Few things in life are as important or taken for granted as the air we breathe. It’s easy to forget about something that’s both invisible and has always been here, but it’s also vital that we do what we can to make sure it’s clean. It’s important to Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing that everyone in Houston has clean air to breathe, especially at home.
Clean air is essential to healthy living — indoor air pollution in Houston can lead to a variety of issues such as eye irritation, difficulty breathing, and skin problems. Doing things like cleaning and maintaining all of your air filters on schedule and regularly dusting and vacuuming your home can go a long way in maintaining the quality of the air you breathe at home.
It’s important to us that our customers have all the resources we can provide so they can make informed and knowledgeable choices when it comes to their HVAC solutions and the air they breathe. To help with that, we’ve put together a list of the five most common home air contaminants with some tips on how you can combat them.
Asbestos
According to the official definition by the EPA, asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil. During the mid-1900’s, the material was incredibly popular as a building material because it was cheap to make, fire-retardant and worked incredibly well as an insulator. Unfortunately, it was discovered in recent years that asbestos exposure can greatly increase your risk of developing lung disease, including a rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma.
Because of its popularity, asbestos is unavoidable in some older buildings. It’s important to have older buildings and houses inspected for asbestos by a professional before any serious maintenance or construction is done.
Biological Pollutants
This category includes mold, pollen, dust or anything related to something that is or was living. Yes, that includes bugs! Areas that are especially vulnerable to bio-pollutants are places where there might be excessive moisture. Damp, cool areas — like under a sink — can be prime breeding grounds for mold which can greatly affect your overall indoor air quality. This type of pollutant can also become worse depending on the season. Spring brings in beautiful weather in Houston, but it also brings large amounts of pollen and other plant matter.
It’s important to make sure excessive moisture isn’t allowed to sit when you can avoid it, and keeping your windows closed during the spring months will go a long way in making sure the air inside your home stays clean and breathable. The risk of this type of air pollutant can also be greatly reduced by well-maintained filters in your home’s HVAC system.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that’s emitted when fuel sources such as gasoline or natural gas is burned. When inhaled in large amounts, carbon monoxide can easily cause sickness and even death in a very short amount of time. This makes it very important for people in homes that utilize gas appliances to be mindful of the carbon monoxide levels in their homes.
Whether you buy one from us (we do sell them) or elsewhere, homes with gas appliances should keep and maintain at least one carbon monoxide detector at all times.
Cookstoves And Heaters
Fireplaces and coal stoves are common sources of indoor air pollutants that homeowners need to be mindful of. Without proper ventilation, the smoke that they produce can accumulate in the air and can have real impacts on one’s health.
If you use one of these items to heat your home or cook, it’s important to ensure that all associated ventilation is properly and well maintained. If ventilation or filtration are not installed in your home, we do offer comprehensive home services including IAQ system installations for kitchens. Let us help you keep your kitchen clean and smoke-free!
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde, like Asbestos, is another product widely used in construction materials that can be detrimental to both indoor air quality and health. Long-term exposure can cause cancer and brief exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat.
Formaldehyde is produced in several ways, including in cigarettes, gas stoves, kerosene lamps and electric space heaters. While most normal appliances will not produce thissubstance in dangerous amounts, it’s important to maintain ventilation anywhere formaldehyde may be produced.
IAQ Services In Houston
Air is essential to all homeowners, and many people never think about it until it isn’t there or it becomes harmful. Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing is here to make life simpler when you DO have to think about the air in your home. We’re determined to provide Houston with the knowledge and resources it needs to keep the air we breathe clean and safe. Contact us today for stellar IAQ services!
