Did you know that the air quality in your home could be making you and your family sick? Although you may not know it, your HVAC system may be exposing you to pollutants that trigger asthma, allergies, cancer, and other health issues. Here’s some information on the basics of indoor air quality.

Causes

Indoor air pollution is caused by dangerous gases or particles in the air. This can occur in a number of ways including through damaged or dirty HVAC and air conditioning systems, heat pumps, mold growth in air ducts, household cleaners. Combustion sources like oil, gas, and tobacco, and products in aerosol cans can release dangerous indoor air pollutants. Poor indoor air quality can also be caused by external pollutants including radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution.

Effects

Continue exposure to polluted air in the home can lead to a number of health complications. Radon exposure is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, causing over 15,000 deaths a year. Irritation, allergies, and illnesses like the flu and measles can be triggered by exposure to formaldehyde or biological contaminants like dust mites, pest waste, and mold growth. Many household products and combustion gasses can lead to headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and cancer. These common indoor air pollutants can severely hamper your ability live comfortably. Maintaining your HVAC system is important to preventing prolonged exposure to indoor air pollutants, since your air conditioning, furnace, and heat pumps are the primary sources of air circulation in the home. Proper HVAC service and repair can help uncover sources of poor indoor air quality before it is too late.

To learn more about improving your indoor air quality with indoor air purifiers and humidifiers from trusted brands like Carrier, contact Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning. We specialize in indoor air quality solutions to fit all types of HVAC systems. Visit us online or call Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning at (301) 900-5559.