What Is Acceptable Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a measure of the dust, noxious gases and other pollutants contaminating the air of your home or workplace. Common indoor air pollutants include:
- Secondhand tobacco smoke
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by carpets, furniture and even cooking utensils
- Combustion from furnaces and water heaters
- Mildew and mold
- Gases like radon
The technicians who work at Air Patrol Air Conditioning, Heating & Fireplaces have been providing residential and commercial customers throughout Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, with indoor air quality solutions since 2003.
Negative Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollutants
Sometimes, the negative health effects associated with exposure to indoor air pollutants show up immediately, but just as often, effects can manifest after a long period of exposure. Short-term effects often include irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat and other parts of the respiratory system. Sensitivity may be exacerbated if the person who is exposed is affected by a chronic condition like asthma. Long-term effects can include serious respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and even cancer.
The Right Air Quality Level
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set standards for acceptable IAQs in classrooms though not specifically in homes or workplaces. The EPA has set standards for ventilation system design, however: ASHRAE Standard 62.2 is the standard for low-rise residential buildings of three stories or less, and ASHRAE Standard 62.1 applies to higher buildings.
Improving Your Indoor Air Quality
An experienced HVAC technician can test the air inside your home for the presence of mold, bacteria, dust, allergens, radon and other gases that contribute to poor air quality. If an inadequate ventilation system is contributing to poor air quality, your HVAC contractor can recommend and implement upgrades that will improve ventilation. Regular maintenance servicing of furnaces and other pieces of equipment that can emit carbon monoxide fumes will improve your IAQ as well.
In addition to the air quality services we offer, Air Patrol Air Conditioning, Heating & Fireplaces provides repairs, maintenance services and installations of heating and cooling systems for homeowners and business owners in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Our technicians are NATE-certified, and we have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Contact us today to learn more about the ways we can assist you.