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How Do I Know if My Home Has Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Do you suspect that your home has poor indoor air quality? Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can be caused by various factors, from dust and pet dander to mold and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). If left unchecked, poor IAQ can lead to health problems such as asthma, allergies, and respiratory issues. Therefore, home occupants need to recognize the signs of poor indoor air quality in order to take steps toward improving it. 

At H&E Comfort Service, we provide our clients with expert AC repair in New Orleans, LA, with guaranteed results. Not only that, but you can begin seeing energy savings soon after taking advantage of our wide selection of home heating & air solutions. With an experienced team of licensed, certified technicians who specialize in all manner of services from repairs to installations on furnaces, IAQ services, ACs, and more, residents in Greater New Orleans have been trusting us for their comfort needs since day one.

Warning Signs of Poor IAQ

If any of the following symptoms present themselves inside your home, it could indicate that your home has poor indoor air quality: 

  1. Sniffling, coughing, or sneezing – When pollutants enter the lungs, they cause irritation, leading to coughing and sneezing. 
  2. Allergies – Poor IAQ can cause a flare-up of allergy symptoms, including itchy eyes, runny nose, and coughing.
  3. Asthma attacks or chest tightness – Those with asthma are susceptible to pollutants in the air and may experience an attack if the levels are too high. 
  4. Fatigue and headaches – If a home’s indoor air quality is not up to par, occupants may suffer from headaches and fatigue due to difficulty breathing fresh oxygen. 
  5. Bad smells in the house – Unpleasant odors such as smoke or chemical fumes indicate an issue with your indoor air quality. 

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you should investigate further and take steps to improve the indoor air quality of your home. Some solutions include regular dusting, vacuuming, and using an air purifier. Additionally, installing insulation in walls or attics can help keep pollutants from entering a home’s interior. Finally, opening windows or running exhaust fans when possible will allow fresh air to enter the house and replace stale air. 

How Can I Improve My Home’s Poor Indoor Air Quality?

If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home, it’s time to take action. Poor indoor air quality can cause a range of health issues, from allergies and asthma to headaches and fatigue. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality. 

First, identify any sources of poor IAQ in your home. Common causes include mold or mildew growth, dust mites, pet dander, outdoor pollutants like smoke or vehicle exhaust coming into the house through open windows and doors, chemical-based cleaning products and paints, pesticides, lead paint chips or dust particles from older buildings, formaldehyde off-gassing from new furniture or carpets, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from new paints or solvents, and radon.

Once you have identified the sources of your IAQ problems, it’s time to take action. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends several steps for improving indoor air quality in your home: 

  • Ensure proper ventilation throughout the home by opening windows and doors when possible and running exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. 
  • Change air filters regularly.
  • Vacuum regularly with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum cleaner 
  • Use non-toxic cleaning products whenever possible. 
  • Install an energy recovery ventilator or whole-house mechanical ventilation system. 
  • Have IAQ services, such as mold removal or lead paint abatement, performed by a professional if necessary

By taking these steps, you can significantly improve your home’s indoor air quality and create a healthier indoor environment for everyone. Improving IAQ is important in protecting your family’s health and well-being. 

Find Relief at H&E Comfort Services

With H&E Comfort Services, you get expert service with the backing of our 100% local AC Guarantee for a full year. We offer solutions to reduce your heating and cooling costs while providing quality service in Greater New Orleans and surrounding areas for decades. Our technicians are certified professionals specializing in repairs, IAQ services, maintenance, and installation of furnaces, air conditioners & handlers, and indoor air quality products like generators — all from top brands!

Ready to improve your home’s air quality? Give us a call today for an estimate!