Indoor Air Quality Metrics You Should Know to Keep Your Family Safe
Most people are at least somewhat aware of the air quality index and what it means in terms of how safe it is to be outside for a prolonged period of time. What you may not know is that the air inside your home is usually much worse than the outdoor air quality. In fact, studies have repeatedly shown that indoor air tends to be three to five times more polluted.
Particulate Matter Concentration
Of all of the factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality, airborne particulates are among the biggest concerns. Also known as particle pollution, particulate matter is a variety of solid and liquid particles that are small enough to remain suspended in the air and continually be inhaled. Particulate matter can be anything from dust particles, pollen and mold spores to combustion particles from vehicles, cooking fumes, and smoking.
Larger particles like dust are less of a concern since many of them get filtered out of the air as they get circulated through the building’s HVAC system. Smaller particles, especially those smaller than 2.5 microns in size, are the biggest concern. Part of the reason is that these particles are never filtered out by a standard HVAC filter since they are so small that they just pass straight through. The bigger issue is that they are so small that they can pass through your lung’s mucous membranes when inhaled, which results in them getting into your bloodstream. Prolonged exposure to this type of tiny particulate matter can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, decreased lung function, chronic respiratory issues, and various cancers. In some cases, it can even lead to premature death.
Concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds
Another major concern in terms of indoor air quality is the concentration of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. VOCs are a wide range of chemical compounds that naturally get released or “off-gas” from things found inside almost every building. For instance, formaldehyde is used in the process of manufacturing many types of furniture, and it then gets continually released into the air for years after the furniture is made. It’s also found in many different building materials like glues, varnishes, paints, composite flooring, and more. Electronics, like printers, copiers, and even TVs and computers, contain various VOCs that get released when they heat up. Some other major sources include cleaning products, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets, which sometimes contain over 100 different VOCs.
As with other types of tiny particulate matter, many of the common VOCs have been directly linked with numerous long-term health issues, including certain types of cancer. VOCs and other airborne particulates can create short-term issues as well. This includes things like dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, nausea, and headaches among many others. Another issue with VOCs is that they are gaseous compounds that can’t be removed without special types of filtration or purification systems.
Relative Humidity Percentage
One thing many people don’t realize has an effect on indoor air quality is the percentage of relative humidity inside a building. Absolute humidity is just the total percentage of water vapor in the air, whereas relative humidity is the percentage compared to the maximum amount of water vapor the air could hold before being 100% saturated. The reason that relative humidity matters is that you experience various issues when the air inside a building is too humid or too dry.
Overly humid air creates a potential for condensation, which can lead to mold growth that causes mold spores to get circulated around the building by its heating and air conditioning. Mold spores are a major allergen that can cause sneezing, coughing, and eye and sinus irritation. Spores can also worsen respiratory issues and cause breathing difficulties for people with conditions like asthma or COPD. The biggest risk is black mold since this can result in more serious symptoms of toxic mold exposure that often require medical treatment to overcome.
Dry air is also a concern since it can increase the chances of a person getting sick. The main issue here is that a lack of sufficient humidity can dry out your mucous membranes and limit your body’s ability to fight off germs. Dry air is also a comfort issue since it saps moisture out of your body, which can irritate your skin, eyes and sinuses and cause you to feel itchy. You also have more issues breathing easily when the air is too dry, which can exacerbate respiratory illnesses.
Ventilation Requirements
One important factor in indoor air quality is ensuring that your home has sufficient ventilation. The building codes in Michigan require all new residential buildings to have a certain level of ventilation in order to ensure that polluted air flows outside and fresh air comes in. All kitchens and bathrooms are required to have exhaust vents to draw polluted air and airborne pathogens outside. The only issue with this type of exhaust vent is that there is no way for cleaner outdoor air to get inside unless the building’s structure has gaps where air can leak in. This is why most new buildings also have some type of additional mechanical ventilation system that runs occasionally to actively draw the polluted air out and bring clean air in.
The ventilation requirements only apply to new buildings or when renovating a large percentage of an existing home. Nonetheless, the majority of homes could definitely benefit from installing a ventilation system such as an energy recovery ventilator. Having adequate ventilation in your home is important since it helps to keep the concentration of VOCs and other pollutants and allergens much lower. Without proper ventilation, the air inside gets trapped, which results in the concentration of pollutants continually increasing. The only way to overcome this issue is to open numerous windows to create a draft, which obviously isn’t a great option during the middle of summer or winter.
Air Purification and Filtration
Another major issue in terms of indoor air quality is that most homes don’t have an adequate air filtration or purification system. As we said previously, the basic air filter in most residential HVAC systems has almost no effect on air quality. All it really does is trap dust and hair to ensure your HVAC system works efficiently and prevent it from being damaged. If you want to greatly improve your home’s air quality, the best option is to upgrade your HVAC with a whole-house filtration or purification system. At C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, we recommend annual air duct cleaning.
There are a variety of different systems available that can greatly reduce airborne pollutants and allergens so that your air quality is better and your family stays healthier. For instance, a germicidal UV light works to eliminate germs and mold inside your home. There are also HEPA filtration systems and air purifiers that are extremely effective at eliminating most of the other pollutants, including some of the most common VOCs.
The expert team at C & C Heating & Air Conditioning specializes in indoor air quality and is ready to help ensure your air quality needs are fully met. We install a wide range of units from humidifiers and dehumidifiers to energy recovery ventilators and filtration systems, and we carry equipment from top brands like Carrier and Trane. You can also count on us if you need any other HVAC service in Roseville, Macomb County or the Greater Detroit area. For more information on our indoor air quality services, contact us today.
