Four Things That Cause Poor Indoor Air Quality in Nashville TN

Though outdoor air pollution is a growing concern for many large businesses and government agencies, individuals and families should be more concerned about the quality of the air inside their homes. Poor indoor air quality can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health concerns.  

Since Nashville experiences both hot summers and cold winters, many residents of the city spend a large portion of the year inside homes that are sealed against the weather outside. Though sealing up air leaks increases the efficiency of your HVAC unit, it can also trap contaminants inside your home and re-circulate them through your homes air ducts. Because of this growing concern, improving indoor air quality in Nashville or wherever you call home should be at the top of your list of things to do.

Common sources of indoor air pollutants include:

Shedding Pets

Most cats and dogs shed a very fine layer of dead, dry skin cells, known as dander. People who have pet allergies experience a heightened immune system reaction to the dander, which can cause them to tear up, sneeze and cough. Removing visible pet hair with a lint brush does not remove all the dander that can adhere to your furniture, carpets, and window treatments, so to minimize this allergen, carefully vacuum all surfaces.

Clogged HVAC Filters

If your home is equipped with a central forced-air climate control system, it is also equipped with a filter that traps dust and other substances that can clog the blowers in the furnace or the air conditioner. After about a month of use, these filters become saturated and they can no longer effectively trap microscopic debris. These fine particles of debris can then be blown out of your vents when you turn on your air conditioning or heating system, negatively affecting your indoor air quality in Nashville. So check your HVAC filter once a month, and replace it as needed.

Dirty Air Ducts

Depending on the size of your home, you may have several dozen feet of ducts running from your furnace and air conditioning unit through the walls to various rooms in the house. If your home is older, and you don’t know the date of the last duct cleaning, you should schedule one as soon as you can. The same particles and pollutants that clog the HVAC filter can build up inside the ducts, where they become difficult to remove.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Many brands of household cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that can evaporate at room temperature. These substances are usually toxic, and prolonged exposure to VOCs inside a closed environment can lead to nausea, headaches, and even vomiting. Floor cleaners and paints commonly contain VOCs, as do many wood varnishes. Avoid using any of these products during winter and summer when your home is sealed against the elements. Wait until a mild spring or fall day, and open up the windows to ensure proper ventilation when using such chemicals.

If you would like to know more ways you can increase your indoor air quality in Nashville, TN, or would like more information on your HVAC system, visit our homepage at http://arsofnashville.com/.