What’s Causing Your Indoor Air Pollution?

Signs Of Indoor Air Pollution

You may not always see the air pollution in your home, but you can tell that it is there. Different irritants affect people in various ways. Some of the most common issues people experience are allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. If it feels like you have a cold that will never go away, it may be a sign of poor air quality.



Headaches and fatigue are another sign of problems with your air. Often, impure air can make it difficult to sleep. People living with these conditions will feel tired and rundown. If you notice that these symptoms disappear when you stay at a different location, you will want to investigate the air in your home.

Dust And Pollen

Dust is a natural part of life. A good portion of the dust you can see floating in your air on a sunny day is made of dead skin cells from the residents of your house. If you have animals like dogs or cats, you will also have pet dander. In addition, as people go in and out of your residence, seasonal pollen grains will make their way inside.



Although you can remove some of these impurities with the filters on your heating and cooling systems, you will still need to put some effort into traditional cleaning methods like sweeping and dusting. A robotic vacuum that automatically cleans your floors can be a big help. You might also encourage guests to remove their shoes when they enter your home. This will keep them from tracking in more impurities from the outdoors.

Dust Mites And Mold Spores

Dust mites are a natural part of your home’s ecosystem. However, their waste products can cause allergic reactions in some people. Removing dust will help to control their population. Regular duct cleaning can remove one of their favorite hangouts.



Mold spores are a problem if your house is especially humid. Large colonies of mold can be a health risk. For this reason, it is very important to use exhaust fans that will draw steam out of your bathrooms. When someone takes a steamy shower, make certain that the fan runs for 10 minutes afterward.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Many household items produce VOCs. If someone smokes in your home, the fumes from cigarettes release a number of chemicals into the air. Cooking with oil also sends out small amounts of chemicals into the kitchen. Common cleaning and beauty products release their chemical fingerprints in the bathroom. Your garage or workroom may have paints, lubricants, and adhesives that slowly release VOCs.



In high enough concentrations, these chemicals can be hazardous to your health. If you read the packaging on most of these products, you will see instructions about using them in open, well-ventilated spaces. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to vent some of these compounds outdoors. If you or a family member is a smoker, it is best to light up outside.

The Importance Of Ventilation

Newer construction techniques make home ventilation a challenge. There are fewer cracks and crevices where fresh air can make its way inside. This is great for the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, but it slows down the exchange of stale air and fresh air. Opening some windows on pleasant days can help. Adding a home ventilator to your current home climate system is a powerful way to improve your air quality.

Cleaning Your Ducts

One of the helpful services we provide at Expert Air Control is professional duct cleaning. As air travels through your ductwork over the course of a year, it deposits dust and dirt. Your ducts become lined with a layer of crud that serves as a breeding ground for mold, dust mites, and bacteria. Every time your climate systems turn on, more contaminants are pushed into your living spaces. When we clean out your ducts, you can rest assured that you will have a clean start to the next heating or cooling season.

Your Professional Home Comfort Partner

Expert Air Control is the company Puyallup residents trust for their heating and cooling needs. We also provide duct sealing, gas piping, and electrical services. Our commitment to customer satisfaction has earned us an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and Premier Dealer status from Trane. Contact Expert Air Control today for more information.

Categories: Indoor Air Quality