5 Common Indoor Air Pollutants and What to Do About Them in Willow Spring, NC

Prolonged exposure to contaminated air in the home can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, eye irritation, and headaches. Children and seniors have the greatest risk. Learn the most common indoor air pollutants so you can improve your home’s air quality in Willow Spring, NC, by attacking the contaminants at their source.

1. Combustion Emissions

Many homeowners use a gas water heater, gas stove, or oil furnace. When fuel burns, it emits toxic fumes. Despite ventilation, some of these fumes then contaminate the local air supply.

If you have the resources and the timing is right, upgrade your gas appliances to electric appliances. Not only does electricity not emit hazardous materials, but it also tends to be the more efficient option.

You can still improve air quality and use your gas appliances. If you fall into this category, minimize gas use as much as possible (especially in confined, crowded spaces), open the windows when you cook on a gas stove, and keep up with regular maintenance to prevent a leak in your gas line.

2. Smoke

More people die from smoke inhalation during a fire than the actual flames, highlighting just how hazardous breathing in smoke can be. Smoke occurs from cigarettes and cigars, wood fireplaces, candles, cooking, and fire damage.

To reduce smoke in your home, first and foremost, prohibit smoking in your home or at least localize it to one particular area. Adults have the right to smoke in their own house, but a loving family member should be willing to at least compromise with you for the health of the entire family.

To prevent smoke from a fire, verify your smoke detectors are fully operational. Carefully monitor cooking and fireplace/candle use.

3. Furniture and Upholstery

Your furniture and upholstery emit low levels of toxins into the air, especially antique wooden pieces, carpet, and fabric. The porous material may absorb chemicals during the manufacturing process and release them in your home. Furthermore, certain materials create a lot of dust.

What to do about it: opt for leather furniture when possible. Keep wood dry and regularly apply a protective coating. Vacuum carpets and fabric furniture regularly.

4. Chemical-Based Products

Most homeowners use chemical-based products on a regular basis, such as cleaning products, hair spray, and pest killers. Even the misleadingly named air fresheners emit small amounts of chemicals, making us question if the pleasant lavender smell is worth it.

You can prevent chemicals in your home by taking inventory of the products you buy and the ingredients in those products. Throw away products with harmful ingredients and look for all-natural alternatives.

Many people argue that natural products don’t work as well as chemical-based products. Keep up on basic cleaning more frequently to make up the difference.

5. Biological Contaminants

Biological contaminants develop in warm, wet places, commonly found in plumbing pipes, bathrooms, and unfinished basements. Biological growth can get out of hand in hard-to-reach places since you can’t clean it at its inception, allowing it to grow into something that destroys building materials in your home. You will typically smell biological contaminants before you see them.

There are numerous types of spores with varying degrees of risk. Some are hazardous and can lead to serious respiratory conditions that can then lead to death. When you detect any biological contaminants, assume the worst until you get a professional opinion.

Prevent biological contaminants from the start by purposely creating unfavorable conditions for pathogens. Install a dehumidifier, provide ample ventilation in all bathrooms, and clean spills or leaks immediately. If it’s too late, you can clean minor biological growth yourself using bleach, as bleach kills the living material on the spot.

Indoor Air Quality Services in Willow Spring, NC

Airmakers Heating and Cooling has offered a wide range of residential HVAC services in Willow Springs, NC, since 1982, including indoor air quality services. We have the training, experience, and customer service skills to provide you with the best services possible.

Don’t believe us? Just read our reviews! If you live in our service area and need indoor air quality services, contact Airmakers Heating and Cooling, LLC for more information today!

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