The Most Common Types of Indoor Air Pollutants

Your home’s HVAC system is in a constant fight between the heat, cold, and pollutants in the air. The quality of the air you breathe is as important as the water quality that you consume.

When provided the right conditions, the particulate matter in your home can flourish, especially in the spring months. But depending on where you live, bad air could develop at any time of the year. To make your indoor environment guarded against harmful substances in the air, take a look at some of the pollutants you should avoid:

Spores

Fungal Spores are impossible to get rid of entirely. They’re everywhere, though measures are available to reduce their concentrations indoors. The first is through regular cleaning, sweeping, and general tidying around moist areas. Some spores are more likely to cause allergic reactions, such as those from mold.

Mold grows fastest in places that are moist and humid. A humidifier can get rid of spore concentrations. Lower temperatures allow wet areas to dry quickly. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements should be areas of focus.

Pollen

For many people, pollen is seasonal, building up in concentrations in the spring and summer months, scaling back when things get cool. It comes from male plants and is a leading contributor to outdoor allergies. Since pollen is fine and airborne, controlling its quantity lies in your HVAC’s filter. Change them frequently, going no later than the time recommended by the manufacturer. One month is the average. But at the height of spring, it might be a good idea to do a filter change or clean every three weeks.

Dust and Smoke

Dust comes from the ground, kicking up from passing vehicles, foot traffic, and wind gusts. Areas with drier heat usually have the biggest problems with dust getting into indoor spaces. Dry, arid soils are the worst, creating dust devils and storms that wreak havoc on ducted HVACs and filters. If you’re having a dust problem, try and keep your windows sealed when the humidity outside is low.

Vehicles can create smoke capable of reaching indoors. However, modern HVACs are good at blocking out smoke particulates. But smoke can also come from cigarettes, incense, and cooking meals. They’re air pollutants and can produce some unfavorable and dangerous chemicals, such as carbon monoxide. Although the smell of incense and candles might be pleasant, users must do it in an indoor location that’s well ventilated.

When cooking large meals that you know will produce lots of smoke, turn on the range hood above the stove to eliminate the particulates from spreading throughout. Opening a window or two could help, as would changing your HVAC to a cool temperature to bring down volatility in the air.

Keep your Home’s Air Quality Healthy

When there are few pollutants in the area you live in, you’ll know it. Taking a deep breath is refreshing. But when sensing unpleasantries in the air such as smoke, odors, and the allergic effects of pollutants, find out the cause. Indoor air quality can keep you healthy and sick-free.