When the air quality inside your home is poor, this can cause allergies, asthma and other health problems. Dust and allergens are two common indoor air quality culprits that you may be dealing with at high concentrations. Understanding how these contaminants impact your indoor air quality allows you to make the appropriate improvements.
Dust Circulating in Your Indoor Air
Dust is generally an accumulation of particles such as dead skin, pet dander, dirt, fibers from fabric and dust mite waste. Because of the size of these particulates, it easily circulates as you move through your home. It can enter your HVAC system and spread throughout every room of your residence. These dust particles can be extremely irritating to your respiratory system.
Pet Dander Problems
Even pets that have short hair or are hypoallergenic will shed some degree of dander. These are tiny flakes of skin that can easily float through the air due to their lightness. They suspend in the air longer than other forms of dust. It can then settle on surfaces, like your bed, furniture, carpets and more. Dander is a major allergen trigger for many people, leading to sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes.
Pollen From Outside
Pollen from trees, grass and plants can easily make its way indoors through windows and on your clothing and pets. Pollen is allergenic to many people and highly prevalent in the spring and summer months. Once inside, pollen can settle on any surface and circulate when the air is disrupted.
Dust Mite Concerns
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that survive off dead skin cells in your home. The waste they produce is odorless and invisible, but it’s also a major allergen. If you have high levels of relative humidity in your home, this can allow dust mites to thrive and multiply.
Negative Affects Your HVAC System
Particulate matter can settle on the interior components of your HVAC system. The more prevalent it is in your indoor air, the dirtier your system will be. This can lead to filter clogs, which restrict airflow. Your system will work harder to meet your set temperature, increasing energy use and causing strain. Eventually, you may find that your HVAC system is experiencing frequent issues and can’t support healthy indoor air quality.
Unfortunately, many homes have poor ventilation and circulation, resulting in a high concentration of particulate matter in the air. Address your indoor air quality concerns by scheduling an air duct cleaning with our team at Peak Home Performance in Colorado Springs, CO.
