In recent years, researchers have come to some rather surprising conclusions about the potential health effects of indoor air. A growing body of scientific evidence points to the fact that the air inside most buildings is more polluted than the air outside, even in some of the world’s largest and most industrialized cities. Given that most of us spend about 90 percent of our time indoors, these findings have led to increased concern about indoor air quality, particularly at home.

Detecting Poor Indoor Air Quality

It’s estimated that an individual takes in as many as 10,000 liters of air each day, much of which will come through your home’s HVAC system. You and your family are exposed to (and can react to) everything that’s in your indoor air. Dust, pollen, pet dander and mold spores are among the contaminants commonly found in indoor air. These contaminants can contribute to a myriad of health problems including respiratory distress, eye and throat irritation, fatigue, headaches, and many more. According to the US Department of Consumer Affairs, children and the elderly are the most likely to be affected. And for those with severe allergies or asthma, the effects can be quite serious. If someone in your household is experiencing unexplained health problems, your HVAC system may be to blame.

Improving Air Quality

You can do your part to prevent problems with indoor air quality by having your heating and cooling system routinely serviced by an HVAC professional. Doing so will not only improve the quality of the air you breathe, it will also prevent system failures and increase the life of your equipment. Changing your air filter regularly will also help to improve air quality. Most filters should be changed once a month. Advanced filters may not need to be changed as frequently. Ask an HVAC professional how often you should be changing the filter in your system. In addition to preventive maintenance and regularly changing your filters, you may want to consider an advanced air cleaning system for your home. These relatively new systems work in a variety of ways to reduce airborne contaminants and provide fresh, healthy air. They can also reduce unpleasant odors from cooking, smokers or pets. Some of the most robust systems can remove even the smallest bacteria and viruses. Virginia homeowners concerned about indoor air quality will find that United Air Temp offers state-of-the-art air equipment options and a preventive maintenance program designed to provide optimal indoor air quality while warding off costly repairs and extending equipment life. This northern Virginia air conditioning repair and service company is the local leader in comfort, and takes extra care to provide customers with the education and information they need to make the healthiest choices for their homes.