Are You Damaging Your Own Air Quality in Kissimmee, FL?
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to various health problems, including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, coughing and asthma attacks. Here are certain habits that can damage your IAQ and ways to minimize their effects in Kissimmee, FL.
Smoking Indoors
Smoking indoors is a dangerous habit that can highly reduce indoor air quality. Not only does smoking create an uncomfortable environment, but it also releases toxic chemicals into the air. In addition to health risks, smoking indoors can also cause unpleasant odors, discoloration of furniture and surfaces and increased fire risk.
Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all indoor areas are smoke-free zones to preserve the health of all occupants. You should insist that any smoking be done outside. However, those who smoke indoors should do it in a well-ventilated area with open windows to allow fresh air circulation.
Using Toxic Cleaning Products
Many household cleaners contain toxic chemicals such as chlorine and ammonia, which can damage IAQ if used too frequently or in confined spaces such as bathrooms. The fumes from these products can irritate the lungs and eyes, leading to respiratory problems. In addition, according to U.S Environmental Protection Agency, many of these products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which get released into the air and can be hazardous to breathe.
The most common culprits in your home are air fresheners, cleaning products, and detergents. The fragrances used in these products contribute to respiratory issues and long-term health concerns from extended periods of inhalation. If you look at the ingredients in your cleaners and see fragrance, that should be an immediate red flag.
To improve air quality, it is important to use non-toxic alternatives when cleaning and opt for natural soaps and detergents that do not contain harsh chemicals or VOCs. It is also essential to open windows and doors or use a ventilation system when cleaning to prevent the buildup of pollutants. Finally, avoid using aerosol sprays, which can contain even more hazardous chemicals.
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation is one of the prime reasons you could damage your air quality. When the air inside a building cannot circulate or refresh with outdoor air, it becomes stagnant and can collect pollutants such as dust mites, spores and harmful gases. It causes a buildup of humidity, which can lead to the growth of biological contaminants.
Lack of ventilation can make the air stuffy and uncomfortable, making breathing difficult for people. To improve indoor air quality, you should increase airflow in your living or working space by opening windows or running fans. Additionally, you should make sure your air conditioner is well-maintained and regularly serviced to obtain maximum efficiency.
Manually Adjusting the Thermostat
Every time you adjust the temperature, you are causing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This extra work generates more air pollutants and can decrease your system’s efficiency, reducing the air quality in your home.
Additionally, constantly adjusting the thermostat can wear out the system faster, leading to increased maintenance costs and other negative impacts on air quality. To avoid these issues, consider installing a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature, optimizing your home’s air quality and energy savings.
DIY Renovations
DIY renovations without proper safety protocols can seriously affect IAQ. They can introduce harmful dust and debris into the air, allowing it to circulate throughout your home or business.
Besides damaging IAQ, these renovations can lead to structural damage or safety hazards due to improper installation or use of materials. So, it’s important to take precautions like wearing protective gear, adequately ventilating work areas and working with a professional who can help to protect your health and IAQ.
No matter what type of air conditioning system you have, it is important that your indoor air quality remains healthy. Contact Frank’s Air Conditioning, and we will help you with AC installation and maintenance around Kissimmee, FL, to ensure that the air quality in your home or office is always at its best.
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