Your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) can be a major factor when it comes to the health and well-being of everyone living inside. Indoor contaminants and pollutants can come from a multitude of sources. Many contaminants quickly multiply and accumulate, which can cause discomfort, sickness, and worse. Read on to get the inside scoop on poor IAQ, monitoring IAQ, and what you can do if your home has an air-quality problem.
Indoor Sources for Contaminants
Some of the most common and harmful indoor contaminants are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are found in solvents, paint, furnishings, and carpets, and VOCs evaporate under normal indoor-climate conditions.
Attached garages, fuel-burning appliances, and fireplaces are common sources for pollutants and carbon monoxide (CO). That’s why it’s important to ensure that the door to an attached garage is sealed, furnaces are inspected annually, and CO detectors are installed in the right parts of your home.
Leading Harmful Outdoor Contaminants
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), radon is the top environmental cause of any type of cancer. Radon is a radioactive gas that is naturally produced in the ground. Radon can infiltrate your home through cracks in the foundation. Consider having your home tested for radon, and take the appropriate mitigation measures if necessary.
Monitor and Improve Indoor Air Quality
There are several IAQ monitors to suit any home’s monitoring needs. It’s wise to consult your HVAC contractor to conduct a test of the contaminants of your home’s indoor air. Only then will you know exactly which contaminants need to be mitigated and continually monitored.
A whole-home approach to continuous, Wi-Fi-enabled IAQ monitoring and contaminant mitigation works best. A great example of an HVAC system and monitoring device for the whole-home approach is the Lennox Smart Air Quality Monitor, which is designed to work seamlessly with Lennox on-demand, whole-home ventilation and air-purification products. These Lennox products monitor the quality of indoor and outdoor air and adjust in real time, resulting in a more healthful and comfortable home.
If you have questions or concerns about your home’s indoor air, please contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company.
