What Are the Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Did you know poor ventilation, indoor air pollutants and debris in your home’s HVAC system can cause indoor air that is actually worse than the air you breathe outside?

Poor indoor air quality can lead to many short-term problems like eye irritation and even long-term effects such as respiratory disease. The following are symptoms that your indoor air may be harming your health.

Health Symptoms of Poor Air Quality

Indoor air pollution can lead to symptoms that are very subtle and hard to recognize. The symptoms of “sick building disease” can include chronic sinus congestion, coughing or sneezing, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, skin or throat.

Some people are more sensitive to air pollution than others. While some people can live in the home with no health effects, people who are susceptible to poor indoor air quality will likely develop symptoms. People who are more sensitive to air pollution include people with asthma or allergies; people with a compromised immune system, people who have respiratory disease and people who wear contact lenses.

Do You Have Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Your home may have a problem if several people in your home experience symptoms, the symptoms go away when you leave the house, or people who have a reaction do not have symptoms while outside.

Is Your HVAC System to Blame?

Summers are long and hot in the Treasure Coast area and homeowners rely on their HVAC system to keep them cool and comfortable. Without proper maintenance, however, an HVAC system can contribute to indoor air pollution by introducing and distributing contaminants in the air through your ductwork.

There are several ways your HVAC system can contribute to the problem. If your HVAC filters are not replaced regularly, they can clog and reduce air volume and quality while allowing bacteria and mold to grow and then get distributed through the home. Leaking ducts may lead to poor humidity control, which is a big issue in Florida. If the moisture isn’t controlled in your HVAC system, you could eventually get a mold problem too.

If you’re suffering from symptoms of poor indoor air quality, it’s time to schedule a checkup for your HVAC system. Schedule an appointment with Sea Coast Air Conditioning today to give your HVAC system a tuneup and make sure it’s running as it should to protect your health and beat the heat.