When people think about air pollution it generally relates to the outdoors, but indoor air pollution can often be just as big of a problem, if not bigger. Tobacco smoke, pollen and mold spores, household cleaning products, pesticides, gases, such as carbon monoxide and radon, as well as building materials can cause allergies and illness.
The consequences of indoor air pollutants range from short- to long-term effects. Most often indoor air pollution only cause discomfort, but some impurities and toxins can cause diseases, like asthma, emphysema and cancer. Additionally, exposure to some pollutants, like carbon monoxide, can result in sudden death.
Many times indoor air pollution can be traced to spending time in a particular building or even a specific room, with symptoms improving or abating after leaving a particular area. Symptoms of indoor air pollution quality can vary and may include:
A HVAC contractor can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of a building’s air quality and identify problems, such as dust and pollen particulates and chemicals.
Clean the Ductwork
As the heating and cooling systems rely on ducts to move the air, the building’s HVAC system should be professionally cleaned regularly. General recommendations are to have ductwork cleaned every five years, but it may need to be done more frequently in areas of heavy outdoor air pollution.
Clean the Chimney
Chimney flues should also be cleaned professionally every year to prevent buildup that can cause smoke to backing up into the building, resulting in accumulation of both smoke irritants and deadly carbon monoxide gas.
Clear the Air
Have the HVAC system filters cleaned or replaced every spring and fall. A separate high-quality air filter will also remove most airborne contaminants.
Fix Leaks
Any wet areas inside a building must be addressed. Roof leaks, plumbing or a wet basement are prime areas for mold growth, which can result in spores being released into the air, causing allergies and disease.
Install Detection Devices
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Having an automated air-quality detection device, as well as smoke, carbon monoxide and radon detectors, professionally installed will provide ongoing air-quality assessments and early warnings to indoor air-pollution dangers.
Make sure you're breathing fresh air in your Brenham home. Call Plumb Level at (979) 200-6674, and get the experts to solve the problem.