It’s hard to believe that the weather outdoors can impact the air indoors, but it’s true. As a matter of fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced funding to nine organizations. These organizations will study the effects that climate change has on indoor air quality and human health.
Why Indoor Air Quality Can Be Compromised
While it’s still unclear exactly how everything works together to affect air quality, we do know that the air inside is not separate from the air outside.
Climate change, weatherization processes and energy-efficient upgrades can lead to such problems as mold, dampness, poor ventilation and emissions from construction materials.
Any of these issues can affect human health, but certain populations are more at risk. These include young children, the elderly, those with allergies and asthma and those who are immunocompromised.
Sources of Extreme Weather
Any type of extreme weather can have an impact on indoor air quality. Heat places stress on buildings, and moisture from rain can cause the growth of mold and allergen production. Even an increase in pollen in the spring months can lead to a higher pollen count in indoor air.
There’s also the issue of energy efficient retrofits. Many upgrades are aimed at sealing out air loss, but this significantly compromises air quality because there is nothing “fresh” coming into the home.
Are Air Conditioning Units the Answer to Better Indoor Air Quality?
Some people think that the answer to better air quality is central air conditioning. Unfortunately, AC units are not the simple solution.
In fact, the biggest source of indoor air quality problems is a direct result of central air conditioning.
If the unit isn’t cleaned regularly, moisture builds up in the coils and turns to mold. Then you’re essentially blowing mold into the home on a routine basis. A high-quality filtration system helps, but few people have these.
Tips for Improving Air Quality
Opening a window actually improves indoor air quality, so it’s important to do this when you’re not running the AC. You may also increase air quality by investing in a filtration system and replacing your filters often. We recommend using a HEPA filter to decrease the allergens in the air.
Also keep in mind that while energy efficiency is important, it’s equally important that you don’t seal your home so tightly that it eliminates all air flow. Fresh air is much better for our health than mechanically produced air.
Indoor Air Quality Experts
Are you interested in improving your indoor air quality? Contact O.K. Heating and Air Conditioning. We are experts in indoor air quality services as well as heating and cooling, and we can help make your home safer and healthier so you can be, too!
Call Us Today to Set Up an Appointment!