Managing Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Why IAQ Matters in Asheville

You might hear about outdoor air quality pretty frequently. Pollution and the environment are important topics of discussion today, and with that, talk of outdoor air quality is rampant, especially in urban areas like Asheville. However, one area of discussion that is sometimes neglected is that of indoor air quality, or IAQ.

Maintaining good IAQ is essential for a healthy life. Poor air quality can lead to a wide range of health issues such as respiratory diseases, headaches, increased allergy symptoms, fatigue and much more. In some cases, continued exposure to poor air quality can even cause long-term damage to the lungs and other organs. Taking steps to improve your home's IAQ is crucial for protecting the health and well-being of everyone in the household.

At Aire Serv of Western North Carolina, we’re passionate about educating our community members in Asheville and other areas of Western North Carolina so they can take steps to improve their own IAQ. In this blog, we’ll discuss several ways that you can help create a healthier environment at home.

What Is Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Poor IAQ is defined by a high concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants in the air. These contaminants can accumulate to dangerous levels in a house and lead to adverse health effects if not remedied promptly.

Examples of VOCs and other air pollutants that are sometimes found is homes include:

• Allergens
• Asbestos
• Dust particles
• Particles from building materials such as flooring or carpets
• Pet dander
• Pesticides
• Radon
• Secondhand smoke

High humidity levels and poor ventilation can increase the concentration of certain airborne pollutants. Additionally, weather conditions can also cause poor air quality outside, which can then be brought indoors if improperly ventilated.

Take Steps to Reduce Dust and Pet Dander

While we all love our furry four-legged friends, they can be contributors of poor IAQ. Regular vacuuming of carpets, rugs, and furniture is recommended to effectively reduce dust and pet dander at home. Washing cloth items such as blankets and curtains should also be done periodically, as these are porous surfaces that can attract various particles.

Additionally, dusting surfaces with a damp cloth can help pick up larger particles and reduce the amount of airborne dust in your home. Investing in allergen-resistant bedding and furniture covers can provide another line of defense against dust mites, pet dander, and other airborne particles if you’d like to take extra precautions.

Use Household Appliances Responsibly & Improve Ventilation

Using household appliances responsibly can go a long way in improving your home’s IAQ. This includes operating ranges and ovens in ventilated areas, like near an open window or utilizing an exhaust fan if you have one. If you don’t, investing in one is a smart way to improve air quality. Exhaust fans are designed to remove unwanted odors, smoke, steam, and other airborne particles from kitchens, and are useful tools for those who cook frequently.

Exhaust fans can also be used in areas like bathrooms or near your washer and drier to remove moisture. Other ways to improve your Asheville home’s ventilation include using ceiling fans to improve airflow and leaving windows and doors open when possible, to circulate fresh, outdoor air.

Keep Your HVAC Systems Clean and Invest in Air Purifiers

Maintaining your HVAC system is an important step in keeping the air quality in your home healthy and free of pollutants. Regularly cleaning out any dust, debris or other contaminants from the system will help prevent build-up that can lead to allergies or respiratory issues. Additionally, replacing filters for heating and cooling systems every 3 to 6 months can help reduce indoor air pollution.

Air purifiers are another great way to reduce indoor air pollution and improve the air quality of your home. They work by filtering out particles, allergens, and contaminants from the air and can also help reduce odors, smoke, mold, and bacteria, making them especially helpful for those with asthma or allergies. You can purchase small air purifiers for individual rooms, or even invest in a whole-home air purification system.

Furthermore, having a professional from Aire Serv of Western North Carolina inspect your system regularly will ensure any potential problems with the air ducts, blower components, or other parts are identified before they become serious problems. Additionally, our Asheville team can provide you with air quality testing and improvement solutions.

From helping you regulate humidity to changing your air filters, we’ll re-test your air quality after our service is completed to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure that you and your family can breathe easy.

If you’d like to learn more about our air quality services in Asheville and beyond, contact us online or call today!