Breathing is something we do every day without even thinking about it. In fact, it’s so automatic that we rarely give it a second thought. But maybe we should. What if the air we’re breathing inside our homes isn’t as clean as we think? Many homeowners are unaware of the signs of poor air quality in their homes, and it’s a serious issue that could impact your health and your family’s well-being. So, let’s take a moment to really think about the air in your home. Is it truly as fresh and clean as it should be?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through ten common symptoms of poor air quality in your home and what they mean for your family’s health.
Why Does Indoor Air Quality Matter in Akron, OH?
Indoor air quality plays a huge role in your overall health, especially since most of us spend the majority of our time indoors. Poor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems, from mild irritations to more serious respiratory diseases. The sources of indoor air pollutants vary, ranging from dust and pet dander to more harmful gases like carbon monoxide or chemicals released from household products.
Inadequate ventilation can also contribute to poor indoor air quality by trapping pollutants inside your home. When outdoor air doesn’t flow in and out of the house as it should, contaminants build up, which could result in serious consequences for your health.
1. Frequent Allergies and Respiratory Problems
One of the most common symptoms of poor air quality in your home is an increase in allergies or respiratory problems. If you or your family members experience frequent sneezing, coughing, or congestion while indoors, it could be a sign that your home’s air quality isn’t where it should be. Common indoor air pollutants like dust mites, mold, and pet dander can trigger these symptoms, especially if ventilation systems are not properly maintained.
Do you think your home might be carrying indoor air pollutants such as these? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Apollo. We offer a wide range of solutions in Akon, OH, including air filters and purifiers, to reduce indoor air pollutants in your home.
2. Persistent Headaches
Experiencing persistent headaches could be a sign of unhealthy indoor air. Chemical pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), found in household cleaners and building materials, can build up in homes with poor ventilation. These pollutants release gases that may cause health problems, including headaches.
3. Dry Skin and Irritation
Dry, itchy skin can be more than just a seasonal issue. Symptoms of poor air quality in your home can include dry skin, especially when relative humidity levels are low. When the air inside your home is too dry, it can lead to discomfort and skin irritation.
4. Odors That Don’t Go Away
Lingering odors are one of the clear signs of poor air quality. If your home consistently smells musty or has lingering odors even after cleaning, you may be dealing with hidden sources of indoor air pollution, such as mold, mildew, or poorly vented gas stoves.
5. Excessive Dust Buildup
If you’re constantly dusting your furniture, you might be battling one of the signs of poor air quality. Indoor air pollution often includes dust particles that accumulate on surfaces faster than you can clean them. This isn’t just a cleaning nuisance; it could also contribute to allergies and respiratory issues.
6. Difficulty Breathing Indoors
Struggling to catch your breath indoors could be one of the more concerning signs of unhealthy indoor air. It might be caused by the presence of chemical pollutants, mold spores, or even carbon monoxide, which could pose a serious health risk if not addressed.
7. Fatigue and Dizziness
Constant fatigue or feeling lightheaded might be related to the air quality in your home. Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, often released by gas stoves or space heaters, can cause fatigue and dizziness over long or repeated periods of exposure.
8. High Humidity and Mold Growth
Too much humidity in your home can create a breeding ground for mold, leading to respiratory diseases and other health problems. Mold growth is a major indicator of poor air quality, and it’s one of the more serious symptoms of poor air quality in your home.
9. Eye, Nose, or Throat Irritation
Ever notice that your eyes, nose, or throat feel irritated when you’re home but not when you’re outside? That could be another one of the signs of poor air quality. Indoor air pollutants like chemical cleaning agents, air fresheners, and even building materials can release gases that cause irritation. However, the risk of these reactions to indoor air pollutants depends on several factors, including your age.
10. Increased Incidence of Illness
If you or your family members are frequently getting sick, your home’s air quality might be to blame. Poor ventilation systems can increase indoor pollutant levels, leading to health risks like respiratory diseases, allergies, and even lung cancer over time.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Akron, OH
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or signs of poor air quality, don’t worry — there are several steps you can take to improve your home’s air.
- Increase Ventilation: Allow fresh outdoor air to flow through your home. You can do this by opening windows, using outdoor vented fans, or installing mechanical ventilation devices.
- Change Filters Regularly: HVAC filters can trap a lot of indoor pollutants, so make sure to change them regularly to keep your system running efficiently.
- Use Air Purifiers: Consider investing in air cleaners that can continuously remove indoor air contaminants.
- Fix Humidity Issues: Use a dehumidifier in humid areas to reduce the risk of mold growth. For dry areas, a humidifier can add moisture to the air, making it more comfortable to breathe.
- Reduce Pollutants at the Source: You can significantly improve your air by reducing the use of harmful chemicals, cleaning regularly to remove dust, and maintaining appliances that burn fuel (such as gas stoves or space heaters).
Don’t Ignore the Signs — Call the Experts in Akron, OH!
If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms of poor air quality in your home, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger issue. It’s important to address these concerns before they negatively impact your health or the health of your loved ones.
At Apollo, our team of Akron heating and cooling experts is here to help you diagnose and fix your indoor air quality problems. From air filtration systems to HVAC maintenance, we can provide the services you need to breathe easier.
Contact us today to schedule your indoor air quality services in Akron, OH, or one of the surrounding areas, and start making your home a healthier place to live!
