Causes And Signs Of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Temperature, humidity, and particles in the air determine your indoor air quality (IAQ). Poor IAQ affects your comfort and health. Below are the causes and signs of poor IAQ.

HVAC-Related Causes of Poor IAQ

Several HVAC issues can lower IAQ. Below are examples of such issues.

Inadequate Humidity Control

The AC removes humidity from the air as part of its cooling function. For example, an oversized AC won't run long enough to remove moisture from the air. Secondly, a leaking condensate drain can also increase humidity by failing to dispose of the condensed moisture properly. The humidity can trigger mold growth that fouls up the air.

Clogged Air Filter

The HVAC cleans the air by trapping pollutants, like pet dander and dust particles. A clogged filter restricts this function and allows the pollutants to recirculate in the house.

Combustion and Venting Issues

Combustion problems foul your indoor air if they increase the volume of pollutants from the furnace or leak pollutants in the house. Combustion byproducts can leak in the house if something blocks the furnace vent. Inadequate combustion air can lead to incomplete combustion that produces a lot of soot and fouls your house.

Signs of Poor IAQ

Watch out for signs of poor IAQ so you can intervene before further complications. Below are some things to watch out for.

Poor Health

Poor IAQ affects your household's health in different ways. The effects depend on the nature of the pollutants plus the health and ages of household members. For example, you might develop allergic reactions if your indoor air contains pet dander to which you are allergic.

Poor IAQ often affects the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. You might develop dry skin, sneezing, and throat irritations.

Dust Buildup

You should also suspect poor IAQ if your house is dirtier than usual. Dusty surfaces often ensure with clogged air filters.

Unpleasant Odors

Some of the pollutants that foul the air have unpleasant smells. Examples include mold, pollen, and dust. Thus, you should suspect poor IAQ if your house smells and you cannot identify the cause.

Poor Sleep Quality

Lastly, poor IAQ can also interfere with your ability to fall and stay asleep throughout the night. For example, a study on the relationship between IAQ and sleep showed that people do not fall asleep quickly in stuffy environments or rooms with high carbon dioxide levels.

Maintain your HVAC system and house to enjoy good IAQ. Contact a contractor for diagnosis and help if you suspect something is wrong with your indoor air. For more information, contact a company like Mid Mississippi Heating & AC, LLC.

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