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The Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants

The Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants

The air in your home can become contaminated with many different pollutants. These pollutants can cause problems with breathing and more. Figuring out what common pollutants you have in your home is important. With this knowledge, you can learn how to improve your indoor quality.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

The most common indoor pollutants include:

  • Biological pollutants. These pollutants come from living things. This includes things like pet dander, pollen, dust, viruses, and mites.
  • Carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide enters the air when you burn fuel. Indoors, kerosene lamps and gas heaters can cause carbon monoxide. This gas can be harmful to humans, leading to severe illness.
  • Cookstoves and heaters. Using wood to heat a home or cook can lead to indoor air pollution. This is due to smoke and fumes. Improper ventilation can cause this to be a severe health risk.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds. Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are gasses. These gasses are common in fresheners, wood preservatives, paints, and more.
  • Pesticides. Pesticides are very toxic and can cause indoor air quality to be very poor. These pesticides can cause both short-term and long-term health effects.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

There are many different ways that you can improve the indoor quality of your home. These steps get rid of all the common pollutants that might be lingering around. These ways include:

  • Eliminating pesticides. First, you should reduce the use of pesticides in your home that use harsh chemicals. There are more common and safer options out there. These will help you get rid of pests without compromising your indoor air quality.
  • Eliminating VOCs. Getting rid of VOCs is important for your indoor air quality. Take the time to research what you are cleaning your home with. Choose all-natural cleaners and air fresheners.
  • Cleaning often. To improve the indoor air quality of your home, and get rid of pollutants, you will want to clean your home often.
  • Changing air filters. Your HVAC system is an integral part of your home’s indoor quality. Change your air filters every 30 days for the best indoor air quality.
  • Purification. Consider having an HVAC professional install an air purification system. This system works with your HVAC system to purify your home.
  • Do proper heating and cooling system maintenance. Keeping your heating and cooling system maintained will also improve your indoor quality. Holes in your ductwork can allow dust and debris in your home, which will compromise your home’s air quality. A technician can come out to ensure you have the best quality possible.

Call Us Today

At Service Express Heating and Cooling, we know the importance of good indoor air quality. If you want to improve the quality of air in your home, give us a call today. One of our HVAC professionals will come out to take a look at your system to see how we can improve it.