FAQs About IAQ
While it may seem unbelievable, we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors. And for most of us, the quality of the air inside our homes has never once crossed our minds. For so much time spent inside, our indoor air quality needs to be discussed more. Follow along to read some commonly asked questions about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
What does IAQ consist of?
IAQ simply stands for Indoor Air Quality and is composed of many various factors. Common pollutants that can impact your IAQ are as follows:
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Pesticides
- VOCs
- Tobacco smoke
- Other combustion byproducts
This is certainly not a comprehensive list. Your home’s air quality can be impacted by a wide range of contaminants.
Where Do These Contaminants Come From?
Contaminants impacting your home’s IAQ can come from indoor or outdoor sources. Possible combustion sources that are indoors could be caused by fireplace smoke or fumes or smoking tobacco. Building materials, cleaning supplies, paints, and insecticides are all additional sources for pollutants to emerge from within the home. From the outdoors, volatile chemicals in water supplies can enter indoor air when building occupants use water (e.g., during showering, cooking). Additionally, radon can enter homes through minor gaps or cracks within the structure.
Is My Home’s IAQ Important?
Yes! Homes have become increasingly better insulated and air-tight, which traps your air and any airborne pollutants inside. While this tight seal will keep you more comfortable in terms of temperature, it is not ideal for IAQ. When indoors, the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. Consistently breathing this poor quality air can have vast negative effects on your health.
How Do I Improve My IAQ?
Air purification systems are the most effective way to remove airborne bacteria, viruses, allergy pollutants, and pet dander from the place you should be most safe: your home. Legacy Heating & Cooling offers a number of systems to clean and freshen your air. To view our trusted air purification products, click here.
How Does IAQ Impact Children?
Children may be more susceptible to these exposures than adults, due to their still-developing systems. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine stated that 65% of asthma cases among elementary school-age children could be prevented by controlling exposure to indoor allergens and tobacco smoke. Children are vulnerable to these exposures, making proper IAQ management even more crucial.
We Can Help
To learn more about IAQ or how we can help, give us a call at (205) 364-1044 or visit our website. As your local American Standard Customer Care Dealer in Tuscaloosa, AL, we care about the comfort of your whole home and family. For more information, tips, and to follow along with our work, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! FAQs about IAQ FAQs about IAQ FAQs about IAQ FAQs about IAQ FAQs about IAQ
