4 Signs that the Air Inside your Home isn’t Safe

11 Feb 4 Signs that the Air Inside your Home isn’t Safe

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

It may come as a surprise that the air inside your home often has more contaminants than outdoor air. Your HVAC system helps purify and manage the humidity of your indoor air in addition to heating and cooling your home. Unfortunately, air duct leaks, dirty filters, and other issues can prohibit your system from conducting these tasks effectively, resulting in poor indoor air quality. Our experienced HVAC technicians in the Tri-cities area at Thompson Electrical Service share on the blog today four signs that the air inside your home isn’t safe and how you can improve your indoor air quality.

1. Frequent allergies or illness

One of the most critical reasons to address your home’s indoor air quality is the direct impact that it can have on your health and the health of others in your household. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners may suffer short-term symptoms that directly correlate with poor indoor air quality like headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nose, eye, and throat irritation. Additionally, your home’s air quality can aggravate pre-existing conditions for allergy sufferers or others with compromised respiratory disorders. The HVAC experts in Kingsport explain that most symptoms related to poor indoor air quality only show after repeated and prolonged exposure. In some cases, those who live with indoor air pollution may increase their risk for respiratory or heart disease and cancer. One clear sign that your home’s indoor air quality is not beneficial to your health is when your respiratory symptoms worsen at home than when you are away.

2. Dust Buildup on Surfaces

Airborne pollutants are typically heavier than air, so they eventually collect on your furniture and other flat surfaces. When your home has poor indoor air quality, you may notice more frequent dust inside your home. Dusting more often than usual may result from a dirty HVAC system filter. Additionally, our Bristol HVAC professionals explain that the dust buildup typically gathers in areas with increased airflow. Therefore, look for dust on your vent registers, walls, and furniture near the registers. If you check your furnace and the filter is clean, but there is still significant dust buildup, it may be time to schedule a duct cleaning to remove contaminants.

3. Musty Odors

Musty odors are the critical indicator of mold or mildew growth. When your HVAC system turns on, you may notice a more pungent smell, primarily if the mold and mildew growth is in your HVAC system or ductwork. Our Johnson City HVAC service pros explain that mold produces a musty odor as it releases microbial volatile organic compounds when growing. Continuous exposure can cause nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. Therefore, our HVAC technicians highly recommend immediate action if you suspect mold or mildew growth.

4. Air Circulation Problems

Air that does not circulate through your HVAC system remains unfiltered and unpurified. Therefore, when issues arise, such as low vent airflow and ductwork leaks, you should expect an increase of airborne contaminants that can throw off indoor humidity levels. Our Kingsport HVAC contractors explain that air that enters your home through a leak does not pass through a filter and is therefore unpurified. As a result, the same air does not pass through the air conditioner or dehumidifier. Unfortunately, low humidity can cause dry, itchy skin and exacerbate eczema conditions.

How to Purify Your Home’s Air

Home air purification constantly evolves as newer technology becomes available. Reme Halo Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier is a cutting-edge home air purifier system extensively tested for neutralizing most common household allergens and viruses, including COVID-19. The HVAC specialists in Bristol explain that the air purifier connects directly into your HVAC system to provide the best results.

HVAC Service in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN

Realizing that your home’s indoor air quality could be causing adverse health conditions may come as a shock for some homeowners. However, you can quickly improve your home’s indoor air quality and reduce adverse health impacts. If you notice any of the above signs that the air inside your home isn’t safe, feel free to call our Tri-cities HVAC experts at Thompson Electrical Service to schedule a visit from our technician. Please call our office at (423) 343-5726 or contact us online for more information or schedule an appointment.