Most New Year’s resolutions are related to health. Losing weight and exercising more are common goals but what a lot of people don’t think about are the less-than-obvious ways to be healthy.
For example, have you ever thought about the quality of the air you breathe in your very home? Studies have shown that indoor air quality (IAQ) is often worse inside a home than the air outside. Read on to learn more about how poor indoor air quality can affect your health and how duct cleaning in Nashville, TN can help.
My house is clean, doesn’t that mean my inside air is good?
The air inside your home is influenced by many things and although the cleanliness of your home plays a role, there are many contributing factors. For example, common air pollutants are the very cleaning products you use to keep your home spick and span.
Cleaning products such as detergents, floor and furniture polishes, disinfectants, and sanitizers can emit harmful chemicals through off-gassing and can even react with other chemicals in the air to form harmful by-products. These products are also called volatile organic compounds or VOCs.
People also mistakenly think that their home is a fortress that is sealed tightly against the outside elements. But environmental pollutants can get inside your home and your ductwork through open doors and windows, ventilation systems, and cracks in structures. These can include anything that exists in the outside air: pollen, dust, dirt, mold, smoke, smog, and emissions caused by combustion processes.
When you combine all these pollutants with a home that has poor ventilation, it doesn’t add up well. Most HVAC systems do not mechanically bring fresh air into your home. You can improve ventilation by opening windows and doors and using window or attic fans.
How Dirty Ductwork Contributes to Poor Indoor Air Quality
Now you know how all those pollutants are getting into your home, it makes sense that they also get into your ducts which can be poorly sealed and leaky. What’s worse, because your air ducts are tucked behind walls and ceilings, the only way they can be accessed and cleaned is by a professional duct cleaning company such as ours. Air duct cleaning can help stop the cycle of pollutants circulating in the air you breathe.
Common Health Issues Caused by Poor Indoor Air Quality
- Respiratory problems can become a problem when air quality is low. All the particulates in the air can irritate your mucous membranes and sinuses, hurting your immune system and affecting your ability to fight off colds and bugs. Common ailments caused by poor air quality include colds, flu, asthma, sore throat, stuffy nose, dry eyes, painful sinuses, headaches, asthma, and allergies
- Sleep problems can also result because of respiratory issues. When you can’t breathe well or are uncomfortable, it’s harder to get a good night’s sleep. Poor indoor air quality can also cause snoring and an increased risk of sleep apnea. If you or anyone in your home snores, professional duct cleaning may help restore peace and quiet.
When you need professional duct cleaning, look no further than Covenant Heating and Cooling. Contact us today. We are “Dedicated to the Promise of Serving You!”