When you hear about air pollution, you may think of belching smokestacks and smoggy air. But your indoor air can contain allergens, chemicals, and dangerous pollutants like radon or pesticides. Fortunately, Heating Specialties of South Jersey, is your indoor air quality expert. Read on to learn what kind of pollutants can be lurking in your home’s indoor air – and how Heating Specialties can help protect you and your family with clean air solutions.
Different types of indoor air pollutants
There are many different types of indoor air pollutants, which can be roughly grouped into three main categories: biological, chemical, and hazardous air pollutants. Your home’s indoor air quality can vary depending on the season, your geographic location, or even your home’s construction materials. However these pollutants may play a role in your family’s health, both in creating immediate symptoms and long-term health concerns.
Biological pollutants are those that are caused by living sources. Think bacteria, germs, viruses, mold, animal dander, rodent waste, pollen, or dust mites. Certain biological pollutants may increase allergy symptoms in susceptible people. Bacteria and viruses may leave you feeling under the weather or downright lousy. These pollutants may be airborne, or they may take up residence within the surface of your furniture or carpet, where they can live for days.
Chemical pollutants are typically caused by manmade substances, like carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke, pesticides, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are evaporated substances that are emitted by paints, building materials or cooking processes.
Hazardous air pollutants are those that are known to be harmful or toxic. Hazardous air pollutants have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and serious health problems, even in low concentrations. The United States Environmental Protection Agency lists formaldehyde, methanol, and lead as some of the hazardous air pollutants on their list of 188.
Protecting your home and family from indoor air pollutants
If you could see the various air pollutants in your home, you could swat them down like a pesky fly. But most indoor air pollutants can’t be detected by your eyes alone. They can, however, be conquered by different indoor air quality strategies:
- Regular housecleaning can sweep up the pet dander and pollen that has settled on your home’s surfaces. Don’t forget to clean up any standing water or wet corners, which can be breeding grounds for dangerous mold.
- Change your air filters regularly. They are the first line of defense against outdoor pollutants that are trying to sneak into your home. Besides, a dirty air filter can make your home’s HVAC unit work harder, putting undue stress on the system.
Talk to Heating Specialties about indoor air quality solutions
Heating Specialties can recommend a variety of technological solutions designed to clean your home’s indoor air and keep your family feeling great throughout the year. Our expert HVAC technicians can help you pick the right product, which can range from mechanical filtration systems to air purifiers and systems equipped with UV germicidal lights.
Colder weather is coming, and you’re going to be spending most of your hours indoors at home. Make sure your indoor air stays clean with air quality solutions from Heating Specialties. Reach out to us now by calling us at (866) 923-2653 to schedule an appointment, or schedule your appointment online. Breathe easily when you have Heating Specialties by your side!