Gaining Insight into the Indoor Air Quality of Your Home

Posted: 2023-09-28

Every homeowner aims to maintain a safe and comfortable home environment. HVAC systems are commonly installed to achieve this comfort, providing heating and cooling solutions for various seasons. However, simply operating a furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner might not be enough to ensure your indoor air is clean and healthy.

Four Seasons Air Specialists, your trusted HVAC company in Hugo MN, offers comprehensive home comfort solutions, including systems designed to enhance indoor air quality.

Defining Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor air quality, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), refers to "the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants." This means that the quality of the air circulating inside your home directly impacts your overall health.

Contrary to common belief, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, and during home renovations or similar projects, it can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. In fact, the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) estimates that around 95-98 percent of indoor air comprises particles smaller than 1 micron, including bacteria, viruses, smoke, and dust, which can harm vital organs such as the lungs.

Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

  1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Household chemicals like paint can release harmful VOCs into your indoor air, potentially causing health issues when inhaled at high concentrations. Some VOCs, such as methylene chloride and benzene, are carcinogens. Many personal care products, including shampoos, soaps, lotions, detergents, hand sanitizers, and deodorants, have been found to produce potentially harmful chemical byproducts.

  2. Nonstick Cookware: Nonstick cookware, widely used since the 1940s, can release toxic chemicals when heated to high temperatures, potentially leading to cancer and symptoms known as "Teflon flu."

  3. Secondhand Smoke: Even if you don't smoke, exposure to secondhand smoke from others increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke due to the thousands of chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

Improving Your Home's Indoor Air Quality

Understanding your home's indoor air quality is crucial for a healthy living environment. Four Seasons Air Specialists can help you create a home comfort system tailored to enhance indoor air quality. We offer comprehensive home air purification systems, including air purifiers, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, UV germicidal lights, and HEPA filters. These products effectively eliminate household pollutants.

With over 40 years of experience, we've been assisting homeowners in improving their indoor air quality. Count on us as your reliable Forest Lake heating and air conditioning company to ensure your home provides a safe and comfortable environment for you and your family.