If you are an indoor allergy or asthma sufferer, then you know that “allergy season” can sound like a joke–allergies for us are practically year-round.
And what many homeowners don’t realize is that their indoor air quality can actually be worse than the quality of the air outdoors. This is because of how homes are constructed these days–homes are built to be very tight and efficient, disallowing any air from escaping or getting in. This is great news for the performance and monthly costs of your AC use, but not great news if you have allergies.
From dust to VOCs, there are a number of indoor pollutants that can make the allergy journey even worse. Fortunately, we are here to help! Read on to learn signs that you have indoor air quality problems, what could be causing those problems, and what solutions we have available for you!
Does Your Home Have Indoor Air Quality Needs?
Are you unsure if your indoor air quality is actually a problem? Maybe you’ve just figured you need to dust your home more often, and that’s why you keep having allergy symptoms. This might not be the case though, your indoor air quality may need more help than this. That said if you notice the following signs, you probably need indoor air quality help:
- Excessive Dust in the Home
- Uneven Temperatures Throughout the Home
- Humidity that is Too High or Too Low
- Stale Odors
- Respiratory problems
Common Indoor Air Contaminants
Dust: Dust is definitely one of the most common indoor pollutants in Pittsburgh area homes. If you feel like you need to clean dust more often than you used to, it may be that you have excessive dust due to an indoor air quality problem, like dust coming in through your ductwork and not being able to circulate out because you don’t have a powerful air filtration system.
VOCs: This stands for Volatile Organic Compounds and these are chemicals that get released from furnishings and household products such as cleaning supplies, paints, building materials, and–ironically–air fresheners.
Scented Home Products: This might be a tough one to accept, but the scented candles, air fresheners, and cleaners you use could be doing more harm than good and negatively impacting the quality of your indoor air.
Possible Solution
The air filter that comes standard with your HVAC system isn’t in place to actually improve or maintain your indoor air quality. This air filter is in place to protect the HVAC system itself from dust, dirt, and other debris that can get inside and harm its components.
For comprehensive air cleaning, you’ll want to consider a whole-house air filtration system or air purifier. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and learn about your options! There are different types of filtration and purification, and you may find that more than one system helps your home.
Ask us too about humidity balancing and ERV systems–both of which can also help for allergy and asthma sufferers.
We’re your trusted resource for Pittsburgh indoor air quality solutions and more. Call the friendly staff at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for exceptional customer service!