People have become more aware of the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) in recent years. Unfortunately, this has given rise to some ideas that are incorrect or even harmful. Let’s debunk some of the more common indoor air quality myths.
1. Air Fresheners Improve Air Quality
Despite their misleading name, air fresheners do not improve the quality of air inside your home. If anything, they often make indoor air quality worse. Many air freshening products emit toxic substances such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances have been linked to respiratory problems and other health issues.
In short, all air fresheners do is disguise bad odors by covering them up with more pleasant fragrances. They don’t make the air in your home cleaner — they only make it smell cleaner.
2. Mold Grows Only in Humid Climates
Mold is a problem in any home, and its presence significantly reduces air quality. And yet, many people don’t think it can grow in their homes if they don’t live in a humid climate. The truth is that mold can grow in any indoor environment with a high level of moisture. Bad plumbing, leaky roofs, and flooded basements can all cause mold growth even when humidity levels outside are low. This is why you need to repair plumbing and roof leaks and clean up water damage as soon as possible. It doesn’t take long for mold to begin growing in a home with a lot of moisture.
3. Allergy Symptoms Are the Main Sign of Poor Indoor Air Quality
While allergy symptoms can be made worse by poor indoor air quality, they aren’t the main indicator that something is wrong with your home’s air. Allergies can be triggered by a number of things that have nothing to do with your home’s air quality. At the same time, your IAQ can be horrible even if you don’t have any allergy symptoms.
If you want to know how good or poor your indoor air quality is, have your home’s air tested. You might be surprised by what you learn.
4. Poor Air Quality Is a Problem Only in Urban Areas
Air pollution might be worse in urban areas for a number of reasons, but we’re talking about indoor air quality. That is affected by factors such as your HVAC system, the cleanliness of your home, and the size of your household, among other things. Outdoor air pollution can be a factor, but the air quality of a rural home can be just as poor as that of an urban home.
5. ‘Green’ Cleaning Products Are Safe
Cleaning products made from all-natural “green” ingredients may be slightly safer than other products, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t degrade your home’s air quality if you use them too often. They can still contain VOCs and other harmful compounds. Always read the ingredient labels of any cleaning product you buy, and stick to products containing ingredients that are certified by pollution prevention programs such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice. In any case, use all cleaning products sparingly.
6. Air Purifiers Eliminate All Pollutants
Air purifiers are wonderful products that significantly improve the indoor air quality of any home, but they aren’t perfect. Install a whole-home air purifier, or invest in portable models for your home, but don’t forget about taking other measures to improve your air quality. Pay attention to the air quality outside, open windows on nice days, keep up with your HVAC maintenance, and avoid using products that produce VOCs. Having an air purifier won’t make your home immune to pollutants.
Call Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning for Assistance
If you’re concerned about your home’s air quality, we at Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning will be happy to assist you. We are a heating and cooling company that has served homes in Spokane, WA and the surrounding areas since 1945. We offer indoor air quality services such as duct cleaning, air purifier installation, and humidifier installation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have and help you choose the services you need for your home.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our indoor air quality services, contact Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning in Spokane today.
