Modern homes are well sealed to keep heating and cooling indoors. While this improves energy efficiency, inadequate fresh air, indoor contaminants and nonstop recirculation can lead to problems.
Don’t worry, though, because Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can help you have an energy-efficient home that’s also comfortable. Our services include an air quality audit, air duct cleaning and products to help improve indoor air quality in Pella, Iowa.
Call us at 641-628-3621 today to start refreshing your home’s indoor air quality.
Evidence Your Home Has Poor Indoor Air Quality
Is your home’s air healthy? It might not be as fresh as you think. Pollution may be two to five times more concentrated indoors compared to outdoors, as reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Indoor air pollutants moving with your home’s air can lead to headaches and allergy flareups. And mold and mildew can trigger a number of health concerns.
Health Problems
While these symptoms can be caused by other issues, they can be evidence your home is struggling with indoor air quality (IAQ) problems. This is particularly true if you feel better while you’re not home.
- Dry eyes, nose, throat or skin
- Headaches and sinus issues
- Fatigue
- Allergies or asthma symptoms that are more intense than usual
- Coughing and sneezing
- Dizziness or nausea
Environmental Problems
A well-worn heating and cooling system can be a contributing factor in indoor air quality problems, especially if it’s unable to filter air, control humidity or keep temperatures stable.
Here are a few other signs you may need to improve your indoor air:
- Excessive static or mold growth
- Excessive dust
- Stale or musty odors
How Can I Stop Indoor Air Quality Problems?
Avoiding indoor air quality problems can be relatively simple with these 10 simple tips:
- Plan an indoor air quality audit with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. We’ll test areas that impact air quality, like humidity, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Then we’ll walk you through problems we come across and how you can resolve them.
- Clean regularly to reduce dust mites, which can worsen allergies and asthma.
- Clear your home of secondhand smoke.
- Get a whole-home filtration system to get rid of odors, instead of masking them with air fresheners or strong candles. The pollutants include chemicals that can lead to headaches or upset respiratory illness.
- Vent gas-burning appliances, like stoves and water heaters, to the outdoors.
- Keep your home’s humidity levels comfortable with a humidifier or dehumidifier, based on your needs. Adjust humidity under 50% to restrict mold and mildew growth.
- Check your home for radon. Long-term exposure to this invisible radioactive gas is the leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers, as reported by the EPA. You can get a radon test kit online or reach out to your state radon program for information on discounted or free kits.
- Utilize a ventilation system to replenish contaminated indoor air with fresh outdoor air.
- Choose natural cleaning and painting supplies that are low in or free of VOCs. High levels of VOCs can aggravate symptoms for family members with respiratory conditions.
- Place carbon monoxide detectors right outside bedrooms.
Start Cleaning Your Air Today with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating
With a full roster of certified professionals and indoor air quality solutions, Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can help your family breathe much easier. Call us at 641-628-3621 or contact us online today to begin.
