In North Salt Lake, UT, we often forget that several household products can affect indoor air quality. Many of them give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be detrimental to the health of the entire household if left unchecked. In this blog, HVAC Construction, Inc. discusses the everyday substances that might be affecting the air you and your family breathe at home.
What Is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a measure of the level of pollutants in homes, offices, and other indoor spaces. Good IAQ levels means the air you breathe at home is free from odors and hazardous gasses that can cause adverse health effects, such as respiratory irritation and allergic reactions. Common sources of poor indoor air quality include carbon monoxide, mold, paint fumes, and pollutants brought into your home’s interior environment on clothing or furnishings. Proper construction of air conditioning and purifying units can help improve the quality of air inside your home.
Common Household Products That Contribute to Poor Indoor Air Quality
1. Air Fresheners
Air fresheners contain VOCs such as formaldehyde, ethanol, and acetone. These have been linked to a range of respiratory issues and allergic reactions with prolonged exposure.
2. Pesticides
Pesticides used inside the house often include neurotoxins or carcinogenic chemicals that linger and affect IAQ levels long after they’ve been applied.
3. Candles
Candles made from paraffin, which is a byproduct of petroleum, release black soot when burned indoors, polluting your home’s interior environment with invisible particles.
4. Paint
Paint is also a major contributor to polluted indoor air. Most contain harmful VOCs like acrylic esters, ethylene glycol ethers (EGEs), or terpenes, which reduce oxygen levels in an unventilated space for up to five years after being applied.
5. Furniture
Furniture can be a big VOC culprit as well. Items such as foam and particleboard are frequently treated with flame retardants, formaldehyde glues, or vinyl-based coatings. These release harmful toxins into the air over time and further reduce oxygen levels in an enclosed home environment.
Choose HVAC Construction, Inc. to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
At HVAC Construction, Inc., we understand the importance of good indoor air quality. As such, we strive to implement proactive measures to protect your family from environmental hazards. With our free consultations and no-obligation quotes, there’s never been a better time to get started with the HVAC services you need for a safer home! Call us at (801) 298-4822 today to speak with one of our qualified technicians. Count on them to help you with your cooling and heating construction needs that will best improve your home’s IAQ levels. You can also fill out our online contact form to book an appointment.
