IAQ Whittier, CA
What is IAQ? How important is it?
One of the many overlooked components of HVAC system results is overall indoor air quality. Yes, many people know it is one of the main after effects a good HVAC system is supposed to achieve, but not many go further in depth into what qualifies as good air quality, and conversely what qualifies as bad air quality. The EPA estimates that indoor air quality can be anywhere from 2.5-5x more contaminated than outdoor air quality, leading up to almost 50% of most illnesses. That is a very high number, so if you feel you are getting sick more frequently than most, look no further than your own living quarters as the first area of concern. Quality of ventilation does go down over time as debris and dust tend to build up, and the natural wear and tear of your heating or AC unit over time will have it running less efficiently. This means pumping out less cold air into your system due to clogs in the ducts or the unit not being maintained.
How Harmful is poor air quality?
Poor indoor air quality can lead to a bevy of problems both in the long term and short term for the health of the residents. The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes that about 3.8 million people die every year from illnesses that are rooted from poor air quality within their homes. Some of these include heart disease, cognitive defects, and cancer. There are multiple external factors that also come into account, such as quality of the building, the surrounding air outside the residence, humidity, chemical pollutants within business districts, etc. It is imperative that the quality of air is assessed and overviewed within someone’s quarters since it is often neglected or overlooked well after the required time frame where it should be.
Numerous harmful chemicals are present in our living spaces, originating from various sources such as paint and wood furniture. It’s crucial to remain aware of these potential hazards when maintaining our homes for the well-being of ourselves and our loved ones. The fact that most of these chemicals are invisible heightens the threat, as it’s easy to underestimate the harm they can inflict on the air we breathe. Below, you’ll find a list of these harmful elements and the long-term damage they can cause. When multiple elements coexist within the same environment, the indoor air quality deteriorates significantly. Let’s explore these elements below:
Allergens
The substances that can trigger the immune system, causing allergic reaction. They can circulate within the air and remain on carpets or furniture if left unkept or uncleaned.
Asbestos
Fiborous material formerly used for making incombustible or fireproof building materials. The materials within asbestos can release fibers into the air which are often not noticeable or visible. These are known to be a harmful human carcinogen.
Carbon Monoxide
A very common, odorless & toxic gas that is found in fumes from burning multiple things, most commonly within the household anything utilizing gas. Fireplaces, grills, furnaces, stoves, all qualify. Venting helps combat the harmful gas that is emitted this way.
Formaldehyde
A chemical found in compressed wood and furniture, cabinets, flooring, and certain fabrics. Also found in adhesives and paints, it is also a carcinogen harmful to the human body.
Lead
Naturally occurring metal that has been used in a variety of products including gasoline, paint, plumbng pipes, ceramics, solders, batteries, and cosmetics.
There are other elements such as mold, radon, and smoke among others that can create hazardous environments for your air quality. That is why it is imperative that you are aware of what can go wrong with your system and remain prepared for the threats that may be looming. How can you achieve this? Regular checkups on your HVAC unit are a great start – having professionals that look at AC and furnace units every day take a look at your system twice a year can do great wonders for the health and safety of your home in the long run. It also does not need to be on that cadence of twice a year, that is just the minimum recommendation. If you are experience and awkward scents, headaches, drowsiness or anything abnormal, it is best to get a technician to check it out.
Enter: Omni Air HVAC
With our elite knowledge of the HVAC industry, Omni Air HVAC is equipped to get you an honest assessment of your home environment, and recommend the appropriate steps to get everything completed for the safety of your home or business. Trust the certified specialists that are operating within the Whittier, CA area with managing the quality of your home. Minimize the everyday risk of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and more with the appropriate diagnosis and service. We understand the importance of indoor air quality, and recommend at the minimum having a maintenance plan so that it becomes more of a set and forget situation to have it maintained. However, if you do feel your current situation needs an assessment we will gladly inspect the current quarters that you have and provide you with an honest reading. Contact us today (714)-813-0584 today and we will get you taken care of.