Common Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Feb 29, 2024Common Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Did you know that indoor air is 40 times dirtier than outdoor air, according to the EPA? In fact, today’s residential building practices have even led to an increase in indoor air problems by making homes as airtight and leak-free as possible. The result? A home without air circulation and filled with airborne contaminants, impacting the health of humans and animals.
If you suspect poor indoor air quality is a problem in your home, it’s important to know the symptoms and what to do about them. To help you, here are some red flags to look for, so you can get on the path toward breathing easier.
Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can lead to discomfort and even health problems. Some symptoms to be aware of include:
Respiratory Issues
One of the most common reactions to poor indoor air quality is related to respiratory health. Anything from mold spores and pollen to pet dander can trigger allergies, asthma, irritations, and a range of other respiratory issues. Some signs to look for include regular wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing or worsening of symptoms for those with existing respiratory problems.
Persistent Headaches
Another sign of poor indoor air quality is frequent headaches. When air isn’t circulating in the home and it’s filled with allergens, this can contribute to sinus inflammation and headaches. It can also cause accompanying symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and fatigue, impacting sleep quality and contributing to sleepiness during the day.
A Musty Odor
If the inside of your home has a musty, unpleasant odor, it’s another telltale sign of poor indoor air quality. These persistent odors are a red flag that there’s an underlying issue from airborne pollutants, like mold or mildew. If mold growth is the culprit, it could lead to serious health issues for you and your family, which is why action is key.
High Humidity
Ideally, your home should maintain a relative humidity of 30% to 50%. If, however, items in your home feel sticky and damp, there could be an issue with high humidity, impacting air quality. Another sign of high humidity? Condensation on glass surfaces, like windows and mirrors. High humidity creates the warm, moist conditions where pollutants, like molds, mildews, and bacteria, thrive, compromising the quality of the air you breathe.
What Can You Do About Poor Indoor Air Quality?
The first step is to have your home’s air quality tested. This will provide you with a thorough analysis of what specific contaminants or pollutants are a problem. It can also help to explain any signs or symptoms you or your family members are noticing.
Once you identify potential problems with air quality, take action with the help of professionals, like those at Miami Water & Air. We can work to significantly improve the quality of the air inside your home with a range of solutions.
We offer everything from air purification to air filtration systems that will remove the majority of pollutants inside your home. This includes viruses, bacteria, fungi, molds, smoke, allergens, odors, and VOCs. Let us deliver a home environment with air that’s cleaner and healthier for your whole family.
Ready to Breathe Easier?
At Miami Water & Air, we are a call or click away. We offer free consultations and can guide you through our available products to address indoor air quality concerns. Contact our air quality specialists today to learn more about how we can help you achieve cleaner and healthier indoor air for your home or business.