Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants in the Winter
People spend around 90 percent of their time indoors at work or home. While you frequently discuss the amount of pollution in the environment, you don’t often consider the quality of the air you breathe inside.
AC repair experts in Santa FE, NM, say it’s not surprising that winter is among the worst seasons for indoor air quality, but it’s never too late to begin preparing. As winter approaches, temperatures drop, which alters the way air flows. Cold weather causes most of the warmer air to rise, which traps cold air and pollutants like smog and ozone –in the air you breathe.
Top Five Indoor Air Pollutants in Winter Months:
These pollutants may cause discomfort and the health of the occupants of buildings requiring frequent AC repair in Santa FE, NM. Certain health issues can be noticed after exposure to a single pollutant or years after long exposure. The most commonly-used indoor air pollutants are:
Combustion Products
Gas-fired appliances, such as water heaters, furnaces, and dryers, create carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. Suppose the HVAC isn’t properly vented to the outside during air conditioning installation in Santa FE, NM. In that case, the pressure in a gas appliance is low enough to result in back-drafting, and pollutants can get into your home.
CO is a major issue because it is an intoxicant that is colorless and odorless and can cause fatalities. The most likely sources of CO are gas heaters that are not vented and worn or improperly calibrated gas equipment and appliances, as well as damaged or inadequately sized flues connected to boilers or furnaces.
Secondhand Smoke or Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Smoke from secondary sources, commonly referred to as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), refers to a mix of smoke released through the combustion of tobacco products, including cigars and cigarettes. Secondhand smoke exposure is commonly called smoking passively. Passive smoking can lead to stroke, heart disease, asthma attacks, lung cancer, and other lung-related conditions.
Pet Dander
You don’t think of pet dander as a reason for indoor pollution; however, for many people suffering from allergies, it’s a severe irritant that can make certain indoor settings a source of irritation.
Pet dander consists of microscopic skin flakes shed by pets, which can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, eye-watering, and chest tightness. If you are not cleaning the filter regularly, you will soon need emergency AC repair in Santa FE, NM, along with poor IAQ.
Biological Pollutants
Biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, animal dander, dust, cockroaches, pollen, and mold are typically living organisms. These pollutants can move through the air easily after air conditioning installation in Santa FE, NM. It’s difficult to eliminate bacteria or make your house virus-proof; understanding what causes biological contaminants to flourish will be the first thing to improve indoor air quality.
Biochemical contaminants require moisture and nutrients to flourish. Consider the areas of your house that are in contact with water, like bathrooms, big appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, air conditioners, and washing machines.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
The most frequent sources of indoor nitrogen dioxide are cigarettes and gas-powered appliances. Nitrogen dioxide can be a source of irritation that affects the mucosa in the nose, eyes, throat, and respiratory tract. Continuous exposure to high levels of NO2 may result in the development of chronic or acute bronchitis.
Bottom Line
You’ll know the issues when you take note of your winter IAQ. From there, you can begin to implement solutions. Before you can determine exactly what solutions you’re looking for, it is important to understand your specific situation.
With winter approaching, individuals need to understand how to improve their indoor air quality to reduce the chance of contracting an infection.
Contact SALAZAR Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, LLC at 5058202007 or email us to know more about indoor air quality or for HVAC services like air conditioning installation in Santa FE, NM.
