ensure they work effectively. HVAC professionals can assess your home’s specific needs and recommend the best air purifier for your space. Regular service ensures that filters are replaced on schedule and the system runs at peak efficiency.

Learn more about Air Purifiers

Energy and Heat Recovery Ventilators

Energy and heat recovery ventilators (ERVs and HRVs) bring fresh air into your home while preserving energy. These systems exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air without sacrificing heating or cooling efficiency. ERVs and HRVs can significantly improve ventilation and help maintain consistent indoor temperatures year-round.

Installation of ERVs and HRVs requires precise calculations to ensure they match your home’s size and ventilation needs. One of our professional technicians in Hillsboro, OH will ensure these systems are properly sized and integrated with your existing HVAC system. Regular maintenance helps maintain energy efficiency and optimal performance.

Learn more about Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Humidifiers add moisture to the air during dry seasons, preventing dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory issues. They even improve heating efficiency. Dehumidifiers, on the other hand, remove excess moisture, helping to prevent mold growth and keeping your home comfortable in humid conditions. Both devices promote a healthier living environment by regulating indoor humidity levels.

Professionals can assess your home’s specific needs and recommend the appropriate humidifier or dehumidifier for your space. Installation by an expert ensures optimal performance, while regular servicing, including cleaning and maintenance, keeps your system running smoothly and prevents potential damage to your HVAC system.

Learn more about Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Wi-Fi/Smart Thermostats

Wi-Fi and smart thermostats allow homeowners to control their home’s temperature and air quality remotely through a smartphone or voice assistant. With features like scheduling, energy usage tracking, and integration with other smart home devices, they help optimize energy consumption, ensuring your home is always at the perfect temperature while improving air quality.

Remember, a professional technician from our team can ensure that your Wi-Fi or smart thermostat is correctly installed and calibrated to work with your HVAC system. Proper setup ensures that your system operates efficiently, providing better control over both temperature and air quality. Periodic maintenance and software updates can further enhance the device’s performance.

Learn more about WiFi Smart Thermostats

Zone Control Systems

Zone control systems divide your home into different temperature zones, allowing you to adjust the heating and cooling in each area independently. This system improves comfort and reduces energy waste by allowing you to cool or heat only the rooms you are using, which can result in significant savings on your energy bills.

Proper installation of a zone control system requires expertise in balancing airflow and ensuring the system is integrated with your existing HVAC setup. A professional technician ensures the system is installed correctly, calibrated to your needs, and maintained regularly to ensure it provides consistent, energy-efficient comfort throughout your home.

Schedule installation today!

Learn more about Zone Control Systems

Preparing for an Air Quality Assessment

This list can help ensure the process goes smoothly and that the technician can gather accurate results. Here are some simple steps to take before your appointment:

• Clear the Area. Ensure that the areas where the technician will be conducting the test are easily accessible. This may include rooms with air vents, HVAC systems, or areas that might need a closer inspection for potential pollutants (such as mold or dust buildup).
• Turn on Your HVAC System. For the test to be accurate, your HVAC system should be running as it normally would. If you typically use your air conditioning or heating during certain hours, make sure it’s operating when the technician arrives.
• Identify Problem Areas. If you have specific concerns about air quality, such as mold growth, pet dander, or excessive dust, note these issues and be prepared to point them out to the technician. This will help them focus on areas that may need special attention.
• Keep Pets Secure. If you have pets, it’s a good idea to keep them in a separate room to avoid interference during the testing process.
• Ask Questions. Prepare any questions you might have about the air quality in your home or how to improve it. The technician will be happy to offer recommendations based on the results.

Proper preparation ensures an efficient, effective air quality test and helps you better understand the results.