3 Feb 2013

Is There Something in the Air – Common Indoor Air Pollutants

Atlanta, Georgia – Are you or your family constantly fighting allergies? Have you ever stopped to think why you might always be sneezing? It might not be that pollen – it could be something you’re breathing while sitting at home on your couch.
According to the Environmental Proection Agency most people spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors. Spending that much time in an environment that contains indoor air pollutants might be the reason for your red eyes.
“Winter is a tough time for indoor air quality,” says Phil Montgomery, owner of Atlanta Air Conditioning. “Because it’s cold outside, we’re spending less time outside and more time in our homes. The cold air means we’re keeping our doors and windows closed, and that means any pollutants that may be building up have nowhere to escape to.”

Types of pollutants
Biological pollutants include things like pet dander, bacteria, dust mites and mold. These are all common allergens, and being stuck inside a home with them can aggravate symptoms a person already has.
Tobacco smoke, even if smokers do not smoke inside, can also get into your home. Tobacco smoke leaves pollutants such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde behind.
“In the winter, homeowners are typically burning some sort of fuel in their home, which results in combustion gases being released,” says Montgomery, whose Marietta heating and cooling business has served Alpharetta and beyond for more than 40 years. “And if you have a gas furnace, you burn more fuel in the winter. This results in carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide being released. If vented normally. these are harmless. However ,they can be deadly if they leak into your home.”
Did you spray for bugs over the summer? Fumes from the chemicals used can stay around even after the pests are gone. And if you frequently use air fresheners and other cleaning products, the chemicals from those can also contribute to indoor air quality issues.
Fighting back against air pollutants
So how can you keep your air fresh and the allergy symptoms at bay?
“The first step is being sure you keep your air filters clean,” says Montgomery, who provides AC repair services.
Air filters are designed to trap pollutants to keep them from entering your airstream. In the winter, those pollutants add up quickly. Change your filter every month, and regularly check it in between in case it might need to be changed even more frequently. You should also familiarize yourself with the best type of filter to purchase for your home.
Homeowners should know about the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioner Engineers has established a rating system from 1, the lowest, to 16. Most air filters purchased from local home improvement stores will have a rating of one to four. These trap most pollens, dust mites, carpet fibers, etc. and are appropriate for normal household use. If you use aerosols in your home, consider purchasing a filter with a MERV of 6 or 7, as it will trap the aerosols before they affect your air quality. If you have pets or smoke in your home, you should be purchasing a filter with a MERV of 8 to 11 to keep the dander or smoke from compromising your air quality.
Another effective way to combat poor air quality is source control. Sources of air pollutants, like those containing asbestos, can be sealed off. If you have a gas stove, it can be adjusted to lower the emissions. Source control can be a cost effective way to protect the quality of your air.
Air cleaners are another method that can be used. There are numerous types and sizes homeowners can choose from to remove particles from the air. The effectiveness of an air cleaner is determined by how well it removes pollutants from the air and the amount of air that it draws through the cleaning or filtering system. Be sure to look at both before purchasing an air cleaner. If it efficiently collects air but has a low circulation rate, it will not effectively clean the air in your home, and vice versa.
Maintain regular service
Because your heating unit will be working overtime during the winter months, homeowners need to be sure their unit is working properly. Before the weather changes, be sure to have your unit inspected by a professional. If you have clogged ducts, air pollutants may be getting into your home. And if you have a thermostat that doesn’t work properly, your unit may be blowing air pollutants into your home without heating it properly.
The most effective way to eliminate air pollutants from your home is to monitor the chemical and cleaning supplies you use, regularly change air filters, and during warmer months air out your home as much as you can.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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